tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31704135933265430352024-03-05T19:56:01.673-08:00The Weasel's Page of Miniature PaintingOne man's journey to climb Lead MountainBenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426865709530330443noreply@blogger.comBlogger165125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3170413593326543035.post-84807963076782859862019-03-03T06:16:00.000-08:002019-03-03T06:16:03.995-08:00Scout Trooper Test Model<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlN-L_CGUvgpseegSW_JweWQTtvjMpZbcgQMKkron8kR2pRQEHPMH03jIFnQkHnxsydFcPs6pwrPEtpPVnH0uqMguddUNG7TmPKz0KJgrqBeHb3xrf_BdxEF1f1DOIZv1ytTtZDYc6bbA/s1600/Scout-Trooper-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1380" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlN-L_CGUvgpseegSW_JweWQTtvjMpZbcgQMKkron8kR2pRQEHPMH03jIFnQkHnxsydFcPs6pwrPEtpPVnH0uqMguddUNG7TmPKz0KJgrqBeHb3xrf_BdxEF1f1DOIZv1ytTtZDYc6bbA/s400/Scout-Trooper-1.JPG" width="345" /></a></div>
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Imperial Scout Troopers really captured my imagination as a child growing up on the heels of Return of the Jedi (my parents tell me I saw it in the theatre, technically). What Star Wars toys and merchandise that was available to me was mostly from Jedi. In fact some of my very first miniatures was a set of these troops from the old West End Star Wars range, purchased from the Star Tours giftshop.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9RdsqJ3r_Aoh1hQZnPrUO3dmpqB9cPvOtSCEdKozyHTcCiyCA8fX2b3q8ZZBvoGCatw0yvqCqj-9S9vnmVFP9c66epLL1ca_0hklqP5bfcb_sc8b8gBRzrxHj79gK-X6Y3oxJMQByPsk/s1600/Scout-Trooper-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1411" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9RdsqJ3r_Aoh1hQZnPrUO3dmpqB9cPvOtSCEdKozyHTcCiyCA8fX2b3q8ZZBvoGCatw0yvqCqj-9S9vnmVFP9c66epLL1ca_0hklqP5bfcb_sc8b8gBRzrxHj79gK-X6Y3oxJMQByPsk/s400/Scout-Trooper-2.JPG" width="352" /> </a></div>
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These troops were the expansion I was waiting for when the game was announced. (The speeder bikes were a good start though...) I went for a (hopefully) screen-accurate look. I exaggerated the color difference between the white plastic armor and the white cloth waist pouches. In the films, the white cloth actually appears a bit whiter than the armor, but in miniature it seems to come across better reversed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjS77-8PCo6HJVKw6CUBNpDkehUJxGTJQIvbO1jRXLjhJlsY6INue8uMZXHrEWxE-emGezzWoVpsIzFtmftGQpCCCLSDuk4l4kBn-ifdZg4dNlt4vHO_1v_B4pco8Ta08O7gn4sMdQw2I/s1600/Scout-Trooper-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1264" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjS77-8PCo6HJVKw6CUBNpDkehUJxGTJQIvbO1jRXLjhJlsY6INue8uMZXHrEWxE-emGezzWoVpsIzFtmftGQpCCCLSDuk4l4kBn-ifdZg4dNlt4vHO_1v_B4pco8Ta08O7gn4sMdQw2I/s400/Scout-Trooper-3.JPG" width="315" /></a></div>
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My test figure's helmet is a bit darker than I'd hoped due to a bit of an amateur goof: I picked up the model to work on the legs, unaware that I'd gotten my dark grey paint on my hand. I was able to remove most of it, but with white primer, it's nearly impossible to remove all the stain. I managed to paint it back toward white using sky grey underneath, but it is definitely showing darker than the rest of the armor.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQc5dtLFYAJ4hhagYQuQhn8NOZdW6eKkB6aZt0JUzH_iyQaTaNDsbfiQEbsc8A3U5BtkXE7gcW2JA6_2PoN07HsHeo82hr3IQkuRpWfuoLLgxOP1YBTuoOjiI0JGpGDL_imM-jxCTIlao/s1600/Scout-Trooper-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1390" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQc5dtLFYAJ4hhagYQuQhn8NOZdW6eKkB6aZt0JUzH_iyQaTaNDsbfiQEbsc8A3U5BtkXE7gcW2JA6_2PoN07HsHeo82hr3IQkuRpWfuoLLgxOP1YBTuoOjiI0JGpGDL_imM-jxCTIlao/s400/Scout-Trooper-4.JPG" width="347" /></a></div>
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Clearly basing needs to be done, but otherwise the figure is done to my satisfaction, and I'm ready to run. Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426865709530330443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3170413593326543035.post-17254353759084901392019-02-26T07:07:00.002-08:002019-02-26T07:07:55.193-08:00Snowspeeder Part V: Weathering and Final Assembly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJTUHiR54EtKGGEmS4BHSNM4bsjTdyRB_7E8rJuq4HMeNtvYXdU_EZd3PWDqJpJv3XZ0_IPRYzNxtj0BVavHWAtxpLRzKu75xcFMt1WQujud3jvEZpnQz0wC7gD-matNgdO9pknJke3tM/s1600/Snowspeeder-FInal-RIght.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="934" data-original-width="1440" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJTUHiR54EtKGGEmS4BHSNM4bsjTdyRB_7E8rJuq4HMeNtvYXdU_EZd3PWDqJpJv3XZ0_IPRYzNxtj0BVavHWAtxpLRzKu75xcFMt1WQujud3jvEZpnQz0wC7gD-matNgdO9pknJke3tM/s640/Snowspeeder-FInal-RIght.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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So I finally took photos of the progress on the <a href="http://weaselminis.blogspot.com/2018/11/snowspeeder-part-1-pre-shading.html">Snowspeeder</a>. At last I got to work on the fun part. There's a lot of joy in streaking grease-colored paint across your until-now clean grey model; this is the phase when your creation takes on a life and tells a story.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnr7TMEZW_Cl0yJqiOTdKj1r6ZD2Eu58TAJsWhfmWxCgWVJ5zpkgqmAdD8CJ8N2ZdatVK7noEnShmHE6GsGwEwyg8XL74POdz1W35MUymSSIVt5jUnyfK0Mmg-uCR3N8wLFGxumE1s3Kk/s1600/Snowspeeder-FInal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="1440" height="606" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnr7TMEZW_Cl0yJqiOTdKj1r6ZD2Eu58TAJsWhfmWxCgWVJ5zpkgqmAdD8CJ8N2ZdatVK7noEnShmHE6GsGwEwyg8XL74POdz1W35MUymSSIVt5jUnyfK0Mmg-uCR3N8wLFGxumE1s3Kk/s640/Snowspeeder-FInal.JPG" width="640" /> </a></div>
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The speeder is weathered with two artists' oil paints, Van Dyke Brown and Black, thinned almost to nonexistence with Testors paint thinner. Slightly heavier coats were applied into panel lines. Light streaking was achieved through applying small dots of black to the leading edge of the wing and then wiping toward the rear of the model with a lintless paper towel soaked in thinner.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1009" data-original-width="1440" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0u5si0gL4qxOiCSXVpd9rxe31fstDoTN-fdigGDVY44UDo4Ghj4OKsA01zxzBtl2z8ktzsNHQ5A87EcLspXO1TzM-9T6XGXFZBECMAhIvYUNCk48-wsbHbfUuBLyfmbze_XntAaPBCpA/s640/Snowspeder-Front-final.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
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I tried to keep the weathering minimal. Although this is a rebel alliance craft, subject to worse conditions and less maintenance and upkeep than their well funded imperial foes, it's a repulsorcraft, so it is not in direct contact with the ground. Also, it's easy to let these effects get away from you, and end up with what looks like a wreck instead of an operational vehicle.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ23UaMjwTkKNfDaRw_aXhmd-YHAFUjsALXL2tb1oZIXdJRUe307FO0iqT9R3BhEuxJghGlDitax67QNbW-eDMgQ6lC9N2EVo1PlKA9wmR1EE1b8ayCGGPNY-SuyYrbfhnecCI7_rTHSw/s1600/Snowspeeder-Bottom-FInal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="1440" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ23UaMjwTkKNfDaRw_aXhmd-YHAFUjsALXL2tb1oZIXdJRUe307FO0iqT9R3BhEuxJghGlDitax67QNbW-eDMgQ6lC9N2EVo1PlKA9wmR1EE1b8ayCGGPNY-SuyYrbfhnecCI7_rTHSw/s640/Snowspeeder-Bottom-FInal.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I never found a conclusive reference for underside markings of Luke's speeder. The best I could find was toys, and they varied on these details. This is my excuse for a mostly empty bottom (and of course you'll mostly see the top in game). It is weathered but carries no squadron markings. <br /><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXKb8bSlPbKb_NH3EjqrMpir8CT1lBcwS3KpE2XVUlBIn_f7CVWbS6gRGKX6lZ_KM1Ssy1I3Y6ZRV_F9XOb_Iu9bX5UptFohA0fK5USQQ5bEO16DUvN7ELzvmT5wDNWFGRHqOcMfIHBmI/s1600/Snowspeeder-Rear-Final.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="919" data-original-width="1440" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXKb8bSlPbKb_NH3EjqrMpir8CT1lBcwS3KpE2XVUlBIn_f7CVWbS6gRGKX6lZ_KM1Ssy1I3Y6ZRV_F9XOb_Iu9bX5UptFohA0fK5USQQ5bEO16DUvN7ELzvmT5wDNWFGRHqOcMfIHBmI/s640/Snowspeeder-Rear-Final.JPG" width="640" /> </a></div>
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All that remains is to create a base/flying stand. And of course run around the house making zooming engine noises, but that goes without saying...</div>
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<br />Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426865709530330443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3170413593326543035.post-31590259851109249542019-02-18T09:35:00.000-08:002019-02-18T09:35:13.617-08:00Not so Snowy SnowtroopersI have always been a bit conflicted about the Imperial Snowtroopers. I really like their uniforms, and I always welcome more imperial troops, but struggle with including them in non-Hoth forces (a problem that calls back to my childhood action figures). Their very theatre-specific uniforms look amazing; they just don't seem right when they're out of this context. Christmas (and more specifically my family) was very good to my hobby this season, and now I'm the proud owner of a squad of these troops. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMYGSd2wJlfnwLx9J4GQWciFDSw9k1vwhPET5y7XzpMeeE6eF_Mm0CxrWzyhcQmAPvZKCA0M50y48JfoD5KboSw6IUxR9ktReBBPrxmbOBjmvJYgXl9JGlen0icJbl6BvTlWWKdbI2e6Q/s1600/IMG_8094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1504" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMYGSd2wJlfnwLx9J4GQWciFDSw9k1vwhPET5y7XzpMeeE6eF_Mm0CxrWzyhcQmAPvZKCA0M50y48JfoD5KboSw6IUxR9ktReBBPrxmbOBjmvJYgXl9JGlen0icJbl6BvTlWWKdbI2e6Q/s640/IMG_8094.JPG" width="600" /></a></div>
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I had been thinking of trying an alternate paint scheme for these
troops, a sort of infantry version of General Veers' uniform, when I saw
Solo's great 5 minutes of the Imperial war machine on Mimban. Here were the troops I was looking for! Solo's regiment wore red accents on their armor, which saved the uniforms from being pure brown-grey, adding some much needed visual interest to a patently monochromatic scene.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM29EAVG8bC6y-hQH2orCJ_fpMEM_tAvRp2ZQ5FeKawfHIns-9nmq9I9rb34EFA_1thKq5gIctAwnkodm36bHcHYxcwAyd-twElm8Up1rfM_YUkbuscgL9oVS2jJzCbq6d01lRxBS85k8/s1600/IMG_8095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1499" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM29EAVG8bC6y-hQH2orCJ_fpMEM_tAvRp2ZQ5FeKawfHIns-9nmq9I9rb34EFA_1thKq5gIctAwnkodm36bHcHYxcwAyd-twElm8Up1rfM_YUkbuscgL9oVS2jJzCbq6d01lRxBS85k8/s640/IMG_8095.JPG" width="598" /></a></div>
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While not exactly snowtroopers in different colors, the Imperial Infantry helmets were quite similar, as were some of the armour pieces. Close enough, anyway, that I could easily adapt the look. To test, I started with the ion special weapon trooper (so far the meta-consensus is that he's optional at best).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wmC0_VTuLT9mXtBibFF7kI6qDmBwGhfsCRZlXvlInOKRZF9rMIAhUoMQ8EN0QjrnJzcA10lQBsbmfcwpN95SppASWmmBI_BlJoLYHqqF9cgINtW6PDaxUP4m7s4rgJ6jysG7COyeohg/s1600/IMG_8096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1515" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wmC0_VTuLT9mXtBibFF7kI6qDmBwGhfsCRZlXvlInOKRZF9rMIAhUoMQ8EN0QjrnJzcA10lQBsbmfcwpN95SppASWmmBI_BlJoLYHqqF9cgINtW6PDaxUP4m7s4rgJ6jysG7COyeohg/s640/IMG_8096.JPG" width="604" /></a></div>
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Though I was prepared to count the trooper as a practice piece, I really like how he turned out. The rest of the squad will adopt these uniforms, as will the E-Web crew. (Of course this is basically turning my Galactic Empire army into an Imperium army.... but whatever.) For recipes, the coat/skirt is Citadel Stormvermin Fur, highlgihted toward VPA Canvas, while the trousers are Citadel Skavenblight Dinge highlighted the same way. Armor is VMC German Fieldgrey up to VMC Green Grey. Pouches and boots done as leather using VMC German Camo Black Brown. Basing will match the rest of my Legion minis.Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426865709530330443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3170413593326543035.post-20619529989822308632019-01-05T07:43:00.000-08:002019-01-09T17:21:26.138-08:00Snowspeeder Part IV: Small markings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCarpEoqy4RmVKxuc1Vh5kzJChBaZTSn-HD47dts_zgL8KoQwx3HECgqT-qGU3sYz1hq81K-nlTOeZ1QjEnq8c2rRRBj66OWcZ64KTftDwWw2H0zmQJTdGGhN_p-H1MI_AkK3IpdNJwik/s1600/Small-Markings-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1046" data-original-width="1600" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCarpEoqy4RmVKxuc1Vh5kzJChBaZTSn-HD47dts_zgL8KoQwx3HECgqT-qGU3sYz1hq81K-nlTOeZ1QjEnq8c2rRRBj66OWcZ64KTftDwWw2H0zmQJTdGGhN_p-H1MI_AkK3IpdNJwik/s640/Small-Markings-3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Snowspeeder filming models in Empire Strikes Back are covered in very small markings. Just like on actual aircraft there are plenty of warning labels and instructions.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAINFddNG4ZU-S4qfL3CsPrD1EM53isoSnYT3XF-5JsLxvvsABRFYa9noHWDA830j9jlpo4K5-bYgTGrmYSlN-vcYNAZr2ySiBZdEryzNU8jwSWnS1iY2IY9ZV9xB84HaXkNVuoXoxZxo/s1600/Small-Markings-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1052" data-original-width="1600" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAINFddNG4ZU-S4qfL3CsPrD1EM53isoSnYT3XF-5JsLxvvsABRFYa9noHWDA830j9jlpo4K5-bYgTGrmYSlN-vcYNAZr2ySiBZdEryzNU8jwSWnS1iY2IY9ZV9xB84HaXkNVuoXoxZxo/s640/Small-Markings-2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Although I am going for as screen accurate as possible, I chose to paint on the small red marks rather than hunt down decals to do the job. It means that under magnification, you can't read my Aurebesh warnings, but I do enjoy painting these small bits. For a tabletop model it's still adequately detailed...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh53VlToI3Qxkq-4caYH2Gg0CiEtAo5YTojlXEumZE83t_53hlqYGUTwP1ODlhtM2HTK4As6gbhEmE7NPceXQUyhuuS7l7DxbaAJAoa86GzwQ-L7ocKv9akXy8tPJd7K1zOC8HsysrUK_I/s1600/Small-Markings-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1164" data-original-width="1600" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh53VlToI3Qxkq-4caYH2Gg0CiEtAo5YTojlXEumZE83t_53hlqYGUTwP1ODlhtM2HTK4As6gbhEmE7NPceXQUyhuuS7l7DxbaAJAoa86GzwQ-L7ocKv9akXy8tPJd7K1zOC8HsysrUK_I/s640/Small-Markings-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am happy with most of the marks, but now that I can see photos, I need to revise the front vent panel outline. Next on to weathering & mounting the laser cannons, then a scenic base.Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426865709530330443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3170413593326543035.post-15564651394931341812018-12-31T18:53:00.000-08:002018-12-31T18:53:01.385-08:003D Printed E100 part III<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5SYcCi8kLpGTMJtpJ42Zy3y0ZmNTvpGdRX4C-IiAMsbqphcJsnHevrtv4HIRmfnGYzb39mCGHayRpnVlWGkjnvZX37WhdOakqORuuMelIlT4_L9gw0DsTGXBaKoolmqgGecfe_iZ3Fg/s1600/E100-Painted-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1075" data-original-width="1600" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5SYcCi8kLpGTMJtpJ42Zy3y0ZmNTvpGdRX4C-IiAMsbqphcJsnHevrtv4HIRmfnGYzb39mCGHayRpnVlWGkjnvZX37WhdOakqORuuMelIlT4_L9gw0DsTGXBaKoolmqgGecfe_iZ3Fg/s640/E100-Painted-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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When I finally got the surface prepped to the point in the graph where satisfaction and impatience for the fun part intersect, I moved on to prime and paint my <a href="http://weaselminis.blogspot.com/2018/12/3d-printed-e100-pt1.html">3D Printed E100.</a><br />
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This model was my chance to try out Vallejo's <i>Dunkelgelb</i> primer. I
thinned it with Windex and applied with an airbrush. I'm not entirely
sure how well it bonded, as the Tamiya putty surface was likely more
friendly to the paint than raw PLA would have been.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0A6u3aJEMxqzypsipS7lLRH_KIPjO8y98tHsqn2WRQ7bAB7SF8_3tm3HmN55XRwWhfJxje8_WLevm8qw2X9MYWXPbhg1sGsvt1ZUbqv1q0x3T7wMw2x4jJDiF1h9O65MRNHWndSNZptI/s1600/E100-Rear.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1168" data-original-width="1600" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0A6u3aJEMxqzypsipS7lLRH_KIPjO8y98tHsqn2WRQ7bAB7SF8_3tm3HmN55XRwWhfJxje8_WLevm8qw2X9MYWXPbhg1sGsvt1ZUbqv1q0x3T7wMw2x4jJDiF1h9O65MRNHWndSNZptI/s640/E100-Rear.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The parts where I didn't fill the print gaps well at least read a bit like Zimmerit...</td></tr>
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Weathering uses two new (to me) techniques: I employed artists' oils for washing and streaking, as well as Vallejo pigment powder for the oxidation effect.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgrsYf-2TwZVIMCSM8pvfvR830rrTW7CMsC-5pjnufN9TaJWF_5Ww2cazshXg8gSt4zttygXCTcwBuAGr_6GywB-g574ixQdXMmkQOicsQqYzWXQliCX3rxsENqfujZ8HMhD8W2FtP3GE/s1600/DoesntThatBeatAll.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgrsYf-2TwZVIMCSM8pvfvR830rrTW7CMsC-5pjnufN9TaJWF_5Ww2cazshXg8gSt4zttygXCTcwBuAGr_6GywB-g574ixQdXMmkQOicsQqYzWXQliCX3rxsENqfujZ8HMhD8W2FtP3GE/s640/DoesntThatBeatAll.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was dumb.</td></tr>
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The next picture I was going to take was a shot with another 15mm scale tank to show just how large this is, but I made a foolish mistake and attempted to correct the very slight droop on the barrel, so there will be one more (hopefully) last post with a few final pics on this tank before I am able to put this project to rest.Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426865709530330443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3170413593326543035.post-70089936999156651312018-12-16T21:10:00.000-08:002018-12-31T18:54:15.101-08:003D Printed E100 part IIHaving discovered that Milliput is not the right tool for leveling fillament lines on 3D printed models, I moved on to Tamiya putty. This gap filler comes premixed in a metal tube. Its smell agrees with the vapor warnings on the packaging, so I used it outdoors. It has a much more fluid consistency, with enough viscosity to fill in small gaps.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDvu4IGGZhy1qBi27mBy2nQPgqH0IIZl5R83gaGifyFHBIuTJeNeCuCN3V2N9I4wzDXCT6DRQ0W41QpOaHBi7TQOUVtIbMZQsNiU6Rl2hu-Kgq4_qk88sPKTpcHZ9s6_eMAbi7eGc_Lb8/s1600/E100-Turret-Putty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDvu4IGGZhy1qBi27mBy2nQPgqH0IIZl5R83gaGifyFHBIuTJeNeCuCN3V2N9I4wzDXCT6DRQ0W41QpOaHBi7TQOUVtIbMZQsNiU6Rl2hu-Kgq4_qk88sPKTpcHZ9s6_eMAbi7eGc_Lb8/s640/E100-Turret-Putty.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I applied it with the same scuplting tools as last time, but also made use of my (nitrile gloved) finger to help smooth it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMSbvRUj6vF7IU0YMWAjRz8WCs3zw1iV2Dt8heRBG5EWHRk7BBW8Kl2JRG1dj8KSkL6En0awosuzcDy4JiQuQ-C825qegeVA3GkBd7glgP_DAUDaY3ataS8PQNUQjptADb3EHNjaD65Ag/s1600/E100-Grey-Putty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMSbvRUj6vF7IU0YMWAjRz8WCs3zw1iV2Dt8heRBG5EWHRk7BBW8Kl2JRG1dj8KSkL6En0awosuzcDy4JiQuQ-C825qegeVA3GkBd7glgP_DAUDaY3ataS8PQNUQjptADb3EHNjaD65Ag/s640/E100-Grey-Putty.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm just starting to learn to use the putty, so it's a bit gloppy in parts</td></tr>
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When the putty had dried (really only about an hour) I went back to sanding. Depending on the area I used sand paper, sanding sticks, and needle files.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9R442R8njZkj9hIYggQ0mfNXESs3ZllcpUOONeJBiR395q_HXZQn_qpg2_yP8Vs4EL7rdrurnyaEadytpcWvgBFJEEN2dF7vBTw94qNVQlo2u491w4NlS6hlG0kbk-o_qRFlG89yfUCg/s1600/E100-Ready-to-Prime.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9R442R8njZkj9hIYggQ0mfNXESs3ZllcpUOONeJBiR395q_HXZQn_qpg2_yP8Vs4EL7rdrurnyaEadytpcWvgBFJEEN2dF7vBTw94qNVQlo2u491w4NlS6hlG0kbk-o_qRFlG89yfUCg/s640/E100-Ready-to-Prime.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tank after a final round of sanding. You can see some of the PLA coming through in parts. The idea was not to cover the whole model with putty, but to level out its surface.</td></tr>
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The grey putty was the key. The model is finally ready for the familiar stages of painting up armour models, or as I call it, "The Fun Part."Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426865709530330443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3170413593326543035.post-8539662279964032582018-12-14T21:03:00.002-08:002018-12-14T21:03:36.936-08:00Snowspeeder Part III: Cockpit Window Details<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJl0-mfHQqNBI1RDE9n4ULFB3q-7UMnRUOZxaLYSowsuUJmzW1THFwO78coSTWxysbpBkKdOXP7zxOHjJJEqO2vUvCM6lhT6yiz8zkZMMNpz0XB3oDm8lzca4vhSJ80dPNsjWwcVH43uc/s1600/IMG_7728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJl0-mfHQqNBI1RDE9n4ULFB3q-7UMnRUOZxaLYSowsuUJmzW1THFwO78coSTWxysbpBkKdOXP7zxOHjJJEqO2vUvCM6lhT6yiz8zkZMMNpz0XB3oDm8lzca4vhSJ80dPNsjWwcVH43uc/s640/IMG_7728.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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When I last <a href="http://weaselminis.blogspot.com/2018/11/snowspeeder-part-ii-squadron-markings.html#more">left off</a> I had just figured out that I <i>should</i> have painted the windows first, then masked over them to begin airbrushing the rest of the model. This last weekend I finally bit the bullet and pulled out my best paintbrush to do the cockpit windows on my Star Wars Legion <a href="http://weaselminis.blogspot.com/2018/11/snowspeeder-part-1-pre-shading.html">Snowspeeder</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg-NCv8Lbtx9aXw3E30Jkz3np6211WQ7_th1Bob70Pb4gWu7YfdvnHPnjOapLBADrvPUObJNHYVoDRLZTqECMEEKJ-HV9QnmzmqZ-YwlODh92utYU332bM0JVKp7CMa43cXirCLuGvnjY/s1600/IMG_7727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="976" data-original-width="1600" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg-NCv8Lbtx9aXw3E30Jkz3np6211WQ7_th1Bob70Pb4gWu7YfdvnHPnjOapLBADrvPUObJNHYVoDRLZTqECMEEKJ-HV9QnmzmqZ-YwlODh92utYU332bM0JVKp7CMa43cXirCLuGvnjY/s640/IMG_7727.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The windows I did are based off both watching <i>Empire</i> scenes with the speeders and the opaque window treatment I learned from Flames of War, where you hint at reflected scenery. In Empire, the speeder windows always appear dark in outdoor scenes, so I made sure to use dark, desaturated hues in my reflections. The results are an overall deep tone that look good at a distance but give off more detail closer in. I'm quite pleased.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht6urL4b8r3HxFz0RtG0p2Xusx_qPjMm24rEkJSdxQGLMUDAqarqem6nUc9ApU_RqbDu7Wku7BFDEYsa3oOM2p124as11zS_Re4tVp-j8yB7dMfkHAKlXV7BSl-mlZFDsPp_7wmG3yKrw/s1600/IMG_7729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1106" data-original-width="1600" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht6urL4b8r3HxFz0RtG0p2Xusx_qPjMm24rEkJSdxQGLMUDAqarqem6nUc9ApU_RqbDu7Wku7BFDEYsa3oOM2p124as11zS_Re4tVp-j8yB7dMfkHAKlXV7BSl-mlZFDsPp_7wmG3yKrw/s640/IMG_7729.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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For a final bit of detail, I put in a little bit of off-white line work to simulate some reflection, and also scratches on the glass. As of now, the windows remain unfinished until the very end; they're matte varnished with the rest of the model. After weathering the model, I will go back and hand-apply gloss coat.<br />
Up next, however, I'll paint some of the smaller markings like the ubiquitous backwards ZZ, then it's time for weathering.Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426865709530330443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3170413593326543035.post-46501776800633916842018-12-03T09:57:00.002-08:002018-12-14T21:11:16.582-08:003D Printed E100 pt I<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg92QDlRzRI7ovbDdHvb-Luxwg1kjM1YKYxtNrasSjZP-aLXjAXmDGKFt9k3DDyq7Y1kWUAdWlhaDxd9Joj8OwDcDRWMuObrrTp4uke3OUZoGhWOfWFhNxusG4MWqAXhgGg7wnPCaTXIWs/s1600/561087717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1145" data-original-width="1600" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg92QDlRzRI7ovbDdHvb-Luxwg1kjM1YKYxtNrasSjZP-aLXjAXmDGKFt9k3DDyq7Y1kWUAdWlhaDxd9Joj8OwDcDRWMuObrrTp4uke3OUZoGhWOfWFhNxusG4MWqAXhgGg7wnPCaTXIWs/s640/561087717.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My brother in law just got himself a 3D printer and wanted to see what I could do with the prints. This is an exciting time for experimentation and exploration.<br />
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He printed a 1:100 scale E100 super heavy tank. Thought the actual tank was never completed, this is an impressive large (even at a small scale) vehicle. The turret is something of a debate since none were produced. For my purposes of learning how to prep and finish 3D printed pieces, a large vehicle with lots of flat surfaces is an excellent and forgiving test.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXkj6e-2n9cQE6360qxj-MrKMT2gJMWk1k5PqsLIuFjyJOV54ReeD4gLGb819PV52oeoj0s1J68nPn6wmBQNv8-a4fAkXSfb7-ASBVerUURXShg_DvqgaoOoY5CcYIwpPWuKeRE71ltZY/s1600/IMG_7279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1600" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXkj6e-2n9cQE6360qxj-MrKMT2gJMWk1k5PqsLIuFjyJOV54ReeD4gLGb819PV52oeoj0s1J68nPn6wmBQNv8-a4fAkXSfb7-ASBVerUURXShg_DvqgaoOoY5CcYIwpPWuKeRE71ltZY/s640/IMG_7279.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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To fill in the gaps in the filament layers, I first tried to use Milliput. I had only recently started to experiment with Milliput as a sculpting medium, and noticed that when my hands were too wet, the putty thinned to the consistency of clay slip. I hoped I could control this for use as a filler.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFpr_azitoMrQOvW4A99V3oy5LWgPVXKlKUqRRd7QR2VB5orgFvuSw3iMxkjF8CpSvqXWLtiqh4lVGL2dO2IHf5YORrn49E6ngItEP1YIUt2mjg7m3_D6G-T2i6gz4LregchL1tmK3mKc/s1600/IMG_7280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="835" data-original-width="1600" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFpr_azitoMrQOvW4A99V3oy5LWgPVXKlKUqRRd7QR2VB5orgFvuSw3iMxkjF8CpSvqXWLtiqh4lVGL2dO2IHf5YORrn49E6ngItEP1YIUt2mjg7m3_D6G-T2i6gz4LregchL1tmK3mKc/s640/IMG_7280.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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When it came down to it, the thinned Milliput was a poor choice of filler materials. The consistency was, well, inconsistent. Some parts globbed up and others were too thin to even fill the gaps.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcHQwgikwtVHx_ZxiVg5B3kiEtinWXOVGUddFjZk0EwnUp-SxDL0qisbz9_JeFqu146egKCcD4vl4iYsTja_P3WGtxg5OorNpyuEMLrH4Q2YOEOQqY24cZyvC4upwVuYlxn84CgXy7Z8/s1600/IMG_7282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1183" data-original-width="1600" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcHQwgikwtVHx_ZxiVg5B3kiEtinWXOVGUddFjZk0EwnUp-SxDL0qisbz9_JeFqu146egKCcD4vl4iYsTja_P3WGtxg5OorNpyuEMLrH4Q2YOEOQqY24cZyvC4upwVuYlxn84CgXy7Z8/s640/IMG_7282.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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After a few layers of this putty, I let the model cure for a while, and returned with sanding films and needle files.<br />
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Not sure if the pictures show the irregularity enough, but it will take some work to clear this back up.<br />
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Next round will be with Tamiya gap filling putty. I've heard good things...Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426865709530330443noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3170413593326543035.post-74144743251578585802018-11-25T13:35:00.000-08:002018-11-26T11:19:14.079-08:00Snowspeeder part II: Squadron Markings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi68w1bYfGr7sGRmkqKr-dwpJtWLJQXp2RCOOJYUDTfkK6sc0Bh5FqvXvkL-LbOnz7SWqvsBTP4uhG7w4jtSTqXK-VIsFdz9w7f8WxbT1Xkp0EKsacqYhOlXQNRyZo8VG4nW5bICqMOPMk/s1600/IMG_20181107_215615750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi68w1bYfGr7sGRmkqKr-dwpJtWLJQXp2RCOOJYUDTfkK6sc0Bh5FqvXvkL-LbOnz7SWqvsBTP4uhG7w4jtSTqXK-VIsFdz9w7f8WxbT1Xkp0EKsacqYhOlXQNRyZo8VG4nW5bICqMOPMk/s640/IMG_20181107_215615750.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Having finished the pre-shading and base layer phases on my Snowspeeder, I moved on to adding squadron markings. In Empire, two distinct paint styles can be seen flying over the icy rebel trenches on Hoth. There are speeders with red insignia, and some with grey markings. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMbyHtBvX0yLAlMeayOg4HzTdZHmocRL4O2gecxKhc-qkIPfVnGuGsF3UIoP_gPNbzyZexp5K7icS4QN9Vv4ekjOPwHnjkQ-LmFIwe9bK7ciXE7CBkoBbTSoC-edQSg1nG6j6AIW35kHs/s1600/IMG_20181107_220247940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMbyHtBvX0yLAlMeayOg4HzTdZHmocRL4O2gecxKhc-qkIPfVnGuGsF3UIoP_gPNbzyZexp5K7icS4QN9Vv4ekjOPwHnjkQ-LmFIwe9bK7ciXE7CBkoBbTSoC-edQSg1nG6j6AIW35kHs/s640/IMG_20181107_220247940.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Luke's Rogue Leader T-47 sported the grey, while the majority of the speeders were in red. I chose to go with the grey because I like its more subdued aesthetic. Though the model has strong panel lines to follow, I used a mask and airbrush my markings. This gives a much finer surface quality and crisper edges than even if I followed the panels by hand.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYCCrtMBHAj1MTduEj_V46V0H69lGOEykzg0xv72sejPhmnUbKJN5Bgee5pn-U7jqE3UlPt_6t1rDH6NTM6G28BJKcFIFkEkudmDLdKRqnGiF5cxtPfEhpLwXqmx2vkznqE2-pRH_8o7s/s1600/IMG_7410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYCCrtMBHAj1MTduEj_V46V0H69lGOEykzg0xv72sejPhmnUbKJN5Bgee5pn-U7jqE3UlPt_6t1rDH6NTM6G28BJKcFIFkEkudmDLdKRqnGiF5cxtPfEhpLwXqmx2vkznqE2-pRH_8o7s/s640/IMG_7410.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Big Reveal</td></tr>
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The airbrush was also the obvious answer of how to paint the large heat sink on the back of the speeder, with its deep recesses and hard to reach areas.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxx2dbk_yaNFhDsJayVwbuFf5K0VO_Lv5iWBxkbwhkNjkH9ELgSkYmXoDvUiBOzF7MzglLF_XaR7pKJC30IIAsSGy-YXHhna-aKAmXKZkR7w5DGU4EyGq87RThB6cHjLgvYS-EBQ5FPYY/s1600/IMG_7411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxx2dbk_yaNFhDsJayVwbuFf5K0VO_Lv5iWBxkbwhkNjkH9ELgSkYmXoDvUiBOzF7MzglLF_XaR7pKJC30IIAsSGy-YXHhna-aKAmXKZkR7w5DGU4EyGq87RThB6cHjLgvYS-EBQ5FPYY/s640/IMG_7411.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Masking out the radiator with hobby masking tape.</td></tr>
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From here I sprayed VMC Black Gery into the back of the model, and when it had dried, hit it with Nuln Oil ink to exaggerate the shadows and darken the color a little.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjANils29VJTk-5Xv41M38trn-vx-klFWQ-i46iCLfXuZalXALfJFofM2bvRaphh_Kp-lTa5CPstvIj3UgHm9dmloo1fdBL03IVBGT8BqlhKdQ05RSX91XToE9YNm-w806BIFGHgbeq_nc/s1600/IMG_7416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="847" data-original-width="1600" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjANils29VJTk-5Xv41M38trn-vx-klFWQ-i46iCLfXuZalXALfJFofM2bvRaphh_Kp-lTa5CPstvIj3UgHm9dmloo1fdBL03IVBGT8BqlhKdQ05RSX91XToE9YNm-w806BIFGHgbeq_nc/s640/IMG_7416.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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So this is where the model currently stands: the main paint job is complete, squadron markings applied, and some of the darkest parts have been painted. From here it's mostly details and weathering (and then on to a bit of a display base...)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRtuBWof0wFyI8DohCfvO0thPVr6Cidx2carym8j5iEsnHEi5rxdgps9up_U2qzXja6xe5Qqdrytc23JmCZoGVt0XbvfxJSuZGroAf0f1a0OO1RFKsXKlq8_TadjYWdEqMx-A-_zTDAl0/s1600/IMG_7413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRtuBWof0wFyI8DohCfvO0thPVr6Cidx2carym8j5iEsnHEi5rxdgps9up_U2qzXja6xe5Qqdrytc23JmCZoGVt0XbvfxJSuZGroAf0f1a0OO1RFKsXKlq8_TadjYWdEqMx-A-_zTDAl0/s640/IMG_7413.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is also about where I realize that I still need to address the canopy windows. With 90° beveled insets it would be exceedingly hard to mask for more airbrushing. I should have probably started with the windows first, then covered them with a mask. Oops. ...soooo it looks like I'll be hand painting them. I'll have to give up that smooth airbrush surface but it might be the only way to handle it from where I am.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQ77P2ZAaXIseTauek6ZwZTuOvTZcNRw3s9AU68uO-pmDgOp03Lg0lPNvGu0WCwoXULrNCakMopuaXTEbBmPBIes_3V9n0rIcJq_ySJLlrcDOT1MxZ3TO5EGoAtO0plTaRP3PbhU60lg/s1600/IMG_7414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1009" data-original-width="1600" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQ77P2ZAaXIseTauek6ZwZTuOvTZcNRw3s9AU68uO-pmDgOp03Lg0lPNvGu0WCwoXULrNCakMopuaXTEbBmPBIes_3V9n0rIcJq_ySJLlrcDOT1MxZ3TO5EGoAtO0plTaRP3PbhU60lg/s640/IMG_7414.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hopefully the next update will show perfectly and tastefully painted windows. Or maybe I'll start a new category of hobby Pinterest fails...<br />
<br />Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426865709530330443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3170413593326543035.post-89944969281946121872018-11-18T13:09:00.000-08:002018-11-26T11:19:49.893-08:00Snowspeeder part 1: pre shading<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3oEv5eCQyjiOfAt8p7PsgB_Uoq-5eKQ5iSG6n8gn8xKZ7dkY4yMfx63QtzpMqpFKvRUVnT84LduWzL7bk1hV0QO3JWIKZoRDL0ZOLceF8zD1SwQAIr68AgL5DpfHp-3SnWeCEXlfgR9M/s1600/IMG_20181105_203535261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3oEv5eCQyjiOfAt8p7PsgB_Uoq-5eKQ5iSG6n8gn8xKZ7dkY4yMfx63QtzpMqpFKvRUVnT84LduWzL7bk1hV0QO3JWIKZoRDL0ZOLceF8zD1SwQAIr68AgL5DpfHp-3SnWeCEXlfgR9M/s640/IMG_20181105_203535261.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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After a bit of a dry spell, I'm happy to report that I made it back to my painting bench!</div>
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A vigilant Facebook SW Legion community shared an amazing sale on the T47 Airspeeder, and the deal was too good to pass up. The model takes very little assembly which lets you focus on the painting portion. For this model I am trying my hand at the pre-shading technique</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0unCqJ683xz0gyy0_OSGeC-l0wRDeORfnbWEeBIzDvJsiK5Kqhf7hzJNoSRsLMd5vKb2V9tpibABxnJ6u2xAdjERsbytxfIP7XIqzOvaK13yeBfGJHHE-MyicEPToaxXdwR8oRcCcvr4/s1600/IMG_20181105_203527546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0unCqJ683xz0gyy0_OSGeC-l0wRDeORfnbWEeBIzDvJsiK5Kqhf7hzJNoSRsLMd5vKb2V9tpibABxnJ6u2xAdjERsbytxfIP7XIqzOvaK13yeBfGJHHE-MyicEPToaxXdwR8oRcCcvr4/s640/IMG_20181105_203527546.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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After a grey primer coat, I airbrushed along panel lines using VMC German Grey. I was not concerned with being perfectly precise, and in fact wanted a little variation. </div>
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Next
I filled in my panels bit by bit using Tamiya XF20 Medium Gray. Have I
mentioned before how much I like Tamiya for airbrush work? I went with
several passes on each panel, and made sure the center of the panels
received more paint than the edges. (That's right, I'm doing the
opposite of the miniature painter's edge highlighting!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2cI5KB1fzblhJRPrP36taJW1mqShmCbX9OAcBXawe-Mrbqe5xlft2Mpy9_Rrr07ZFx5tKdhGUYM8nDLvlg2x8rjcbO5LMgUQRK1mlBlCghg80f4DrvQI84QfC2zfLeRnaa1ilzh5PoE/s1600/IMG_20181105_205349294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2cI5KB1fzblhJRPrP36taJW1mqShmCbX9OAcBXawe-Mrbqe5xlft2Mpy9_Rrr07ZFx5tKdhGUYM8nDLvlg2x8rjcbO5LMgUQRK1mlBlCghg80f4DrvQI84QfC2zfLeRnaa1ilzh5PoE/s640/IMG_20181105_205349294.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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On the topside of the model, I added a second layer to the panel centers. For this I used VMC Green Grey. It works nicely with the warm gray of the XF20. After this I gave the whole model a few light overall passes of a mix of VMC Green Grey and Sky Grey <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLw8wmrZjh6RTrAyDebCfG0QDqq2xSumoSnpUIZyMjYt6ya6VkoqIJUbiwPsAh5QhDXPZKMhw0EW-5MG_Zkrsfs_hRpKCE3Tb3QqxKpW5F3ZKuCVDwUdISVtSKxdmnS7ZofxYIP2GjyAw/s1600/IMG_20181105_215430295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLw8wmrZjh6RTrAyDebCfG0QDqq2xSumoSnpUIZyMjYt6ya6VkoqIJUbiwPsAh5QhDXPZKMhw0EW-5MG_Zkrsfs_hRpKCE3Tb3QqxKpW5F3ZKuCVDwUdISVtSKxdmnS7ZofxYIP2GjyAw/s640/IMG_20181105_215430295.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sorry for the blurry photo at the end there; it was shot in a garage with a handheld model and a cell phone. Given those variables, I'd say it turned out rather well. It does show the results of my pre shading and center highlights. It is a technique ILM used on the orginials, so I may be able to squeeze some screen-accuracy from this kit (which to be honest is beautifully detailed.)<br />
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Next time, I will be adding unit markings. In Empire Strikes Back, the speeders are seen in either red or grey markings. Currently I'm leaning toward the grey, as I think the contrast between my earthy warm grey hull and some cool grey markings would make for an interesting model. Until next time! (Hopefully soon)<br />
<br />Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426865709530330443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3170413593326543035.post-50312617099680436512018-11-14T07:44:00.000-08:002018-11-14T07:44:27.767-08:00Churchill Tank 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28g2C4sNzDwcMVtMHNxiyuzcIHJWbudvP1l09tZcwzKaP-Y5rGSLzn01agwiMgaT0ADaTDgEZIuNXlKepTZfqgaqxt3s4cqL4x4FtxT7o_P_I_Mw8z7RX4MwFxZkpu3lVn0N0ihuOe2I/s1600/Churchill-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="929" data-original-width="1600" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28g2C4sNzDwcMVtMHNxiyuzcIHJWbudvP1l09tZcwzKaP-Y5rGSLzn01agwiMgaT0ADaTDgEZIuNXlKepTZfqgaqxt3s4cqL4x4FtxT7o_P_I_Mw8z7RX4MwFxZkpu3lVn0N0ihuOe2I/s640/Churchill-5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I have decided to paint all my Churchill tanks uniquely. This is not for any historic reasons except for the fact that there are a lot of variations in the paint on the original vehicles from this theater, especially if extended from Mediterranean into Southern Europe. Basically I am doing this so I get to try more fun paint schemes.<br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1106" data-original-width="1508" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbI5erCrxebCJ2oWWGXNJ4mhrvTcxkv13eWs4GcwFEn3FPW_USGQ1S4cya_ciRVTlrLFHTkNm5rVRvjQver4L8WSfPhYbG_9IBETkoMjgnoksKjKlNbXfAnWwm2EhC0Oh5iA0YyC3yr4/s640/Churchill-3.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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This second vehicle is based on a tiger stripe desert pattern that keeps coming up in my research of the tank variant. The original, conveniently, can be seen on Wikimedia Commons.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:A_Churchill_tank_and_infantry_advancing_near_Medjez-el-Bab,_Tunisia,_8_May_1943._NA2578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="798" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVOY9CvaVfV-EOX2IxlIV_AnhNrCnmlXl8gOjx2LEsTKmIyeGRBxsZcph7fybbHwfs7gY-P0xGogKWQf4uel-ng6_fWZXk_zO4ASviWE8Fp24pb6lBxB_yHXaj4Sc0fvjKpNYiZVWJbtI/s640/A_Churchill_tank_and_infantry_advancing_near_Medjez-el-Bab%252C_Tunisia%252C_8_May_1943._NA2578.jpg" width="638" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:A_Churchill_tank_and_infantry_advancing_near_Medjez-el-Bab,_Tunisia,_8_May_1943._NA2578.jpg">Source: Wikimedia Commons</a></td></tr>
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There is some debate as to whether the dark stripes of the camouflage are brown or green. I chose green mostly because I like green, and not because of any overwhelming historical mandate.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbau8zBIqe2yFsG1Q7793HmwjM9wpTD4v4u7new46af0jN5PzD6rGmRzq6ZFs0sG2GWCL5Vf0U7xJlc3GjWwojIOgvrualsXJwUXZ9uztbuK7GXvLLq2RRC40q0A0qXAA6mPX-Y6-1KBg/s1600/Churchill-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="890" data-original-width="1600" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbau8zBIqe2yFsG1Q7793HmwjM9wpTD4v4u7new46af0jN5PzD6rGmRzq6ZFs0sG2GWCL5Vf0U7xJlc3GjWwojIOgvrualsXJwUXZ9uztbuK7GXvLLq2RRC40q0A0qXAA6mPX-Y6-1KBg/s640/Churchill-4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now a bit that I'm rather proud of: I made the armament modular for this
tank. Since I had a shortage of tiny magnets at the time, I worked a
purely friction based system for gun barrel swapping. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsOohU_Yx_Kt3GiVyzcZ2LnvBXNdXyyo3rzGHSedpnR1_SnhIG-JFPdfZTeB7MQhPl8cwTmOOQMNuuOnSywxtxvs9e4JsRL-mRphfVlT7xvyhGMzh55p3ebI9dDo_q5_U62RqIHNqQbic/s1600/Turret-Detail.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsOohU_Yx_Kt3GiVyzcZ2LnvBXNdXyyo3rzGHSedpnR1_SnhIG-JFPdfZTeB7MQhPl8cwTmOOQMNuuOnSywxtxvs9e4JsRL-mRphfVlT7xvyhGMzh55p3ebI9dDo_q5_U62RqIHNqQbic/s640/Turret-Detail.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The kit itself comes with a slight indentation in the turret for mounting the nubby pin molded on the back of the gun barrel. I took a 1/16" drill bit and drilled about 1/8" deep into the turret using a power drill on low speed. In this deepened hole went a section of 1/16" outer diameter brass tubing. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0XkneK45zEAYHIrME_yzcKaqvVj99BAoGPpOq86PpqEYO3DgKolkJm6VJ2iMDC9Wh0TwYbIVPt_YulOmmqX29K5A097yXPyjPeyTSLuKvPEN6cpbPE5tjaxi_dK_vJA-3xgRfmrKYUEo/s1600/IMG_7407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="1440" height="554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0XkneK45zEAYHIrME_yzcKaqvVj99BAoGPpOq86PpqEYO3DgKolkJm6VJ2iMDC9Wh0TwYbIVPt_YulOmmqX29K5A097yXPyjPeyTSLuKvPEN6cpbPE5tjaxi_dK_vJA-3xgRfmrKYUEo/s640/IMG_7407.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The inner diameter was 1/32" and it snugly fits around brass rod of that
size. This rod was pinned into the breach of each gun option.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdbXlLo-XjXBHDyBQPZGLL_ZJ5IcgxaPbMAEskCI4iSGR8nu07L6FYy3d2DhCe9M4c7mHHhh1rcS1bYXYtjCjxeYV1ddPQmEQJIAwZcYeO0Bf-QC_R7lEfUL89QQzV47aCGuxBASVtAvs/s1600/Churchill-Desert-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1035" data-original-width="1600" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdbXlLo-XjXBHDyBQPZGLL_ZJ5IcgxaPbMAEskCI4iSGR8nu07L6FYy3d2DhCe9M4c7mHHhh1rcS1bYXYtjCjxeYV1ddPQmEQJIAwZcYeO0Bf-QC_R7lEfUL89QQzV47aCGuxBASVtAvs/s640/Churchill-Desert-1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This leaves one tank remaining to be painted. It will have to wait until I make up my mind on its paint scheme. Could do a standard North Africa camo of sand and dark brown, but I'm open to suggestion...Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426865709530330443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3170413593326543035.post-14645248116144531682018-11-08T13:31:00.002-08:002018-11-08T13:33:34.480-08:00Churchill Tank 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10kPR12IPNj0Rf23h97P759d0Fve2Y6JA3cs0Kxfm44xLjne7jIl-eLHvveLIBE0Hpa0-NNMbOP45I9jZf_BDTdmpJZU4PJgNX-Nh8Jv-xMK3NFWsbBnYZ9ZLWXOK5zzyEeivJacAleA/s1600/Churchill-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="1600" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10kPR12IPNj0Rf23h97P759d0Fve2Y6JA3cs0Kxfm44xLjne7jIl-eLHvveLIBE0Hpa0-NNMbOP45I9jZf_BDTdmpJZU4PJgNX-Nh8Jv-xMK3NFWsbBnYZ9ZLWXOK5zzyEeivJacAleA/s640/Churchill-2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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A year ago I received a set of three Churchill tanks for Flames of War. They are late war Churchill VIIs but I plan to take a few liberties to include them in the latter part of my <a href="https://weaselminis.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html">mid war desert group</a>.<br />
<a name='more'></a>The first tank took its inspiration from a surviving example found in Iraq in 2004. Not entirely sure if the color scheme is period, but it is within reason for a British vehicle of 1943 in the desert. I toned down the green a bit to fit with the rest of my group, but retained the more vibrant yellow of the hull undercoat.<br />
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As is somewhat common for my blog now, the WIP was stored on my old computer, so I can only share the results.<br />
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The kit does come with multiple armament options, so of course I had to make them modular. I'll detail this in a future post.Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426865709530330443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3170413593326543035.post-9878445391371553412018-11-05T06:25:00.000-08:002018-11-05T06:25:27.606-08:00Stall WarningI'm afraid I'm stalling out on my painting again. I was so happy to be consistently creating after a bit of a down period, but life conspires to keep me from my brush, and I am less happy for it. Couple this with a few too many options and indecision kicks in when I do have the opportunity to paint and wastes precious time.<br />
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I do have some more updates to share that haven't been written up yet, so I will post more about my desert war British group. I had really hoped that I would be farther along with my Star Wars Legion minis by now, but have so far accomplished two test squads in about 5 months.Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426865709530330443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3170413593326543035.post-90951122244207283402018-11-02T16:15:00.002-07:002018-11-02T16:15:32.023-07:00Crusader Tank Test Models<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC9cA4E8Bp4O-P3FXA70RsIDhhPIeMiCDs3vUqIgQfaZ33YYzFJFkgRDLd81RScF6BOtaflykh_ZP_wjeyOhhWZefKEP6eyp9mAjsSGfDMBMN701MTM3RmJSPlROj2m_dCiKTWLktvvRI/s1600/Crusader-Desert-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC9cA4E8Bp4O-P3FXA70RsIDhhPIeMiCDs3vUqIgQfaZ33YYzFJFkgRDLd81RScF6BOtaflykh_ZP_wjeyOhhWZefKEP6eyp9mAjsSGfDMBMN701MTM3RmJSPlROj2m_dCiKTWLktvvRI/s640/Crusader-Desert-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Crusader tank is one of the most ubiquitous pieces of equipment used by the British army in the North Africa campaign in 1942-3. Its very modern appearance belies a rather mediocre performance, but despite eventually being replaced in service by the more reliable lend lease Sherman, it played a vital role in the war in the desert.<br />
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So far I have built up and painted the two Crusaders that come in the <i>El Alamein</i> starter box by Battlefront. They were going to serve as a test bed for my desert paint schemes, but I ended up liking them by the time they were painted. I'll likely field at least one platoon of these with my 8th Army force.<br />
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My paint scheme is overall VMC Iraiqi Sand, with VPC German Camo Dark Brown for the deeper color, airbrushed over the base color and masked with silly putty. Tracks are VMC Black Grey. I was hoping to include WIP photos, but those were lost with my previous computer.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXXVsQtOYdugxhs6jBxk82yRTooC6tGI4yOg_-u4qzEPkTEIGLoyQCEDeUtfuZV4DAJRHHKWnkZjs70rCXSy7LVpoY0gtmeAVu1n_jSoVaOti-_dtGosd7xgntBnjkdgr_P6dmUNTmkUg/s1600/Crusader-Desert-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXXVsQtOYdugxhs6jBxk82yRTooC6tGI4yOg_-u4qzEPkTEIGLoyQCEDeUtfuZV4DAJRHHKWnkZjs70rCXSy7LVpoY0gtmeAVu1n_jSoVaOti-_dtGosd7xgntBnjkdgr_P6dmUNTmkUg/s640/Crusader-Desert-2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I plan to paint one or three more of these and field a single platoon. As I am aiming for a bit later in the MidWar period, they'll be mixed in with Sherman and Churchill tanks.<br />
<br />Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426865709530330443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3170413593326543035.post-930600562630696922018-10-18T07:21:00.001-07:002018-10-18T07:21:16.455-07:00Guns in the Sand: OQF 25lb artillery in North Africa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching the horizon for dust plumes.</td></tr>
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As teased in <a href="http://weaselminis.blogspot.com/2018/09/desert-table.html">desert table</a> photos, one of the projects gracing my workbench these days is a midwar British desert army. Since I hope to field this force in both North Africa and Southern Italy
scenarios, I made my desert basing a little deeper in tone than purely
sand. I also used a special blend of static grass I mixed to try and average Tunisia and Sicily.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the crew poses in these sets - they really bring the tiny scenes to life.</td></tr>
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My interest in military modelling was helped along early on by a visit
to an old dusty hobby shop across the street from my dad's school. When
he took us in there as kids, there was a display case with a diorama of a
British artillery piece with its crew entrenched in the western desert,
loading like madmen. When I got home that day I hot-glued a bunch of
rocks to make sandbags and put a little metal souvenir cannon from Ft.
McHenry in it with some green army men. I really wanted to make my own
artillery diorama. When I got back into Flames of War this past year, I
jumped at the chance to paint up some OQF 25lb guns with their crews,
and hopefully do that orignial diorama justice.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3zpz4zMmrXK1dRAsrAb3YuXULaFVDUXRbsE5zwAoEqAbyodqPXuM8AY92RTjtjRgKupK2AWtThaKTqMxxjx36vq5YGhMiZgKrhMYFyYvDNqsljlGkxR-M2ThNBuTIPZmA2fTFlcDGdkc/s1600/Arty-25lb-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="739" data-original-width="1600" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3zpz4zMmrXK1dRAsrAb3YuXULaFVDUXRbsE5zwAoEqAbyodqPXuM8AY92RTjtjRgKupK2AWtThaKTqMxxjx36vq5YGhMiZgKrhMYFyYvDNqsljlGkxR-M2ThNBuTIPZmA2fTFlcDGdkc/s640/Arty-25lb-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
One of the best little features of the Battlefront kit is that the sprue comes with multiple barrels. You can build the guns as early or late 25 pounders (muzzle break available for late war) or as the now legendary 17/25 lb anti tank guns. (Like mixing peanut butter and chocolate, these 17lb guns really came into their own when mounted on Lend-Lease Sherman tank hulls). <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see the small magnet under the gun mount</td></tr>
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Of course I couldn't let the other gun barrels go to waste, so I added
magnets to the gun carriages and glued some short sections of paper clip
to the under side of each gun's breech.<br />
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With the first guns completed, I'll be updating periodically with the forces I continue to work on for this army, in the in between my updates for Star Wars Legion.Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426865709530330443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3170413593326543035.post-61282699007462828602018-10-16T17:09:00.000-07:002018-10-16T17:09:14.718-07:00Palm Groves<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Palms on a beach planet (Before single reactor shot).</td></tr>
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This week I managed to finish the <a href="http://weaselminis.blogspot.com/2018/10/building-palm-tree-stands.html">palm trees</a> I began to base last time. I put two and three of the smaller palms to a base, but kept the tallest ones individually mounted. This will give me more flexibility with the scale.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overall effect of the palms dispersed over a desert table.</td></tr>
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The palm groves are designed to work in tropical environments as well as in the <a href="http://weaselminis.blogspot.com/2018/09/desert-table.html">desert</a>. With some suitable undergrowth they will make a jungle canopy. For desert use, they are simply more sparse on the table. </div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1248" data-original-width="1440" height="554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj83VE6iXVtiLu-4K4wKhfzJrviqRg3kg52QsfjNnnKzlFbUBRVmphE93lQgOSy1gN53Vl5Y8AeIcLLlGu8clz0yZ8epLaxJ8H3GmwuJn4E8vlmmDTHAfxDfQfcXDqrjJuCpCs55G8s8CA/s640/Palm-Grove-1.JPG" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Palm Grove</td></tr>
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I'm quite pleased with these trees and I can't wait to use them in-game. Will they be Scarif in a game of <a href="http://weaselminis.blogspot.com/2018/09/star-wars-legion-first-squads.html">Star Wars Legion</a>? Or will they set the scene for the face-off between Montgomery and Rommel in Flames of War?</div>
Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426865709530330443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3170413593326543035.post-34152325674753602282018-10-01T11:08:00.002-07:002018-10-01T11:08:54.729-07:00Building Palm Tree Stands<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This week I base up some plastic coconut palm trees by Nolux for my <a href="http://weaselminis.blogspot.com/2018/09/desert-table.html">sand table</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fIcPhEbrTFpkBYnJAkKg7kspj85_1mt6efKeNBfrrZFPooShEJJFEpLvM9qXLbgeamxct4bunGWcSCJyOGYTWw2ZljCRRXwHrA7OZ4IbSjTxlu9mAflESzW5PjGD0ec7l93gK2FUgcM/s1600/IMG_20180925_212805074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fIcPhEbrTFpkBYnJAkKg7kspj85_1mt6efKeNBfrrZFPooShEJJFEpLvM9qXLbgeamxct4bunGWcSCJyOGYTWw2ZljCRRXwHrA7OZ4IbSjTxlu9mAflESzW5PjGD0ec7l93gK2FUgcM/s640/IMG_20180925_212805074.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tools Needed. (Not pictured: I also used the same flock as the desert table.)</td></tr>
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There are some really nice miniature trees available on Amazon these days. I received a nice set of these from my amazing wife for my birthday. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking the depth of the taproot</td></tr>
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Like many miniature trees, these did not come with a flat bottom for gaming, but rather a taproot for placing into railroad layouts (and birthday cakes?). To make them movable and standing, I made bases using thick hardboard. I made sure the hardboard was about as thick as the taproot is long, which ended up being the closest at 1/4 inch thick. This hefty board also makes the bases heavy enough to be stable with the tall trees on them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcU-HuYZeGQ4xlZGrKMPiPT1q-4nZ2mk3Dt8ghQRT55FQIrK54rP5CScnFaTGTXMZMZzzNAdPSQoFTnyJQVw_r5OCEXE-2HB-gHKasb2RPO1YvIJCxCO0h2xqb9K_D1h__yNVKFyM8KJ0/s1600/IMG_20180925_214246346%257E2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcU-HuYZeGQ4xlZGrKMPiPT1q-4nZ2mk3Dt8ghQRT55FQIrK54rP5CScnFaTGTXMZMZzzNAdPSQoFTnyJQVw_r5OCEXE-2HB-gHKasb2RPO1YvIJCxCO0h2xqb9K_D1h__yNVKFyM8KJ0/s640/IMG_20180925_214246346%257E2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not at all gratuitous photo with different minis. For (ahem) scale purposes (ahem). </td></tr>
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I checked the trees in the pack to see how well they scaled with the different sized figures in my collection. The middle sizes work with everything, and I can generally get away with the smallest, but the tallest trees are a bit big for 15mm.<br />
The trees themselves only required a little bit of cleanup, including the removal of the coconuts from the smaller trees, since it put them out of scale. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4VeQevxo0MxJlaOm2-hBbWr4_BVu_0h4cNDuPDHH0PC_aBi-ksX-RdQdc2z_Q10A5Oe1Eoh3zMKV9dqzFJgFGDZpKb4pXBRBXBQSIVQW-IsB3fmt9Hrg-Z6eZkTuFLM6BBPs3q94cPY/s1600/IMG_20180928_145040413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4VeQevxo0MxJlaOm2-hBbWr4_BVu_0h4cNDuPDHH0PC_aBi-ksX-RdQdc2z_Q10A5Oe1Eoh3zMKV9dqzFJgFGDZpKb4pXBRBXBQSIVQW-IsB3fmt9Hrg-Z6eZkTuFLM6BBPs3q94cPY/s640/IMG_20180928_145040413.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, I cheated: this is not my coping saw.</td></tr>
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I did some quick math and figured that I would probably like to do 2-3 trees for most of the bases, and the 15 of the pack would have 8 stands. After 10 minutes of hard sawing, I put down my coping saw and grabbed the jigsaw, which made much shorter work of the 1/4 inch board. I then used a power sander to bevel and round the edges.<br />
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(NOTE: I later remembered my jigsaw can change the pitch of its blade. Beveling with the cut saves a LOT of sanding.)<br />
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Next I set out my cut bases and allocated the trees. Based on the scale test, I decided that the tallest trees would be based alone. This allows them to be easily omitted on 15mm scale games, since they appear just a bit too big.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi75WAsnEtiWjOxJ3OQTlqQNc8Bxy2I_idiLtuMBcPx1F9qomFqHuKX1KtUhDqrJ232UVYSmsZMJMLbHQ79mZtRE_i19GgoqSN3SmaxO0XXXJsR1YVq8Bs9b9Zc1ufHx5FRtrlCEFGfB7k/s1600/palm-allocatiom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi75WAsnEtiWjOxJ3OQTlqQNc8Bxy2I_idiLtuMBcPx1F9qomFqHuKX1KtUhDqrJ232UVYSmsZMJMLbHQ79mZtRE_i19GgoqSN3SmaxO0XXXJsR1YVq8Bs9b9Zc1ufHx5FRtrlCEFGfB7k/s640/palm-allocatiom.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I drilled holes the same diameter as the taproots into the bases, then turned the stands over and counter drilled about 1/16 inch back with a larger drill bit<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyaUFjoFFWjHJ2HABdEGJAEJNzGNtXS27foR9dDHjY8xbBaT5m6ur9Z-yccdVV2xsZ9GCxk3gzO6TTuzeA8Flg6rsLtagdOXPUu7MxFzzL-Ddr5AVBuqa5LFvZYrg10a74Cm1pOHlHsjE/s1600/IMG_20180928_202819785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyaUFjoFFWjHJ2HABdEGJAEJNzGNtXS27foR9dDHjY8xbBaT5m6ur9Z-yccdVV2xsZ9GCxk3gzO6TTuzeA8Flg6rsLtagdOXPUu7MxFzzL-Ddr5AVBuqa5LFvZYrg10a74Cm1pOHlHsjE/s400/IMG_20180928_202819785.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
After I super glued the trees to their holes, I took a nail and gripped it in a pair of vice grips. Then I heated the nail with a lighter.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrM7d7tgHj3Fpexn2wIthA8lG3ZROjiVLM1Kgv4W6VGDxJxCuWOWe_sxKqEMKMk38HaDtnS1e9Sab6BaerQAfe_6IyV4SWrs6tXVXz0ge5NWOt8cKIiw9UlHe79ik59eWRFoBdG_D6i1c/s1600/IMG_20180928_202910662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrM7d7tgHj3Fpexn2wIthA8lG3ZROjiVLM1Kgv4W6VGDxJxCuWOWe_sxKqEMKMk38HaDtnS1e9Sab6BaerQAfe_6IyV4SWrs6tXVXz0ge5NWOt8cKIiw9UlHe79ik59eWRFoBdG_D6i1c/s400/IMG_20180928_202910662.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I used the hot nail head to flatten down the extra length of the taproot into the larger hole I drilled. Essentially it became its own rivet.<br />
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The last steps were to apply sand, paint, and flock to the bases using the same materials and processes seen <a href="http://weaselminis.blogspot.com/2018/09/desert-table-cheap-terrain-how-to.html">here</a>. I also added a quick wash to each tree using Sepia and <i>Nuln Oil</i> inks. I only managed two stands complete this weekend as sanding took a few hours more than expected. I need to finish sanding about 4 more bases before I can complete the project, but at least I have some good results to show for myself on the first few.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiodkifLzj7CH8SlPwKmKivVZT_EVCWeQ0NbAOW2ynE6gYF0crHLNet46wwiXAIq1y5D1KmQuD_UhBbmowL5NrQ3JOb2mxEOXiF-uO5b1Zn1Le4Jan6y1OM8Akw_O6_eImcENWqduu1nok/s1600/Palm-Churchill-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1505" data-original-width="1224" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiodkifLzj7CH8SlPwKmKivVZT_EVCWeQ0NbAOW2ynE6gYF0crHLNet46wwiXAIq1y5D1KmQuD_UhBbmowL5NrQ3JOb2mxEOXiF-uO5b1Zn1Le4Jan6y1OM8Akw_O6_eImcENWqduu1nok/s640/Palm-Churchill-2.JPG" width="520" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tank for... um... let's say "Scale"</td></tr>
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<br />Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426865709530330443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3170413593326543035.post-23351034879400193512018-09-26T10:56:00.000-07:002018-09-26T10:56:01.542-07:00X-Wing Blue Squadron Repaint<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8ujJaFKRSaJ3HUMqsEKmUsN1lmUkwYn6fJ-9aBG-7HO8Kf1_BlMHtqLNi1DVkjLocJ6jwEUl7O1mTxIqF60_UXNFajj8XTq49ottmaD9vHOn_3o_W40aKRjapFqm2hJfvDvG5-NEPbs/s1600/IMG_7655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1164" data-original-width="1600" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8ujJaFKRSaJ3HUMqsEKmUsN1lmUkwYn6fJ-9aBG-7HO8Kf1_BlMHtqLNi1DVkjLocJ6jwEUl7O1mTxIqF60_UXNFajj8XTq49ottmaD9vHOn_3o_W40aKRjapFqm2hJfvDvG5-NEPbs/s640/IMG_7655.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
With the debut of X-Wing 2.0, the time seems right to share my first repaint of the titular starfighter.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6PhqKSSM7nn5-5QpoRBe0Ohf8U7y5GRPORKlKxsHfDsGyZB2UH5ejtY0CC-rMB6qI7q5ToiGpEFTBySRMKfc_s2TqLRxzC64n1cYvuLR3WZpy-plVVvl9Ec4LDqe6UmFnOaestMOz-nA/s1600/IMG_7656.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6PhqKSSM7nn5-5QpoRBe0Ohf8U7y5GRPORKlKxsHfDsGyZB2UH5ejtY0CC-rMB6qI7q5ToiGpEFTBySRMKfc_s2TqLRxzC64n1cYvuLR3WZpy-plVVvl9Ec4LDqe6UmFnOaestMOz-nA/s640/IMG_7656.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I'm afraid I lost my WIP shots with my old computer, so this is a little more of a show and tell post.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7F6IJb3HKzQveex8ue-r8YQjaH8q6uX5Nu8XLvRs7nH3f-7ysXIluHCGpy-NItsu3gyncsv4cn__SDX8oIGioFgH9jfKyDRgM2ZLRJMnWyWA9N_rqjzpOY5gAd1ciLyqQSS20ppOui0/s1600/IMG_7652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1158" data-original-width="1600" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7F6IJb3HKzQveex8ue-r8YQjaH8q6uX5Nu8XLvRs7nH3f-7ysXIluHCGpy-NItsu3gyncsv4cn__SDX8oIGioFgH9jfKyDRgM2ZLRJMnWyWA9N_rqjzpOY5gAd1ciLyqQSS20ppOui0/s640/IMG_7652.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div>
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Although far from my favorite Star Wars film, Rogue One did resonate with me on a lot of levels (I think it was my own hopes for a space heist film a la Firefly that let me down the most). One of the things I did was love Blue Squadron.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikemuY8fNCtZVzdPdZXzn1Jc_hVqqJewnBvwPRKdgnj_d6DyPh6yRhCEkLWdvDAiMVpCOlR6LuqpXX2d1jwudIk5G7pgAhyphenhyphenra5bpHnr5kbzWH2mzME6hJfSkNo1QMrbFp7h6Izm0OpyQ0/s1600/IMG_7653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1178" data-original-width="1600" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikemuY8fNCtZVzdPdZXzn1Jc_hVqqJewnBvwPRKdgnj_d6DyPh6yRhCEkLWdvDAiMVpCOlR6LuqpXX2d1jwudIk5G7pgAhyphenhyphenra5bpHnr5kbzWH2mzME6hJfSkNo1QMrbFp7h6Izm0OpyQ0/s640/IMG_7653.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
My repaint is a bit of a cheat, as I did not strip the prepainted FFG model. Instead, I lightly primed with a dusting of white spray primer and then went to town.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgguE1ud0PouwN_kjCJez6em6N4ZU67qDPsiGrrr8_UYXWZ9i23hAfoTpGvW4yndAskk_8szWwCLZylxTfkLTrLHxWCI6iHXr9jtMloEVNQQ_WVwuieo3E8zU4ujPBdVE_88EK-JYtqLHw/s1600/IMG_7654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1385" data-original-width="1600" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgguE1ud0PouwN_kjCJez6em6N4ZU67qDPsiGrrr8_UYXWZ9i23hAfoTpGvW4yndAskk_8szWwCLZylxTfkLTrLHxWCI6iHXr9jtMloEVNQQ_WVwuieo3E8zU4ujPBdVE_88EK-JYtqLHw/s640/IMG_7654.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I had a serious advantage over modellers in the past this time. Since we now have streaming video, i was able to call up Rogue One on Netflix on my computer and freeze and screen cap to get a good look at the on-screen ships. </div>
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I painted my T-65 as Blue Leader, though he has no officals rules as of now. I've been playing him as Garven Dreis (Red Leader) as his pilot ability makes for a decent generic unit leader type role.</div>
Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426865709530330443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3170413593326543035.post-65908895880018910982018-09-23T06:33:00.000-07:002018-09-23T06:33:40.236-07:00Lead Painter's League 11Last year I entered the Lead Adventure Forum's <i>Lead Painter's League </i>painting challenge/contest. It was a grueling 10 week challenge of painting groups of at least 5 miniatures a week and photographing them in cool settings for an international competition.<br />
Here I've compiled all my entries, with just a little bit of speechifying about each.<br />
For those of you not on LAF, here are some of the key rules:<br />
• Each entry is paired against another painter's work and voted on<br />
• Winners of each round are determined by popular vote<br />
• Scenery is allowed so long as it's not a photograph<br />
• Each entry must be a Team (Same setting and the same side. ie Big game hunters can't team up with Lions)<br />
• Bonus points are awarded for following the theme (when applicable)<br />
• Bonus points are given to new (unpublished) models debuting on the challenge<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0wint8qVYOqI5I3GKzh5NkmMt-Nipy2iqIomFexbNaGUY6MNtfyvf_EGwO3kSVOy5RqRSGm61ivKSLsae66O6TIcAqUMxYlr1hR-tIetMD8g4nz1AlERbARfQLSGtEDUxpy-V9B7mMRE/s1600/TheWeasel_Consulting_the_Scouts_rd1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="1000" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0wint8qVYOqI5I3GKzh5NkmMt-Nipy2iqIomFexbNaGUY6MNtfyvf_EGwO3kSVOy5RqRSGm61ivKSLsae66O6TIcAqUMxYlr1hR-tIetMD8g4nz1AlERbARfQLSGtEDUxpy-V9B7mMRE/s640/TheWeasel_Consulting_the_Scouts_rd1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Round 1: Consulting the scouts</td></tr>
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My first entry was woodland Indians by Redoubt Miniatures. I have painted some of these in the past; the new ones are all carrying clubs. Attempting the first week photo reminded me that while painting a good mini is a difficult task, actually photographing it is just as challenging. I did not win my paring on this one.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3a0B-xktYUZrxI4vFmr5hTrHu8X4woRdfSfHDJtxV7P3WtQaJdXnHdIDe_1B4P-RODAkIA0Tbp-zguyzXRuVTRVUNXfzqUqUYpiNHDwgGSEdJVL_mKK3sQ8Bnkx99EVTK07nap-WrYEs/s1600/TheWeasel_Nock_Draw_Loose_Repeat_rd2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3a0B-xktYUZrxI4vFmr5hTrHu8X4woRdfSfHDJtxV7P3WtQaJdXnHdIDe_1B4P-RODAkIA0Tbp-zguyzXRuVTRVUNXfzqUqUYpiNHDwgGSEdJVL_mKK3sQ8Bnkx99EVTK07nap-WrYEs/s640/TheWeasel_Nock_Draw_Loose_Repeat_rd2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Round 2: Nock, Draw, Loose, Repeat as needed.</td></tr>
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For my second round I tried to wow using overwhelming numbers of classic GW Bretonnian archers.These are some of my favorite figures to paint, and many of them were converted with bits from the newer Bretonnians. Real shame they removed these guys from the Fantasy line. There are actually about twice this many on the table for the pic, but difficulty with focusing on the whole mob left me with a smaller vignette. I also did won this round on a very slim margin of votes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicKrsJ84AlWukYRm09AktTVdwWy0feVIIyOL8e9lYEwHwdSO0jcWHj1TPBGv3-oxVMgSuSgDMOuOhe1_29QnIzvfXU3Ei-smJdXS5mnk1CYzNXlHKYPyV9A4r4hFeJ7gjXVx3nYuP0ipU/s1600/TheWeasel_Relieving_the_Milita_rd3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="1000" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicKrsJ84AlWukYRm09AktTVdwWy0feVIIyOL8e9lYEwHwdSO0jcWHj1TPBGv3-oxVMgSuSgDMOuOhe1_29QnIzvfXU3Ei-smJdXS5mnk1CYzNXlHKYPyV9A4r4hFeJ7gjXVx3nYuP0ipU/s640/TheWeasel_Relieving_the_Milita_rd3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Round 3: Relieving the Militia</td></tr>
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Round 3 was my big AWI entry. Almost every figure I own for this range is in the photo, though the focus is on the newly painted continental line relieving the waivering militia as their redoubt is being overrun. It was a lot of fun to stage this, and I really like the cinematic result. This entry did take its round with a 2/3 majority of votes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7CHgj0Yq1sfIv_K85CMVWdnb7BAsZeBH_155n_dQXLJR7CCELbrX_b_F9E0CZ9Gs_yW8qMJ43BS1MIL34rlaYKZeK8gvudkON_f0Zu0vl1wZvKZT-N-ZEpYCY7tS7YbHtxql89XjFZe4/s1600/TheWeasel_Up_the_Garden_Path_15mm_rd4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="513" data-original-width="1000" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7CHgj0Yq1sfIv_K85CMVWdnb7BAsZeBH_155n_dQXLJR7CCELbrX_b_F9E0CZ9Gs_yW8qMJ43BS1MIL34rlaYKZeK8gvudkON_f0Zu0vl1wZvKZT-N-ZEpYCY7tS7YbHtxql89XjFZe4/s640/TheWeasel_Up_the_Garden_Path_15mm_rd4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Round 4: Up the Garden Path</td></tr>
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Round 4 allowed me do debut my new British infantry for FoW in 15mm. Mine are uniformed for Mediterranean service, from about Tunisia through early Italian campaign. Of course now they'll likely serve in the desert as not. Shooting just a few 15's is quite difficult, as it turns out, but the scenery worked nice with the little ambush story here. This tied its round.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja9vB6GI6fY4_TqQzApa66nUJ86IBXC7Aa0ajytAnSVc1HtvVn8jSXCljDMXbyXL0glt-oY-R1YgszmE6SqvBZCFsaab__-5_n2C-8OkqksEB7mql8L95NwJ8z5AMDBDFlGdQ_o75tiIE/s1600/TheWeasel_Prize_Crew_rd4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja9vB6GI6fY4_TqQzApa66nUJ86IBXC7Aa0ajytAnSVc1HtvVn8jSXCljDMXbyXL0glt-oY-R1YgszmE6SqvBZCFsaab__-5_n2C-8OkqksEB7mql8L95NwJ8z5AMDBDFlGdQ_o75tiIE/s640/TheWeasel_Prize_Crew_rd4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Round 5: Prize Crew</td></tr>
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Prize Crew was not my best entry. Not only did I forego newly painted status to work on the ship instead, but the photo did not work out as well as I had liked. I did at least stick to the "ship's crew" bonus theme, and I am happy with my brig using a Playmobil hull (build log to come... probably with some fixes to the hurriedly finished rigging.) This entry did quite poorly in its round, not least because it was paired against a very well done dock scene.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiboMXYvSI-cdYW3eIU_whtU0chUGE-YehPjQ89lSJrl2YQdmzQ4RAxsHKpB0Cazt4dMxF8a1o9TmOmGT3Rqs6e1EjyKf7vdp7K3hn75HcCY5IZKafyVIivWWS0qK6aaxqm7eT_0quwFSE/s1600/TheWeasel_Imperial_counterinsurgency_rd6%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="447" data-original-width="1000" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiboMXYvSI-cdYW3eIU_whtU0chUGE-YehPjQ89lSJrl2YQdmzQ4RAxsHKpB0Cazt4dMxF8a1o9TmOmGT3Rqs6e1EjyKf7vdp7K3hn75HcCY5IZKafyVIivWWS0qK6aaxqm7eT_0quwFSE/s640/TheWeasel_Imperial_counterinsurgency_rd6%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Round 6: Imperial Counter Insurgency</td></tr>
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There's a lot to talk about in this one. Those who read my foray into Star Wars Legion will have gotten a bit of this already. The rebel troopers in this picture are repaints of my very first miniatures. I used to buy these at Disneyland at the Star Tours giftshop when I was 10. They were about the only Star Wars toy I could get my hands on during the dark period of SW merch' between <i>Jedi</i> and <i>Phantom Menace</i>. The other figures were found as reprints in some Monopoly games I scored at thrift shops, as well as a few Micro Machines Action Fleet troopers. Look and Soontir Fel were both modifications of Monopoly figures. The three sets fit well together, and I'm very pleased to create what I had only hoped to 25 years ago. I scored a very solid tie (difference in only 3 votes) with another quite competent painter this round.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdFa7k5HJEJF0N-CWl422Ypw0Ex2s3HNevTgE6xyNI0xoj53aKT8pDPsFXiCCuinZCSHCsQT41lI3f6AF4bUYMAEl7wpicZ8KX0pHzaPP3MXRhtQwyQds9savaQ3etJK-VbzxwlFxW6S4/s1600/TheWeasel_Boots_on_the-Ground_rd7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="489" data-original-width="1000" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdFa7k5HJEJF0N-CWl422Ypw0Ex2s3HNevTgE6xyNI0xoj53aKT8pDPsFXiCCuinZCSHCsQT41lI3f6AF4bUYMAEl7wpicZ8KX0pHzaPP3MXRhtQwyQds9savaQ3etJK-VbzxwlFxW6S4/s640/TheWeasel_Boots_on_the-Ground_rd7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Round 7: Boots on the Ground.</td></tr>
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<i>Boots on the Ground</i> was a real challenge to color correct. I created a special gradient background for this photo blending from a sand color up to a blue sky to simulate rotor washway the hovering Blackhawk. Unfortunately I hadn't included a white Swatch into the photo so the white balance was way off and difficult to work with. The figures are from the game Skirmish Sangin's Maalinti Rangers expansion and the helicopter is a modified Testor's 1:60 die cast kit.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQHf1ucIEzvnlLSW_mA2TzaOGxtTZtF8h1vzzeMokkmMQIdX54VqDVbUAhURgFWN5o7IBjVC4d2VAOpyu3hM4QxEbeGjY9_4diAnCo6ESkd8wGGkHc_8-ihzwOasMdHyAexEmlFH8zyXs/s1600/TheWeasel_African_Anti-imperialists_rd8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="503" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQHf1ucIEzvnlLSW_mA2TzaOGxtTZtF8h1vzzeMokkmMQIdX54VqDVbUAhURgFWN5o7IBjVC4d2VAOpyu3hM4QxEbeGjY9_4diAnCo6ESkd8wGGkHc_8-ihzwOasMdHyAexEmlFH8zyXs/s640/TheWeasel_African_Anti-imperialists_rd8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Round 8: African Anti-imperialists</td></tr>
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<i>African Anti-imperialists</i> was far and away the best received of my entries. It certainly photographed well, with vibrant colors and good focus on the figures. I had a blast painting these men, and hope they see use in game soon. The men come from the Perry Brothers Madhists set. I even received positive feedback from one of the painters I look up to the most, and that is worth more than winning. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7wQBDziKpK4BCQLZa3PHY1yVtbp_RKMCfiYrpyoijmNr5DQcmRf13MsGO7sNsIWmnN14rnisktcWAbWGvfoje5B_sv7qSizjCI69GWl9igr9b3GRB5hDEnVj3X-ow8iUk2jCnxEfBKM/s1600/TheWeasel_Dunadain_rd9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7wQBDziKpK4BCQLZa3PHY1yVtbp_RKMCfiYrpyoijmNr5DQcmRf13MsGO7sNsIWmnN14rnisktcWAbWGvfoje5B_sv7qSizjCI69GWl9igr9b3GRB5hDEnVj3X-ow8iUk2jCnxEfBKM/s640/TheWeasel_Dunadain_rd9.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Round 9: Dunadein</td></tr>
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Round 9 was from a set of Citadel LotR figures I picked up way back when I worked at Games Workshop, which feels like half a lifetime ago. These are the beautifully sculpted rangers of the north that came in the Guardians of the Shire pack along with Glorfindel the Elf. I tried to maintain the subtle mismatched earthtones of Strider from the film series (Always loved his worn look). In the end I was paired against one of the best painters in the league so I lost by a landslide.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHBHzG89AmgsYFNpAW_VArJTpQJd6pyjc9EihqPhx5GfN1grQfQnL6NKWi4GHJcqAH0lfoieMeSBPegvRf3OmfxlVLj9YOc3uvs3163QR7olE6zPw4ZkWfYHPp7h_p_wPtkDsQeb-2Kk4/s1600/TheWeasel_Ladies_do_not_play_soldier_rd9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="1000" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHBHzG89AmgsYFNpAW_VArJTpQJd6pyjc9EihqPhx5GfN1grQfQnL6NKWi4GHJcqAH0lfoieMeSBPegvRf3OmfxlVLj9YOc3uvs3163QR7olE6zPw4ZkWfYHPp7h_p_wPtkDsQeb-2Kk4/s640/TheWeasel_Ladies_do_not_play_soldier_rd9.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Round 10: Ladies do not play "Soldier"</td></tr>
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I went out with a whimper, not a bang with my final entry. My painting of the Continental Marines and the children was a bit hurried, and the photography really let me down. I hope to post better pictures of the camp followers and civilians to the blog soon.<br />
<br />
Despite some regrets on a few rounds, and a longing to have shown myself better, this was not your normal competition where you get to preen a single figure for months on end to show your best work. This was not a sprint. It was a marathon. It may not sound like 50 figures (minimum...) over 10 weeks was that much, but it really takes some stamina to see it through. In the end I'm satisfied that I was able to give an entry each week and to complete the challenge (not all entrants make it all of the way).<br />
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It took me a while to recover from this challenge and is a large part of why Weasel Minis went quiet for a while.<br />
<br />Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426865709530330443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3170413593326543035.post-67100827916813380592018-09-15T21:46:00.000-07:002018-09-15T21:46:02.188-07:00Desert Table: Cheap Terrain How-To<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7c5Do2xEaKRdyQC7ZYa2fQprNsSTj7SCsc-cMFZfd81C_t1Cqgt9LzCrDIrLkjNwtXwgZhCEFhX-4H2H9I7F-PlpX7GiD2BRuQpk2gFXLPZrGTOMs8lKoPYRS3KrSBJ3GBUmKU91kcRY/s1600/IMG_5267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7c5Do2xEaKRdyQC7ZYa2fQprNsSTj7SCsc-cMFZfd81C_t1Cqgt9LzCrDIrLkjNwtXwgZhCEFhX-4H2H9I7F-PlpX7GiD2BRuQpk2gFXLPZrGTOMs8lKoPYRS3KrSBJ3GBUmKU91kcRY/s640/IMG_5267.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It totally matches the patio!</td></tr>
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Last time I introduced my new sand terrain table. Today I'll show you how I did it, and discuss how I plan to expand on this.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv0HdNnYVcrc2j0LpOt9UHjjSHq3UdU7z5RJSXeCTBNfq75y8JX5VHcjDpFTpNJblUXJmoQrMlreoFB-qllhWvOI_G5FiEU6UMkIkFjWpqSMmGAaoZxf59_jpnlQJ9Pn1uWpSCClV3WiY/s1600/Free+MDF.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv0HdNnYVcrc2j0LpOt9UHjjSHq3UdU7z5RJSXeCTBNfq75y8JX5VHcjDpFTpNJblUXJmoQrMlreoFB-qllhWvOI_G5FiEU6UMkIkFjWpqSMmGAaoZxf59_jpnlQJ9Pn1uWpSCClV3WiY/s640/Free+MDF.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The board; the plan.</td></tr>
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A neighbor was throwing away decent 4ft by 8ft MDF panels. That's a
game table! I put them on my car's roof and drove them slowly home,
dropping one a few times as I went the two blocks to my house, and
dinging a corner or two. Still free though.<br />
<br />
My
plan for this table surface was to build it in 3ft by 4ft segments for
easier storage. Unlike my fold-able 4-panel table, this one was not
designed for transport, but rather for convenient use hosting games at
my house (It does fit in my trunk though...) It would have no supporting
frame work as to store as flat as possible among the card tables in my
garage.<br />
<br />
<u>Tools: </u><br />
• Jigsaw<br />
• Clamps<br />
• Chip Brush<br />
• Sander<br />
• Paint Roller<br />
• Paint Roller Tray<br />
• Sand Sifter Toy<br />
• Yard Stick<br />
• Furring Strip (1x2in x 4ft)<br />
• Do I need to list the pencil?<br />
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<u>Supplies:</u><u> </u><br />
• Hardboard 8ft x 4ft<br />
• Playground Sand (Small Bucket full)<br />
• School Glue (I used about 5 bottles!)<br />
• Medium Brown House Paint - 1 Qt<br />
• Light Brown House Paint - 1 Qt<br />
• Khaki Craft Paint - 2x 1 Oz bottles<br />
• Light Green Flock<br />
• Small Bowl (For making Glue Mixture) <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tVyy_M9jZMzjAzar95Q8eiuEVWZCGVGwxGnlqb5oZ41bDVCVb1YNtj9D2sJF_Tact8gySKutfgvjm0YUx8FxxkxuvNDSRO8GVtjpVMP5bfCVM99q2sC8Gepu4LZS3Zx45hejK8lccsM/s1600/Cut-Jig.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tVyy_M9jZMzjAzar95Q8eiuEVWZCGVGwxGnlqb5oZ41bDVCVb1YNtj9D2sJF_Tact8gySKutfgvjm0YUx8FxxkxuvNDSRO8GVtjpVMP5bfCVM99q2sC8Gepu4LZS3Zx45hejK8lccsM/s640/Cut-Jig.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting Jig using a furring strip (I even managed to find a straight one!) to cut a long straight line without a table saw.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4LaAyWs0XIhrGYbmnmZQozyLvTa_E9PR10iQO0ZnBxo-HwQa7zZACB2qDe1Sk6SF993owP42y_4wuAobe43PlHYYvyjorwPNZfoXKLTcUQM4rXSktnj12ah4idPMbCB2r6Y80jUrCInc/s640/Cut-Depth.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I used my longest blade on the jigsaw so it would not go higher than
the sheet I cut and bounce while cutting. (And yes, this edge will need
some sanding.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Most games require that your table should be 25% covered by terrain
features. This was quite convenient, since an 8ft by 4ft board minus the
two 3ft by 4ft pieces leaves a 2ft by 4ft scrap: 1/3 of the finished
board size! I drew out some amorphous blobs by pencil, then used a
combination of jigsaw to cut out the rough shapes and coping saw for the
finer corners.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeYG_ktMLBEH2FdE9Dl_VniKGdqvtgn-_qUVq1623C1Doc4RYk52u4DnaUj68L-jt60SrCisfttDFS5QfbnHa47eMb1iWNCHXaOxrB7kgsoScYyMWWZkaKZ_3NWAeWtvz0IJXGBgZHmzs/s1600/Rough-Piece.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1296" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeYG_ktMLBEH2FdE9Dl_VniKGdqvtgn-_qUVq1623C1Doc4RYk52u4DnaUj68L-jt60SrCisfttDFS5QfbnHa47eMb1iWNCHXaOxrB7kgsoScYyMWWZkaKZ_3NWAeWtvz0IJXGBgZHmzs/s640/Rough-Piece.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rough shapes cut by jigsaw.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The jigsaw was good at mostly cutting out the terrain template shapes, but had trouble getting some of the tighter corners. At some point the pieces got too small or difficult to clamp, and the vibration of the saw was hard to overcome. I had to finish off these parts by hand with a coping saw.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBHrwZ4MPuoSACwp_HBMmirTS2cXmbwyOJ9Yp6KqLcBncOdPbaPqkUkoYMtE3RsQBtrLgXGjsR6G77nvWbg4rb4s7DOEhG1BR4-NzXHUk8oOt50Jh6ClAk7IC28NMYudYZrpltYQ1wsi8/s1600/Coping.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1296" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBHrwZ4MPuoSACwp_HBMmirTS2cXmbwyOJ9Yp6KqLcBncOdPbaPqkUkoYMtE3RsQBtrLgXGjsR6G77nvWbg4rb4s7DOEhG1BR4-NzXHUk8oOt50Jh6ClAk7IC28NMYudYZrpltYQ1wsi8/s640/Coping.JPG" width="640" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corners finished by hand with a coping saw. Now properly amourphous!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Both saws left some pretty rough edges. I sanded these down with my small power sander. In addition to sanding the edges, I did the top and bottom surfaces near the edges to slightly taper the pieces to make them easier to pick up on table, and to blend them onto the overall board better when finished.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKZZx_NijgqUX2GuiZ3BMFdnSWeKlRwOP5UiTarpexQ4r67QrSGchUixjaKbqPStc0tT1UHUUk7xmLvkqAcw4Mzf_Cfml-t6-IsPC3ofAgiuCLNc0sk__tR4hYqOZiThOFhPuOJh-Q-v8/s1600/Sanding.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKZZx_NijgqUX2GuiZ3BMFdnSWeKlRwOP5UiTarpexQ4r67QrSGchUixjaKbqPStc0tT1UHUUk7xmLvkqAcw4Mzf_Cfml-t6-IsPC3ofAgiuCLNc0sk__tR4hYqOZiThOFhPuOJh-Q-v8/s640/Sanding.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I sanded the upper and lower surfaces, as well as the outer edge.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once sanded, they were ready to be...sanded....? The next step was applying the sandy texture. For this I used real sand from my daughter's sandbox. Play sand (available at hardware stores) comes pre-washed so there's not a lot of dirt or debris in it, making it easier to glue and paint. I also like the variety of fine sizes that comes in it so you don't get too even of a surface, or too rough.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4dijr1sToUaTVKDCJQVw5EHZ2zPgYdmWcN0cAZB7PXC7kgx-PiCku-iP12dvuFXlHuG7zCNj4EKzXsmgOq76Vh96cxK9C-icZPxWTDW951UFfvF5GaZQ5JfAkktqbrY2IFdjfGjTCeA/s1600/Painting-Glue.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4dijr1sToUaTVKDCJQVw5EHZ2zPgYdmWcN0cAZB7PXC7kgx-PiCku-iP12dvuFXlHuG7zCNj4EKzXsmgOq76Vh96cxK9C-icZPxWTDW951UFfvF5GaZQ5JfAkktqbrY2IFdjfGjTCeA/s640/Painting-Glue.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tools for the fun part: toddler's sandbox, sand sifter, school glue, and chip brush.<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For this I painted on school glue (really cheap during back to school season) with only a little water mixed in. Basically I got the brush wet with water, put glue onto the hardboard, and spread it with the wet brush.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHTL0TkHXZbvJ-xkmWCrBcr4g5RvwfQjVMY07EwOcLOfKn9lTmNNeetGfc0-6TrlGYF5zFyjG4RF66RnEmJI-tehBqmEW-k-NJ9kWccBUaQun_Js2I7xWqOaPtWjDlEr12RLVW0BVXe6k/s1600/Sifting.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHTL0TkHXZbvJ-xkmWCrBcr4g5RvwfQjVMY07EwOcLOfKn9lTmNNeetGfc0-6TrlGYF5zFyjG4RF66RnEmJI-tehBqmEW-k-NJ9kWccBUaQun_Js2I7xWqOaPtWjDlEr12RLVW0BVXe6k/s640/Sifting.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sifting for even coverage, or using the project as an excuse to play in the sandbox? Jury's still out.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
When the sand dried the first time, I went
back with more diluted school glue and painted on top to help hold it
down and to give the surface a little cushion for the occasional dropped
model.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRFL_G2WUgU5pi5sJARQ5jj3NZbmYXR72nvKeyed-uLdpcnlOI28il9pzaRUCF1oRBE8PeMrdpAyLJhCPjm9V9jF4zmNlRCjIc0SpUQ4sGJljGCb4KkC_y-ZxbPRYTya4-4GNTPgHaEcY/s1600/Glue-Glaze.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRFL_G2WUgU5pi5sJARQ5jj3NZbmYXR72nvKeyed-uLdpcnlOI28il9pzaRUCF1oRBE8PeMrdpAyLJhCPjm9V9jF4zmNlRCjIc0SpUQ4sGJljGCb4KkC_y-ZxbPRYTya4-4GNTPgHaEcY/s640/Glue-Glaze.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tools for the glue glaze. The little bowl is an empty shaving soap bowl, and very handy for mixing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
After the top coat of glue dried, I went on the the base coat for the boards and terrain features. I did all these together in one batch so that they could match. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRz3AlBp7tTyAUQ0yAu2bz0r-hG59PtJ1bY8ImDe2JkPysqL_60htP6LrHVEpYlbhz83DfA-hWSQz3gmdF1UqKMhuHhIAf4REC3ve9EalGbLJKbWVT4LqEXqQVxcpFH2FB3iTIT5gqro0/s1600/Basecoat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1358" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRz3AlBp7tTyAUQ0yAu2bz0r-hG59PtJ1bY8ImDe2JkPysqL_60htP6LrHVEpYlbhz83DfA-hWSQz3gmdF1UqKMhuHhIAf4REC3ve9EalGbLJKbWVT4LqEXqQVxcpFH2FB3iTIT5gqro0/s640/Basecoat.jpg" width="542" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> The
base coat was an "Oops" paint at Home Depot that looked a lot like VMC
German Camo Light Brown, and was only $9 for the gallon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Of all the paints I used this one was the most important to go on thick.
I used house paint so that the paint can help hold the sand to the
board and provide a little more cushion to the surface. All in all I used somewhere around 2/3 of the gallon of paint. I may have been able to be a little more frugal and get away with just a quart. Maybe next time.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5sIMcPdVGShCABS_mkCKvYVMEcxm_nkEO-7OZ7ZeWYHdNLdQxVOoKwlwwDFEpB3bC6X2TXOJjuGOGpkqF0NzcvvxS9ms3v246Fq0qc2zxQzPwWYazCgBf1DSttFEm3HHpWO2uvQGnRTo/s1600/Basecoat-Applied.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="1600" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5sIMcPdVGShCABS_mkCKvYVMEcxm_nkEO-7OZ7ZeWYHdNLdQxVOoKwlwwDFEpB3bC6X2TXOJjuGOGpkqF0NzcvvxS9ms3v246Fq0qc2zxQzPwWYazCgBf1DSttFEm3HHpWO2uvQGnRTo/s640/Basecoat-Applied.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Base coat applied. I went heavy on purpose.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Whenthe base coat was good and dry (not long here in CA) I went to add the mid tone highlight drybrush. I experimented with using a foam roller brush for this, and the results were good: It laid down an even light coat quickly. This does not need much paint, and I only used 2 small bottles of cheap craft store acrylic. The quality of this layer didn't matter much as the base coat is what really sealed in the sand.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmTUrV_LyxgPGGkJrl-FBmrnqa-NXAjRYhZI12sJXhzTA6wmhMHEoe6hjUXom04VqiEjMLi6_-FMlZuF_9riO2chHWxQlGJD-5P6rL8jU2tV2wABRjMvrVJuGf9c8RTcFjl3IaZ3gqFI/s1600/Highlight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmTUrV_LyxgPGGkJrl-FBmrnqa-NXAjRYhZI12sJXhzTA6wmhMHEoe6hjUXom04VqiEjMLi6_-FMlZuF_9riO2chHWxQlGJD-5P6rL8jU2tV2wABRjMvrVJuGf9c8RTcFjl3IaZ3gqFI/s640/Highlight.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even the bottom of the [Apple] Barrel paint works for drybrushing terrain!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The last
highlight drybrush was done with another oops paint from Home Depot.
This one was a light beige quite similar to the old Citadel Bleached
Bone. For the two top coats, I let myself get a little patchy so I wouldn't have too solid a color for the whole table.</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcyE2gdwWss3pEH5lxGKc4xz82AAFU-QPcP5-NurMbSRdrUMclJjXFfiVC5rQIj3YSJFcXgQ5AOKrnkhs4zYzlvBvMqQh34DHrHfz4QMWBdjlOlxhbjOOKhuRfkr-bV88k5mNHk6VtJro/s1600/Painted-Board.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcyE2gdwWss3pEH5lxGKc4xz82AAFU-QPcP5-NurMbSRdrUMclJjXFfiVC5rQIj3YSJFcXgQ5AOKrnkhs4zYzlvBvMqQh34DHrHfz4QMWBdjlOlxhbjOOKhuRfkr-bV88k5mNHk6VtJro/s640/Painted-Board.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All paint applied!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
At this point, the board itself is finished, and I went on to add detail to the hills and area terrain templates. I added some ground foam flock left over from the <a href="http://weaselminis.blogspot.com/2014/06/portable-game-table-flora.html">last table</a>. I started using the same methods as last time, but thought it was a bit too much turf for a desert board, so I tried another approach using smaller dots of glue scattered around the template.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgslzJmyTYOu5l1EW4B3y_BbUeRPOnmsUljawWYx6KDVYRQTcPFMI2s16rph91GMkUZpnLPlAOjjEI1FRgwYAkpNiuEF7gZsbKmmVr8nvlEJiB1l53J5xiJRJEFygMAMP5tS-02tzUJxq8/s1600/Vegetation-Comparison.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1296" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgslzJmyTYOu5l1EW4B3y_BbUeRPOnmsUljawWYx6KDVYRQTcPFMI2s16rph91GMkUZpnLPlAOjjEI1FRgwYAkpNiuEF7gZsbKmmVr8nvlEJiB1l53J5xiJRJEFygMAMP5tS-02tzUJxq8/s640/Vegetation-Comparison.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testing two competing approaches to flock.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I also added some old Citadel tuft grass to the template for more variety. I did not like these tufts on my miniatures since the glue used to produce them stayed opaque and was visible on darker bases. On my light desert floor, however, the white undersides blend in nicely and let me get mileage out of otherwise wasted supplies.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJLdGftzqhfauNKsJlleCZ-ScN-Zacz1YNd-gs340fx4Itn0y8YFTfUgo0oSlnAmBFVc9TDwYbpYnGz9AkrhZXWWNreRE4Ou3jF4Xv3CesRQFdOZPb6wEx4kOQAYgEgsUhQ05h6hyphenhyphenmKM/s1600/Vegetation-in-Context.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1296" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJLdGftzqhfauNKsJlleCZ-ScN-Zacz1YNd-gs340fx4Itn0y8YFTfUgo0oSlnAmBFVc9TDwYbpYnGz9AkrhZXWWNreRE4Ou3jF4Xv3CesRQFdOZPb6wEx4kOQAYgEgsUhQ05h6hyphenhyphenmKM/s640/Vegetation-in-Context.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In context, I like the sparse flock better than the heavy coverage.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I did notice that after applying flock once, the glue started to seep through and
become visible, so I added a second dusting to avoid the shiny surface.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctH37QSWWQMLSgNX8CFwpEcowA246PL7vcGkAWOMj_D_2u-gUKs6RFYkGVqlEg-OKxyKnXkjsag-C2kce6fD_aoIP2IiXNbiMqBckDJ62qQb4HzUKCyc1KE9iAw5CAR2q1NRoDDC-nfk/s1600/Flocking.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctH37QSWWQMLSgNX8CFwpEcowA246PL7vcGkAWOMj_D_2u-gUKs6RFYkGVqlEg-OKxyKnXkjsag-C2kce6fD_aoIP2IiXNbiMqBckDJ62qQb4HzUKCyc1KE9iAw5CAR2q1NRoDDC-nfk/s640/Flocking.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A second dusting.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The hill making process was not included here, but I'll write about
it separately in a future post. It deserves its own attention.<br />
<br />
Future additions will be:<br />
<ul>
<li>Better detailing on exposed rock faces</li>
<li>Light desert scrub foliage for area terrain templates</li>
<li>Scatter terrain for area templates: Larger scrub and rocks</li>
<li>More palm trees! (this would also lead toward a secondary use as Scarif for SW Legion)</li>
<li>Third 3ft x 4ft panel of sandy beach and ocean</li>
<li>Scarif Landing Pad</li>
<li>Additional 15mm desert buildings</li>
<li>28mm Shantytown for Mogadishu use</li>
<li>Felt backing to panels to protect my wife's tables :) </li>
</ul>
Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426865709530330443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3170413593326543035.post-40327602888805834852018-09-09T21:13:00.000-07:002018-09-09T21:13:52.820-07:00Desert Table <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLq4x_AMeTgNLtv6y4OPhQlIMANuf-b7rUUOq1ggbpehKy3ciZGzgn55wA2W_ZDmqJVrD028KKQdehLGk1JtItYj6w3jI5FNXxCLQRQ8dh33GGA0biBaKQR7RlOdf6ALKHuYu5mQ2aEw/s1600/IMG_5271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="1600" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLq4x_AMeTgNLtv6y4OPhQlIMANuf-b7rUUOq1ggbpehKy3ciZGzgn55wA2W_ZDmqJVrD028KKQdehLGk1JtItYj6w3jI5FNXxCLQRQ8dh33GGA0biBaKQR7RlOdf6ALKHuYu5mQ2aEw/s640/IMG_5271.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7pAoAVpyjynpSAeaxmw3mXNYM6LDjwuHv_tpmnWmaRcZn41DfIj9YT9Wc7mdH_Guq0iz6fCKpaGKhB8_d98JvwnQkPBjTGvaVkEhgFGvK8lttsJ6wNTeGM0d9Hsojg2YfsAJY7Pxa0P4/s1600/IMG_5268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1148" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7pAoAVpyjynpSAeaxmw3mXNYM6LDjwuHv_tpmnWmaRcZn41DfIj9YT9Wc7mdH_Guq0iz6fCKpaGKhB8_d98JvwnQkPBjTGvaVkEhgFGvK8lttsJ6wNTeGM0d9Hsojg2YfsAJY7Pxa0P4/s400/IMG_5268.JPG" width="282" /></a>One of the projects I have been working on of late has been a sand/desert terrain table. A recent lucky find of several sheets of 4ft x 8ft MDF boards being discarded as a part of a local home remodel in my neighborhood tipped me over the edge and into action. As was with the case of the portable game table, this table would need to scale between 15mm and 28 (and now 32 mm!) figures. Thankfully desert is not difficult to do this with. This is a classic style table, with glued sand painted with several layers of paint.<br />
So these pics are of a <i>nearly complete</i> table; there are still a
few more things I want to polish off before I consider this table Done.
As it stands, I have two 3ft by 4ft sections of table surface, enough
terrain to cover 1/4 of it. The matching terrain pieces are some hills, a
15mm scale desert dwelling, and some amorphous blob pieces for area
terrain or at least adding <i>some</i> variety to an endless sea of sand.<br />
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This terrain will primarily serve as the sands of North Africa for my Flames of War 7th Armoured Division. I have nearly completed a small house at this scale that can serve as cover and objective, and have a second one cut from styrofoam.<br />
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While I get my build tutorial in order, please enjoy the pics of the (really close to being done) table. <br />
(So of course with a new terrain set, I had to try out some of my favorite figures on it...)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSIy9gjC3Npi34a4_WPVECP5PcpCtpCoskrgn9A9Irn79gSa0idbosNfGjCoSjpSG_zipZuiOIsoj8CkxLmOEI9B5IGb2cDxnYrsU0gwMMyT0qIbQO1OajThSNK32aAtYpRwhO4C6Jdqw/s640/IMG_5270.JPG" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This house will probably get one more highlight drybrush to bring it a little closer to white.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJCySm4LcsWXdwpr9aZN1uXQMaUodiqnha8K5j6SIee4Bp_gKOa_ptdcHbmXmBccdGLRbTjMKQaaK3dT2D-ABKJzxXj6DhNCXdxBZwvh4rv01SejPYJFLNvo-_8Tn6kBvx2yQyccOC20Y/s640/IMG_5300.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perry Brothers Madhists</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJSt3SLjoQwvs0qIVwNQtvlm_r-SUL7ygpgf9jcSE6b1CKmFWuFv793KEwwxLAaAYmkTB2jn7qs4EKAoy3ljt4bW0kTIfSEXbit_J7InqZRy216q0ujit4V5xoUSfPdiObXUHfMcgC6c/s1600/IMG_5305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="908" data-original-width="1600" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJSt3SLjoQwvs0qIVwNQtvlm_r-SUL7ygpgf9jcSE6b1CKmFWuFv793KEwwxLAaAYmkTB2jn7qs4EKAoy3ljt4bW0kTIfSEXbit_J7InqZRy216q0ujit4V5xoUSfPdiObXUHfMcgC6c/s640/IMG_5305.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rangers and Delta from Skirmish Sangin's Maalinti Rangers set</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxitqyLVFOjFxl71bo66TwuNS98DGzB_R_VaJDK3nt0EHG-TaEGNzHCI_xOzUs5dppkNjUG_WeqEVWvgNfR8Qs2fmwsI3rL5e15ltkVbwbmUWbMt0IG8NxsNquipM1O21QqiKjXXMqNU/s1600/Shermans-Desert-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxitqyLVFOjFxl71bo66TwuNS98DGzB_R_VaJDK3nt0EHG-TaEGNzHCI_xOzUs5dppkNjUG_WeqEVWvgNfR8Qs2fmwsI3rL5e15ltkVbwbmUWbMt0IG8NxsNquipM1O21QqiKjXXMqNU/s640/Shermans-Desert-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">15mm Shermans in 7th Armoured service.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7uOEdv_vekWkanWHrTw_49YQvVAYqMj9IbqFu9cjLcq6eXAgqXCmHZp4j2MmeGZKyMJW7jjhVwtb81LhUVkihouwreFpx8Z_0K0sZl7oisqkIGuZjHDb8ZIil5XrxZpERIOAR3HldMo/s1600/Droid-Search.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7uOEdv_vekWkanWHrTw_49YQvVAYqMj9IbqFu9cjLcq6eXAgqXCmHZp4j2MmeGZKyMJW7jjhVwtb81LhUVkihouwreFpx8Z_0K0sZl7oisqkIGuZjHDb8ZIil5XrxZpERIOAR3HldMo/s640/Droid-Search.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking for droids in all the wrong places.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS82IU4Jv5RO6eJ66zhVIcBc4QdkAm8J7PqJaJedesXeQNAA2ihR_YkssMSf6tY_C2PyCVEchHGgkfX-hHnhoAWc7dvvDDON2rJQxYCk9aGWgG2rh0FeqTvj__GJCkOraHQOL1plQcS4c/s1600/IMG_5382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1128" data-original-width="1600" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS82IU4Jv5RO6eJ66zhVIcBc4QdkAm8J7PqJaJedesXeQNAA2ihR_YkssMSf6tY_C2PyCVEchHGgkfX-hHnhoAWc7dvvDDON2rJQxYCk9aGWgG2rh0FeqTvj__GJCkOraHQOL1plQcS4c/s640/IMG_5382.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raid on Scarif</td></tr>
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<span id="goog_1248176682"></span><span id="goog_1248176683"></span><br />Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426865709530330443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3170413593326543035.post-52684357013191510602018-09-02T21:51:00.001-07:002018-09-02T21:52:42.998-07:00Star Wars Legion: First Squads<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_kyuggOAXynIH1DCYjzkCFzS_fXnHM1886EC6dP9XeBFrbn8RxTnlVlwXH2phOWahsaDQdWt7f3LaCB8lzAkal4qdAd83OfBAr5Ex8UzfJ48M_R2jPPPsjZlgvEDmPH4uFyRRSDH8hs/s1600/Rebels-Imperials.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="1600" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_kyuggOAXynIH1DCYjzkCFzS_fXnHM1886EC6dP9XeBFrbn8RxTnlVlwXH2phOWahsaDQdWt7f3LaCB8lzAkal4qdAd83OfBAr5Ex8UzfJ48M_R2jPPPsjZlgvEDmPH4uFyRRSDH8hs/s640/Rebels-Imperials.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I really love these sculpts!</td></tr>
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Since Fantasy Flight Games' announcement last August, I had eagerly awaited the release of their new system set in my favorite fandom: Star Wars Legion.<br />
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Technically speaking, my first introduction to the world of miniatures painting and gaming was the old West End Games Star Wars figures from the mid 1990s. I used to eagerly pick up a pack from Disneyland on my yearly trip there (the only place I knew how to find them), and paint them up as best a 10 year old could using Testor's enamels and plastic modelling brushes. (They were made of real lead, too as I recall).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-iYLBx6nmwfyv1Ll1UiNznLJoHavaW2hTwF_byVJIwa4fjvr4KU5-96XGcNBfqg67Lzp68g4RAqlMfvhLTFyW-RexsTIbLaw4Pgzn_BNKbuNzrVewuYNiIglzQFI92VVjJ4RcScLzqZM/s1600/TheWeasel_Imperial_counterinsurgency_rd6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-iYLBx6nmwfyv1Ll1UiNznLJoHavaW2hTwF_byVJIwa4fjvr4KU5-96XGcNBfqg67Lzp68g4RAqlMfvhLTFyW-RexsTIbLaw4Pgzn_BNKbuNzrVewuYNiIglzQFI92VVjJ4RcScLzqZM/s640/TheWeasel_Imperial_counterinsurgency_rd6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For comparison to the new figures. Painted by Adult Ben, in the style that Kid Ben aspired to.</td></tr>
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It was during a period of renewed interest that the announcement for Legion dropped. I had just completed some repaints and new figures from the WEG line for the Lead Painter's League. (Two of these figures had been from my original set back in 1991, and the remainder were acquired through thrift shop finds of the old Monopoly games that used these figures as tokens but I digress).<br />
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Though I will always love the original models, I was immediately in love with the new sculpts. Waiting unitl the following April reminded me of the weeks leading up to Christmas as a kid, and I hung on every announcement hoping to hear they were finally releasing the game. (In anticipation fo the game I built the Bandai offering for the AT-ST in a very close scale. Look for a post on this in the near future!) Despite the interminable wait, I found myself a bit undecided when I actually had them in-hand, especially when it came to basing scheme and what the Rebels would wear. (It was never up for debate that I'd do my Imperials in their screen uniforms).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVNr5IS6jNTtUXzLxFpUprhtwYbsdsa9DUjeEtRK9NuBD7HHQnnjapdFlQv1vJTqn-sZ0_6fLPpyVLk5sQMxBilGxmQsB70U_PlVSa0luAbbMjSofjuwPytwXweWC30fElfmftYxKXh7Y/s1600/Stormtroopers-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="732" data-original-width="1600" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVNr5IS6jNTtUXzLxFpUprhtwYbsdsa9DUjeEtRK9NuBD7HHQnnjapdFlQv1vJTqn-sZ0_6fLPpyVLk5sQMxBilGxmQsB70U_PlVSa0luAbbMjSofjuwPytwXweWC30fElfmftYxKXh7Y/s640/Stormtroopers-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At time of posting it is still before Labor Day, so this paint scheme is OK. Also note that while painting white is difficult, photographing it is much more challenging!</td></tr>
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I will probably go into more detail on the basing tests, but I had originally aimed for a Scarif set. However, I was unhappy with my test bases, and found myself adopting a similar base to the one I tried on some Warhammer 40K Tau . <a href="http://weaselminis.blogspot.com/2012/12/temple-ruins-basing.html">(Tutorial here)</a> In Star Wars context, it plays out to be the temple ruins on Yavin IV. (Since head canon does matter to me, it makes sense to set my games here since we know from Ep V's opening scrawl that at some point the rebels were forced out of this base)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmAYViwWt66TUYz1C3aaG_LfSDRRKMNn9LHt7VBFU5Z9my7iLJWb_5WCLTXgCa3rwhWHNRavvN0aWtMLG0GHIltBeghIngJZ2zAGLKuY9ib0SZbctF6fx6v-UkBSszdchH5ME4ddYMx4U/s1600/Rebels.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmAYViwWt66TUYz1C3aaG_LfSDRRKMNn9LHt7VBFU5Z9my7iLJWb_5WCLTXgCa3rwhWHNRavvN0aWtMLG0GHIltBeghIngJZ2zAGLKuY9ib0SZbctF6fx6v-UkBSszdchH5ME4ddYMx4U/s640/Rebels.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
For the Rebel troops, I wanted to something based on the Original Trilogy or Rogue One. The first squad takes its inspiration from the Battle of Endor, but from the cutting room floor. There had been some rebel troopers acting as crew aboard the <i>Millennium Falcon, </i>that did not make it to the final cut of the film. They were basically in the same uniforms as the strike team that went down to take out the shield generator, but without the sprayed camouflage. I feel the uniforms here get the general look of the rebels, while remaining a little more flexible as to their theatre of operation. Of course I'll probably do a squad in the Endor greens.<br />
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Thanks for reading; I will have more updates to share soon, including some tutorials and terrain building.<br />
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Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426865709530330443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3170413593326543035.post-20055279944545809422018-05-06T13:29:00.001-07:002018-05-06T13:29:09.454-07:00Miniature Tourism at Bunker Hill<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5r4TizPk4GnuaCm-rYVxw7qN016rcDV2lYLXYBk1K0tIfqyYBZW0wQIg9m0UKPkM789rbPpUQtUUo-eqM7ztdeqJmf3WEyKnYvMvECHXgMOS6hJ1CRgHPFPUFXEIFSIVP9uLEY6KZE5s/s1600/Bunker-Hill04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5r4TizPk4GnuaCm-rYVxw7qN016rcDV2lYLXYBk1K0tIfqyYBZW0wQIg9m0UKPkM789rbPpUQtUUo-eqM7ztdeqJmf3WEyKnYvMvECHXgMOS6hJ1CRgHPFPUFXEIFSIVP9uLEY6KZE5s/s640/Bunker-Hill04.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I could have cropped the display case out, but how often are you photobombed by a Brown Bess? We need to embrace these moments.</td></tr>
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For those patient readers who still bear with me, I would like to share a bit of modelling tourism. I recently had the opportunity to travel for work which found me in the wonderfully historic town of Boston. Much of what I visited was not only up my alley, but was in fact my whole alley.<br />
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One of the must-see spots for any American History fan is the memorial on top of Breed's Hill. I impulsively climbed the stairs inside the obelisk only to be harried by an encroaching high school class the whole 294 sweaty steps up. On my return to ground level, a park ranger directed me to a converted library across the street where there were some exhibits about the famous battle. They warned me that it was largely in miniature.<br />
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The exhibit was something to behold! The main attraction was about a 10ft x 20ft interactive diorama of the entire battle done with 15mm figures on a huge scenic topographical map. An audio program played while dynamic lighting showed the progression of the battle and simulated the flashes of battalion fire.<br />
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I really liked the work they did on the redoubt, and was proud that the didn't present a sanitized version of the battle, but had casualties covering the ground between the two sides.<br />
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The lines of redcoats advancing across the terrain was just incredible. While the diorama depicted events while the colonists' ammunition was still holding out, you got the overwhelming sense of an inevitable British victory as the Regulars came wave after wave.<br />
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There were also some smaller dioramas done in other scales to show both a more human view inside the redoubt...<br />
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...as well as a broader view of Boston Harbor and Charlestown during the engagement. <br />
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Well, I'm feeling inspired to get back into my Revolution figures!Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426865709530330443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3170413593326543035.post-4134993952029703552017-03-15T21:12:00.000-07:002017-03-15T21:12:31.213-07:00Overdue UpdatesAfter a prolonged hiatus, I believe I am ready to reenter the blogging world, if perhaps not as frequently as I once did.<div>
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Over the past 21 months, a lot has changed for me. I took part in a great adventure to the Bicentennial of Waterloo where I came within yards of meeting <i>the</i> Perry Brothers, and not know untilI got home and saw their picture of my unit on Facebook. Shortly after, I went through a career change from printer to professor, and then summer 2016 saw the addition of "Dad" to my list of pseudonyms with the arrival of my little daughter.</div>
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I continued to paint, though much more sporadically in both time and topic. I was also introduced to the now wildly popular Fantasy Flight Star Wars games X-Wing and Armada, which, being rather resource-light in comparison to my more involved and figure-heavy games, were easier to accommodate into my new schedule. </div>
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Now I look forward to getting back into painting and posting updates of my progress. In between changing diapers and updating my department's curriculum, of course.</div>
Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426865709530330443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3170413593326543035.post-56464524460151885032015-07-24T15:02:00.000-07:002015-07-24T15:02:16.066-07:00Casuatly/Morale Counter Dial Tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am into miniature wargaming for definitively aesthetic reasons, and prefer to create the illusion of an actual scene on the tabletop. To represent complex battlefield conditions and the less tangible aspects of the battles, such as morale and command coherency, one must either get heavy into the bookkeeping aspects of the games or use visual markers to note these conditions. Instead of my usual default of dice, I have gone about creating my own dial counters.<br />
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To create these I used MDF board, dowels, a power drill with hole saw bits, clamps, sandpaper, an exacto knife, and a Japanese flush cut saw.<br />
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Using a casualty figure for scale, I chose an appropriately-sized hole saw blade/bit, and cut out discs from MDF board. My counters require that the hole saw has a drill bit guide in the center. Each counter will take two circles.<br />
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It's a good idea to unplug the drill (or remove batteries if cordless) before trying to get the circle out of the hole saw blade.</div>
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Since hole saws are designed to make circular holes in wood and not exactly to give you the round off cuts, the piece that I cut out came rather rough.<br />
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I trimmed off large excess to the score line with an exacto knife, then sanded the edge on a sanding block. The inner hole from the guide drill may also need some cleaning.<br />
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I cut a small slot out of what will become the top circle of the dial. I could have measured it with a protractor to a width according to the range of numbers it can display. However, to keep things more simple, I chose to go with numbers 1-12, so that it is divided familiarly as a clock.<br />
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The hole saw's guide drill makes a small hole in the center of the circle that it cuts, which is great since I would have to have put one their manually if it did not, and I doubt I'd be that precise. Using a dowel the same diameter as the middle drill bit, I pegged the two circles together so that they could rotate off of it.</div>
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glue it only on one side, so that the top is filled in with the dowel and cut flush against the disc. (I used a Japanese Flush Cut Saw)</div>
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<a href="http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o174/mzungu82/WIP/Counters-Blog17_zpsqfddvysu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o174/mzungu82/WIP/Counters-Blog17_zpsqfddvysu.jpg" height="426" width="640" /> </a>If your the cut is not precisely flat against the top disc, it is not a big issue, as more than likely you'll want to texture and flock this surface anyway. Otherwise, sand down any imprefections. </div>
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After this point, the counter itself is functionally finished, and the rest is decorative.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Thanks for reading!</div>
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Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426865709530330443noreply@blogger.com0