20100228

Field Report: Cleaning and Repairing Old Models


Mananarepublic of BrushThralls.com has a great write up on how to clean and repair old models. Times are tight! Get out there, search the bargain bins and online sales to get the most bang for your modeling buck.

If anyone has tried the referenced Orange TKO, let me know what you thought and where you got it. I definitely am interested in something a little stronger (but not deadly) to use on metal miniatures.

Have you posted an article to your own site recently? Read something amazing you think others should check out? Have an old link in your Bookmarks that you've been saving for a rainy day? We want to see em! Send your suggestions to ThePaintingCorps@gmail.com and we'll get the word out!

20100227

Content Review: INCURSION Boxed Game


I've been waiting for this a long time now. From the first day I saw Grindhouse Games' website for Incursion, I was hooked. WW2, Zombies, Power Armored US infantry, Zombies! The artwork on the site was phenomenal and added a grittiness to the entire presentation that sets the tone for something amazing. Now, after so many months of waiting, this boxed set is here and I couldn't be more pleased.


Once open you're given a look at the reference sheet. I am a sucker for these things, and they give you a real benefit when trying to remember the things you use a lot, and it's all at a quick glance. That said, this is one of the few gripes I have about this set, the sheet is thin card, not quick a paper sheet but not quick card stock. You're going to need to laminate this bad boy if you plan to keep it around for a while in good condition. That's my plan at least!


The rules and mission book is all in full color glossy paper. It's got all the things you'd expect, a quick story bit, some rundown on characters and rules and a 7 Missions. All of that beautiful artwork we've been drooling over for so many months finds its way into the book, with a great eye toward the layout and design of the book. Unfortunately there isn't much in the way of new art, some additional pieces would have made an already great book a fantastic one. It's understandable though, as art costs money, and there are some neat details here and there. Haven't read the rules through yet or much of the book, so I can't attest to that end yet.


Four cards worth chits, game pieces and effects await you. The folks at Grindhouse have said that you may want to be a bit careful with yours though, as some people have had issues getting them out cleanly. A quick slice in a few spots with a hobby knife will fix that though. The cards are semi-gloss on one side and matt on the other. Some great variation in doors, but less so in the zombie pieces. Though for simplicity of play, it does make sense for certain things to look the same. The details are clean and pictures crisp. A very nice addition is reminders on the backs of come of the chits as to what they are representing, a really great touch. The card isn't as thick as say Space Hulk chits, but plenty thick enough for regular use.


The map is set on a nice thick card with fantastic detailing. They really did a great job breaking up the monotony throughout with a good attention to detail. I've already got more ideas for future INCURSION model bases just from looking at it! The map is set half on one side half on the other though, which throws me off a bit as you couldn't play the full map without buying two boxed sets! Very crafty Grindhouse, very crafty indeed...


Lots of storage space in the box. In the above you can see the slots for different things, along with the bases used for playing pieces ( which you get a lot of ). It's nice to have a company pay attention to such a small detail like partitions in the box. Smart boxed set design here.


The cards are all full color as well, set on good playing card stock. They are mostly matt with a good feel to them. The coloring is vibrant and everything is easy to read. All of the backs are the same INCURSION emblem.


Above is another shot of the cards with a Character card to give a bit of a better sense of the layout for them. All stats along the left with the character info to the bottom right. The art is clean and crisp as I've come to expect from this set.


And in the end it comes down to the dice. They're nothing special unfortunately. Simple, get the job done dice set. At least they have a nice little slot to settle into to keep them with your game! I think I'll find something special for the game though in the future.

In the end, this is a quality product from a great and responsive young company. They're doing quite well with a great bit of support from the community at large. I hope to find some time and friends in the near future to really dig in with this one. Should you find yourself in need of some Wierd World War 2 action but don't have the time to invest in new models, you need to check this set out.

Anyone who has gotten a few games under their belt have some insight into the mechanics of this one? We would love to hear your thoughts!

20100226

Friday Quick Tip: Wet Blending Oils and Acryllics


Les shows a great bit of info on wet blending with oils and acrylics. I'm a huge fan of oil paints, just haven't had the right projects to work with them much! Might just need to find spots to use them more! Watch and Learn!



Used any differing techniques lately? Have input on the video? Know a better way to do things? Let's hear it!

20100225

Field Report: Painting Salamanders Space Marines


Massive Voodoo strikes again with an amazing look into the techniques Roman used while painting a terminator. You need to check this out.

Have you posted an article to your own site recently? Read something amazing you think others should check out? Have an old link in your Bookmarks that you've been saving for a rainy day? We want to see em! Send your suggestions to ThePaintingCorps@gmail.com and we'll get the word out!

20100224

Field Report: Guard Heavy Weapon Team Basing


Admiral Drax has a few great examples of how to add some flavor to your Imperial Guard Heavy Weapon Team bases a little more interesting. With all that space there's tons of room to add a lot of character and flavor to your IG army.

I don't know why, but I just love roads on bases. I've got a squad of Dire Avengers modeled on a road. Something about the lane striping makes a perfect detail.

Have you posted an article to your own site recently? Read something amazing you think others should check out? Have an old link in your Bookmarks that you've been saving for a rainy day? We want to see em! Send your suggestions to ThePaintingCorps@gmail.com and we'll get the word out!

20100223

Field Report: ForgeWorld Weathering Powders



Lost In The Warp has a great review of the ForgeWorld Weathering Powders and compares them to the Mig and Stardust brands. As a bonus there are also a few tips on how to use the powders for rusting a tank and applying a great wet mud look to some Orks. Head on over to Lost In The Warp and check it out.

Got a great link you'd like to see put up? An article you've posted on your own blog? Send it to us at ThePaintingCorps@gmail.com. Just be sure it has something a bit more useful than a pretty picture! It's all about learning folks!

20100222

Field Report: Paint Reviews


Paul of Exponent Wargames posted a rundown of a few different miniature paint lines a short while back. A bit of info on alternatives never hurt! Check it out.

Have you posted an article to your own site recently? Read something amazing you think others should check out? Have an old link in your Bookmarks that you've been saving for a rainy day? We want to see em! Send your suggestions to ThePaintingCorps@gmail.com and we'll get the word out!

20100221

Field Report: Airbrushing Mini's Tips


There has been a thread going in the Dakka Dakka Tutorials section for some time now, and it deserves praise and mention. User atropos907 has been posting thoughts and tips on airbrushing at the miniature scale. He's got a fantastic run down for those new to airbrushing as well as a lot of advanced technique thoughts. You really neeed to check this out.

20100220

Field Report: Photography Thoughts


Awakening Ynnead has some great thoughts on photographing your minis. And who couldn't use a little bit more knowledge on that front? Check it out here.

Got a great link you'd like to see put up? An article you've posted on your own blog? Send it to us at ThePaintingCorps@gmail.com. Just be sure it has something a bit more useful than a pretty picture! It's all about learning folks!

20100219

Friday Quick Tip: Resin Basing Metal Models


After acquiring a set of resin bases from Dragonforge Design recently, I've decided that my Eldar force I've been planning for some time would see the light of day and get the full resin treatment. Little did I know how much a pain it would be to make sure the mostly metal models I have on hand were well secured to their base.


To start off, you're going to need to remove that tab. Just clipping it off isn't going to cut it either. Break out the hobby knife and files and make sure the bottom of the foot is good and flat. Some models are a bit more of a pain than others in this regard. You'll notice that some models use 'pins' of their own to secure them to the tab, that's going to have to go as well!


Once you have the feet flattened down, start to get an idea of where your model will end up. Try a few different options and you might have to be a bit creative to get the pose you are looking for and you might even need to try different bases. Notice the base I'm using in the photo above? It's completely different from the one I stated off wanting to use! Options are a good thing to have when basing metal models.


If you don't have a pin vice at this point, you need one. You'll use it over and over again throughout your modeling career. Drill out a spot on the base and a spot in the foot of your model. Some models have smaller feet and your pin size and bit size will dictate where you're able to pin the model.


Placement of the pin is actually a bit more work than I expected. I found myself placing the pin, in this case a paper clip, and clipping it down multiple times before the model stood flush with the base. If you really want a secure join, a bit of green stuff could do the trick in the base and the foot of the model. I had to use green stuff with a squad of Howling Banshees in fact, as they're far too front heavy and all on one foot.


Don't forget to score the models feet and maybe the contact points on the base before gluing. A quick drop of glue in the pin holes and on the feet of the model should do. Hold firm for a little while and let dry! Once dry, you should have a well secured model that won't give you much hassle down the road.

This tip is mostly about pinning as you can see, but a few considerations need to be taken as you base your metal models. Pin size, bit size, balance and green stuff will all be important to account for! For those of you who are new to pinning, hopefully this gives you a bit of insight into its many uses!

20100218

Field Report: Quick Nurgle with Solder


Paul's Basement League has a creative tip on how to quickly make some "Nurgle gurgle" using solder. I love it when arts and crafts means metal and fire. Even if the heat warps the plastic slightly, isn't that just more Nurgly?

Got a great link you'd like to see put up? Send it to us at ThePaintingCorps@gmail.com. Just be sure it has something a bit more useful than a pretty picture! It's all about learning folks!

20100217

Field Report: Hotshot Lasguns


Pete's 110th Cadian has a very convincing lasgun conversion step by step. I really really like the look of that weapon. See how it's done here.

Got a great link you'd like to see put up? Send it to us at ThePaintingCorps@gmail.com. Just be sure it has something a bit more useful than a pretty picture! It's all about learning folks!

20100216

Field Report: Slithering Hive Guard


Here's a great take on Hive Guard posted by Rob on Spikey Bits. He's used Raveners as the base of the conversion to give a really cool Zerg feel to them. Check out the full article here.

20100214

Field Report: Diorama


I don't speak French, but right about now, I wish I did. My good friend CMDante pointed me towards a fantastic and extremely creepy diorama using Smart Max models. So naturally when it had a WIP link, I had to check it out. Be inspired and amazed, and don't forget to try some of the stuff you see yourself!

20100213

Heresy Online Painting/Converting Contests


Heresy Online is running a set of contests. One for painting and one for modeling/converting. Prizes aren't anything to sneeze at either. Both end March 31st, so get your paint/convert on.

Be sure to check the Contest Calendar for events/contest deadlines. If you have something you'd like to see added to it, please send your submission in to ThePaintingCorps@gmail.com and we'll get it added!

20100212

Friday Quick Tip: Scoring Metal


While putting a good chunk of new Eldar together, I've realized that there is a simple tip to assembling metal models that I've yet to see covered or even talked about by anyone around the web. It's a simple technique I picked up way back in middle school and uses the tools you already have on hand for modeling.


The newer metal models are good about having sockets of some type for a good amount of support for joints and joins on the piece. But see how smooth those surfaces are? The contact surfaces aren't good anchor points for the glue to hold tight to. So break out that hobby knife and carve up the contacts a bit!


The above is post knifing and will be a much better attachment point than the previous smooth parts. The basic idea is that you're increasing the surface area of your join and giving the glue more spots to get into and hold tighter. You'll notice a significantly reduced hold time as well. I know I have far less issues with models I use this on than models I don't. Which makes me wonder why I don't do this with every metal model...


Just a quick spot of glue on either side and a quick moment held together should do it! You've got a much stronger join now with the extra effort of just a matter of seconds. Should you want a little more support to the join without the hassle of pinning, see the shavings? Sprinkle those on the wet glue, they'll add just a bit of a faster dry time as well as adding some more strength. Just be sure to use the finer stuff like the bottom right and not the bottom left!

There are a lot more ways to go about joining metal, if you've got a good idea, link or rundown, we would love to hear about it! If you give this a go, share your thoughts and results as well!

20100211

Field Report: Ze Germans!


A friend pointed me in the direction of this fantastic Vallejo color guide for all you WW2 gamers out there. I'll be using this in future projects, even if they aren't WW2 ones! Check it out here.

20100209

Field Report: Diffuse Lighting


Massive Voodoo have posted a fantastic idea on how to get better lighting for your models using a bucket from Ikea. Head over and check it out, I know I'll be looking for one of these next trip out there...

Got a great link you'd like to see put up? Send it to us at ThePaintingCorps@gmail.com. Just be sure it has something a bit more useful than a pretty picture! It's all about learning folks!

20100208

Field Report: Plaster Backdrop


A technique right out of a model railroad guide. Matt, over on The Imperial Fists, shares some thoughts on using plaster to create a display board for your army.

Got a great link you'd like to see put up? Send it to us at ThePaintingCorps@gmail.com. Just be sure it has something a bit more useful than a pretty picture! It's all about learning folks!

20100207

Field Report: Masterclass Faces from GW


Can't say I've ever seen this before. It's a PDF I found linked by The Viridis Crusade on skin tones. Be sure to check it out.

Got a great link you'd like to see put up? Send it to us at ThePaintingCorps@gmail.com. Just be sure it has something a bit more useful than a pretty picture! It's all about learning folks!

20100206

Field Report: Plasticard Rhino Detailing


Pit of the Oni posted this a while back and I think it warrants some additional spotlight! Check it out, give it a go, and make those hatches look that much nicer.

20100205

Friday Quick Tip: Them Bones


Warhammer and Warhammer 40k have a common theme that permeates them to the very core, skulls and bones. If you can paint them effectively, you can map out much of the work you'll be doing on models for these two games rather quickly. Many of the projects I go into I already have a good idea what the final product will look like from mentally mapping out the methods I'll use and the colors. With bones, it can be as simple as four quick colors to give you your choice of depth and brightness. Keep in mind, this is just one way that I've found works for me 90% of the time, and that there are many other ways to go about it! Some even simpler than this!


For the purpose of this tutorial I'm using an Eldar Warlock I have base here. It's a dark dark base color and because of that, I'm going to be building the color up instead of shading it down as you would with a lighter base color.


To start off I build the area up with Bestial Brown. Bestial Brown is good at covering a dark base color, but you still might need another pass if you're doing a larger area. Should you be doing an even larger area, you might want to consider working from a lighter base color instead, using a different method entirely!


Here you can see the first stage of highlighting. I've built the color up a level with Snakebite Leather. With this stage begins your style choices. Do you cover all of the layer beneath or do you leave some showing? How smooth the transition is from color to color is completely painter dependent and will require more thinned layers with a steady hand should you want more gradient to show. I've simplified it some for the tutorial and covered all of the layer underneath to give a bit more contrast with the dark base colors.


When I make the move to Bleached Bone, I tend to use the paints natural transparency to help the transitions. Using thinned layers to build highlights within the layer. Use this to your advantage and slowly build the color up giving a natural looking shade to the area. For a better understanding of this, take a look at the Chaplain in the photo at the top. His skull helmet is a good example of what I'm talking about.


For the final highlight, I use Skull White sparingly along some of the upper edges of the area I'm painting. This is of course dependent on the look you want to achieve.

As with painting anything, this is all subjective and may or may not fit the project you are working on. Again, while a very simple 'recipe', you can get different effects with a bit more brush control and very thinned out layers, building transitions between the colors by glazing them on instead of using opaque, thick paint.

Got a different method for painting bone? Let's hear it! Links and quick rundowns all welcome!

20100204

Field Report: Clanrats Step by Step


Kidjal has posted a tutorial on clanrats. The photos might be a bit on the dark side, but the message is there, you can paint rats quick and easy to get more on the battlefield, and let's face it, you really need a lot of rats...Check it out!

Got a great link you'd like to see put up? Send it to us at ThePaintingCorps@gmail.com. Just be sure it has something a bit more useful than a pretty picture! It's all about learning folks!

20100203

Field Report: Fast Reds


Since the release of Mechrite Red, painting red has become less of a chore. Simon from Stuck Between Stations has posted a slightly different take on painting it quickly. He used Thraka Green. I promise I'm not messing with you! Check it out!

Got a great link you'd like to see put up? Send it to us at ThePaintingCorps@gmail.com. Just be sure it has something a bit more useful than a pretty picture! It's all about learning folks!

20100202

Field Report: Quick and Dirty Gaunts


Bellum Aeternum posted a nice quick and easy to follow tut on painting up your gaunts for that new Tyranid army I know you're all starting. Check it out here.

Got a great link you'd like to see put up? Send it to us at ThePaintingCorps@gmail.com. Just be sure it has something a bit more useful than a pretty picture! It's all about learning folks!

20100201

Field Report: Cobblestone Basing


Gentleben has a great way to go about basing your Warmachine minis over on BoLS. Haven't we gone over the beauty of foam in the past? Check out this great, and simple, tutorial if you haven't already seen it!