Angron: Lord of the Red Sands

G'day all, Macca here,

A couple of days ago I shared my freshly repainted Angron, and I decided to do one more thing with him, which was place him on a display base. So, I got in the internet and pulled up Secret Weapon Miniatures web page, ordered some display plinths and some etched brass. Here's what I used:

First of all, I gave the display plinth a good wash and scrub to remove any nasty mold release agents from the surface and gave it some time to dry. Most Primarchs have solid resin display bases, but since Angron has a single ring shaped 'display base' to go around his gaming base, and I had to make sure I painted within this, and at the same time didn't paint it all, as the glue wouldn't adhere correctly to the resin with paint inbetween. I thus decided to mark out the ring with a good sharpie pen.

After marking it with the pen, I used a small roll of blu-tac which I rolled into a snake, and I ran it around the ring.

Next, I applied some hobby tape, this is just the right width to use as a line for my brass.

I carefully cut the small and delicate brass from Secret Weapon using a sharp scalpal. The brass was then very gently dipped into super glue, then lightly placed onto the plinth, then I would move it with a toothpick, before pressing down on it with the scalpel in order to get a firm bond.

At this point, I peeled the tape off, revealing my brass work. I love the option of having consistent text embossed onto the surface, and the etched brass is perfect for this. I gently cleaned up any super glue which was sticking out as best I could, and sprayed the base in matte black.

After spraying, I picked out the brass letters in gold softly, this is so they have a more worn quality, (I just like it a little 'not perfect'). I then removed the blu-tac once the varnish had dried, and glued the ring onto the plinth.

So here he is, the finished Angron on his display plinth.

The plinth and brass combined was only $25, and for a display model that will sit on the shelf, I think it's money well spent. That's all for now, I hope you enjoy this post and can maybe pick up a thing or two,

~Macca

World Eaters Side Project: Volkite Tactical Support Squad and Character Option Part 2

First up.... no character.... yes, I know he's in the title, but he is quite the ongoing project, and he'll have to wait a while until I have the time to get around to him.

Anyway, onto the squad!

Much volkite, such tactical, wow support.

The Tactical Support Squad volkites are given a soft glow effect, by brushing on GW Blazing Orange and wet blending up to Tamiya XF-3 Flat Yellow. I then used the oil wash to really add depth. I also gave orange tips to the volkites as it makes it look as if the very metal that makes up the barrels has super-heated around the tip. The down side is the soft blue transition I added is almost invisible against such a bright colour.

Also, a small critique here, but I have applied quite a thin paint to these models, yet trying to paint the eyes on the butchers nails heads has been ridiculous. There is no clear eyeball in many cases, and this is very frustrating as I can't paint the eyeballs without the faces looking like they have a serious case of mental retardation (which I suppose the butchers nails may cause). Just not sure if this is a Forge world miscast or I'm blind.

So, here's the army as it stands, not a bad little side project.

Angry Ron is angry. He should be a daemon prince I guess, since the army has devolved to following Khorne, but he's just too cool to leave out.

World Eaters Side Project: Volkite Tactical Support Squad and Character Option Part 1

So, whilst I am in the middle of the Facebook competition, (the one where I'm giving away a fully kitted out character), I thought I would build a few more Khorne followers. I now have a 5 man Tactical Support Squad armed with Volkites, because, well, they rock, and they look cool. You can never beat the rule of cool.

We have the Squad Sergeant, armed with a volkite, but also carrying a secondary pistol, helps to distinguish the boss. I have used the bare Rampager Heads quite a bit on these chaps, as I like the look of them on the regular men, as opposed to the bunny ears. I think the bunny ears are best left to the dedicated CC squads.

The vox pack is just an upgrade I may or may not play with. As it stands, I don't use them, but it might be helpful if I have to rally a small squad such as these.

Three plain chaps.

I have built a random MK II armoured character, I might use him as a tactical squad sergeant, but I like the option of using him to represent other Legion HQ sub-types, such as the Vigilator. Note the use of etched brass on his right knee cap.

I have also slightly carved the packs on the character and sergeant, and applied a Khorne brass etch symbol. Glyphs are cool in the realm of chaos.

I have deliberately posed him and armed him to echo the Dark Vengeance Chosen of Chaos, like a blast from the past, a prelude to what's to come.

That's all for now, make sure to like us on Facebook and enter our competition for the free Praetor (ends 25th April 2014, so hurry!)

~Macca

Angron, Primarch of the World Eaters

I painted this guy a while back, actually about the time that Forge World first released him. I painted all of him except the face and cloak, and nearly two years later I have applied the finishing touches. The armour is simple bronzes and golds, with soft black and brown oils applied. I chose to gloss up the shoulders, like on Japanese lacquered armour, and I kept the skin on his face relatively red-tattoo free, except for small triangles around his eyes. There was some damage to the model from casting (mostly around the symbol behind his head), but otherwise it was a brilliant kit, easy to build and a challenge, but joy, to paint.

So behold, Angron, Lord of the Red Sands

Once more, the overexposure is hurting the contrast on the metallic surfaces, and I will have to look at ways of fixing that, but for now, that's all.

As always, thanks for reading,

~Macca

World Eaters Side Project: The HQ and Rampagers Part Three

 Ok, so here we are, the first batch of gentlemen for the World Eaters side project. Please forgive the over exposure on the images, I have a new photo setup and the lighting is new to me.

First we have the Praetor. This guy can also double as a Legion Champion, just a fun excuse to give a giant axe to someone.

Next is the Legion Master of Signals. This guy is a converted set of MK III power armour, combined with the MK IV Signal Kit, the MK II Signal Kit and the Khorne upgrade kit.

Next, are the Rampagers themselves.

The Rampager Champion is armed with a Power Fist, Plasma Pistol (it's an old Khorne thing, like Kharn and his pistol), and Artificer Armour, as this guy is designed to kick ass in challenges.

Of course, here's the whole gang, with their Vindicator in tow.

So, what do you think? Nailed it, or have I stuffed it like a Matt Ward codex? Let me know below,

Also, in a couple of frames you can see a big guy in the background, in the next day or so, I'll pop him up too. Until then, ciao.

~Macca