New Release - Black Library

Look what I found at Barnes & Noble on the way home from school last night! the Heroes of the Space Marines. Its the new book of short stories about the coolest 40k armies in the world, the Adeptus Astartes. Just got it last night and I was too tired to start it, and I ended up crashing on the couch watching UFO Hunters, but I'm taking my lunch hour to start this baby today.

They say not to judge a book by it's cover, but this is one bad ass cover! Can't wait to get stared.

Happy Friday!!

Charlize Theron...'nuff said.

It's in the details

Hand painted tactical arrows

scripture on armor and scrolls

armour scrapes

I was working on my Crimson Fists the other night and kept thinking that something was missing. How can I add something that would make them just a tiny bit different than your run of the mill space marines. So I figured that I'd add a little detail here and there on ever model. For me, it does two things. First, it makes them different than generic marines. And second, it makes each model unique.

In my research, I did learn that the Crimson Fists had conducted joint operations with the Black Templars, another chapter descended from Rogal Dorn. During the Declates Crusade, battle brothers from both chapters exchanged iconography as a symbol of unity. So, my plans are to display that exchange on some of the models. I'll paint a templar cross or use some of the black templar shoulder guards throughout the army.

I'm kicking around a few more ideas and using scripture and hand painted tactical arrows, just to change things up a bit. So let me know what you think.

Warhammer Historical

Last week, I had the opportunity to hang out with John from Plastic Legions and I got to watch my first game of Warhammer Historical Battles, Legend of the High Seas. John and Rich were on hand to answer all of my questions. Thanks guys. I have to say the system really peaked my interest. I'm a bit of a history buff, so it was cool to see a tabletop wargame going on with one of my favorite times in history as a backdrop, being played out. So what did I do? I bought the rulebook. I also ordered a few models. There's talk of a campaign in the works, so I'm hoping that pans out.

So far, from what I've read of the rules, they're a mix of Lord of the Rings and Mordheim. Two games that I really enjoyed playing. As soon as my models come, I'll put them on the table and playtest a turn or two to make sure I have a decent grasp of the rules.

Drink Up, me hearties. Yo Ho!

Friday

Summer Glau...NIIIIIICCCCCCEEE!! Not bad for a Toaster!

Crimson Fists 4th Company

One of the funnest parts of the hobby is gathering the history and background of your collection.

In recent posts, I may have stated that I am currently building and collecting the Crimson Fists 2nd Company. As a result, I had conducted research to use as background information on that element of the chapter. However, as you may have guessed there is little to no information regarding company history, colors, battle honors or notable characters. I've even tracked down some inquiries at the B&C that state due to the chapter's near destruction, they have forsaken unit designations and thus bear none on their armor. But I persevered. While searching through Volume 2 of the Imperial Armour books, I came across a couple of images of Crimson Fists Rhinos...and lo and behold one of them bore the company insignia of the Fourth Battle Company. Granted, it was prior to the Rynn's World campaign, but there it was in color. The Fourth Company's badge is a simple circle divided by a horizontal line. White on top and red on the bottom. So what does that mean?

I've decided to collect the 4th Company instead. I'm currently skimming through the entire volume, hoping to find more background or history beside the Rynn's World campaign. If anyone knows of any official (GW) background sources for the Crimson Fists, please let me know.

I love Fridays!

Sorry all, internet was down for a couple of days. My modem, after 5 years, finally blew out. But here's to Fridays! Karen Cliche from Sci fi's Flash Gordon

Cadians!

The gang at BoLS are posting pics of GW's Cadian Battleforce to be released next month. I'm going to have to scrape some coin together so I can pick one up. A couple of boxes of these and a thank here and there anb BAM! you got yourself a starter army. I really like the platoon HQ.

Ultraforge Resin Kits

Once again, I was unable to attend Adepticon due to other obligations. But thanks to a lot of those hobbyists and gamers who did attend, I have been spending a great deal of time surfing and taking in all of the great reviews and pics and videos. Thanks to one and all.

I did get to work on my Crimson Fists and I'll post pics of that soon, but one thing I saw at Adepticon were a couple of daemonic resin models from Ultraforge. These models are freakin' cool lookin' and would make excellent substitute for the more expensive Forgeworld kits. The Wardaemon above would make a great Daemon Prince (Khorne) for only about $79. Not too bad at all. I'm almost tempted. Aw who am I kiddin', I'll have one by Christmas.

How cool would my 2nd Company Crimson Fists look battling that thing?!

Yeah, Baby!!! It's Friday Again!!!

This week: Stargate Atlantis' Jewel Staite

Fighting Tigers are back!!!

A few months ago, Kenton Kilgore, founder of the Fighting Tigers of Veda Space Marines went on a leave of absence from his website. For those of you who have never visited the sight you can see it here. The sight would receive monthly updates and covered a wide range of material from battle reports to conversions to a complete history and background of this unique DIY chapter.

Well I'm happy to say that the Fighting Tigers are back and the Jungle is once again active. I recommend checking it out. It's a really fun site to visit. Glad to have ya back, Kenton!

GW - Makin' Life Easier

As I was assembling my Sternguard squad the other day, I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentedness while building the models. This is not usually the norm when working with metal miniatures that need assembly. But one of the things that GW has been doing of late is incorporating notches or pegs during the sculpt to help the hobbyist obtain the right fit for the model. I was impressed with how well the models fit together, which minimized the amount of time I have to hold the model together with my fingers. It also (at least for me) reduces the number of times I actually have to pin an infantry model.

By the way, I ordered these pinning kits from Privateer Press that come in different sizes and also come with the appropriate sized drill bit. I used them on a couple of models and they work pretty well and unless you pin every single component one set should last you a good while.

More Rohan pics

WotR - Muster of Rohan

As I mentioned yesterday, I've started collecting a Rohan army for the new War of the Ring game. Last night I decided to take a break from my space marines (only a day or two) to get started on the Riders of Rohan. But not before I flew past the Bunker and bought a box of Warriors of Rohan and a pack of infantry movement trays.

With softball practice cancelled, the kids' homework finished and the wife at work, I thought I'd take advantage of the time and get started. I spent a couple of hours cleaning and assembling the whole unit. I assembled the horses and then glued the grass bits to the bases after I positioned the horse (didn't glue those guys yet). The next step was to clean and assemble the riders. Only one of five riders needed assembly (the spear arm needed to be glued to the torso).

The shields are seperate components that I'll paint before attaching, except for the two bowmen. I glued those two to the Rider as it will not hinder painting.

I test fitted all of the bases to the movement trays and they all fit beautifully. All in all, as painless an assembly as I've ever had. Over the weekend, I base and start priming these bad boys. One of the things that I like about the kit was that there were no left over bits, which means I won't have mountains of extra sprues piling up.