Quick Product Review - Krylon Primer

Due to my increased role as Mr. Mom (the wife has been working a lot of hours), I've spent zero time working on anything gaming related, so I haven't had much to report on. However, I would like share a favorite product of mine. One I use extensively on my models. I've been a pretty loyal fan of GW products, despite their unreasonable prices - but the one item that I cannot bring myself to buy is their black primer, which is a spray version of their Chaos Black paint. I've resorted to a much cheaper brand, that is, in my opinon a way better value for the money. Krylon Flat Black Primer runs about $4 - $5 a can at the local hobby store. If you can find it at a Wal-mart, it's about $3. Aside from the price the other big thing for me is how fast it dries. It goes on smooth and in a fine mist, which dries to the touch in about 4 minutes. If you're into working fast, this is a great primer.

I found the GW product much thicker and heavier, which results in a longer dry time and can tend to run and obscure detail if you're not careful and this hobby is way too expensive to waste materials on.

Finally, the primer comes in White, Grey and a host of other colors. I highly recommend this product, especially in these stressful economic times.

Space Wolves - Getting Started

A couple of models arrived in the mail the other day, so I decided to get to work on them right away.

The Wolf Guard required a little bit of work to secure the model to the base. The blister includes a metal terrain base with Ork icons that the model would stand on. The model was cast with a peg under it's right foot which is supposed to fit into the hole drilled through the metal base. But the peg was no where near snug enough to support the weight of the model. So I removed the peg, drilled holes in the bottom of the foot and the base (which had glued to a standard infantry base) all the way through and used some brass rod to secure.

I also received Ulrik the Slayer in the maild, which a single piece assembly (except for the backpack). I glued him to the base and gave him a couple coats of primer. I didn't attach the back pack yet as it would make the wolf cape difficult if not impossible to paint.

Raptor Devastators

Here's my first Devastator Squad. Initially a 5-man unit, I'm planning to expand these guys to a full ten in compliance with the standard squad compliment. Made this from a standard Dev Squad kit, the only thing I don't like about the set is that it only comes with one missile launcher (with the updated backpack). I'd rather have two those and one less plasma cannon.

Campaign Banner - Declates Crusade

Just a quick one. I found the image of this banner out there on the web. In one of my previous posts, I mentioned painting campaign badges and such on the models to give them a more personal touch. In that post I had mentioned that the Crimson Fists had fought side by side with their brethren from the Black Templars during the Delcates Crusade. Well here's the banner that was carried by the Emperor's Finest. Hope it gives you all some ideas.

Crimson Fist Terminators - Step 1

I finished building my Crimson Fist Terminator Squad. I had used the Forgeworld shoulder guards on part of the squad, but not all. I'm still trying to give each model that sense of individuality, so I mixed some of the standard Terminator shoulder bits that were included with the kit. I'm thinking the FW ones are more representative of the 'ancient relic' theme and the 'kit' guards are the 'newer versions'.

The next step is to scrub the resin bits and then prime these bad boys.

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?!

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.

Black Scorpion Miniatures

I found this miniature website online and they've got some sweet looking models. You can see them by clicking here. I've got my eye on the pirate models. I think I'll order a few of those...just to see.

Dreadnought assembled

I finished assembling the Dread. It's out of the AoBR box. Now I just need to prime that bad boy and paint him up. Although I was going to add a few bits to it before I painted it. Ooh - just got an idea. There's CF plaques that came with the Drop Pod.

I used the pin vise to bore out the holes in the multi-melta, then used a round file to widen it. Quick and easy. Wish I would thought of that one sooner.