Excelsior Entertainment Forums

Chronopia => Painting & Terrain => Topic started by: Von Koss on January 27, 2009, 04:55:18 PM

Title: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on January 27, 2009, 04:55:18 PM: (http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia002.jpg)

The Drugged

Just to start the ball rolling. I thought these guys would be easy to paint up as I am only after a table top standard.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Glenn M on January 27, 2009, 04:59:24 PM: Images aren't working. Check your tags.

Try this
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia002.jpg)

Code: [Select]
[img]http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia002.jpg[/img]
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Veez on January 27, 2009, 07:20:52 PM: Nice to see you've started; it's great when everyone shares their progress. It motivates others to get back into the ring and get some painting done!
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Topkick on January 27, 2009, 07:26:30 PM: Except for those of us who become dejected and sit alone in the dark trying to convince ourselves that bare metal is pretty.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on January 28, 2009, 04:12:27 AM: Ah, come on Top. Join us in getting some minis painted and getting back into the swing of things. I know you've been working hard lately.(Jobs and real life have a way of getting in the way >:() I try to only do one step on a group of minis a day. Be it putting sand on the base to just spraying on primer. Like the "Drugged" I'm starting. I'm not under any time limit, but just one small step a day can eventually take you far. I would start with either a few minis that you really dig or a few that you know don't require a lot of detail/ effort. I know I'm not telling you anything you don't already know, but I know how much you like the games and there is something special about playing with painted figs. In fact, if it were not for the members on this forum and the painting/ terrain logs I would still be just lurking around wishing Chronopia was still as popular (easy to get minis and opponents to play)and staring at a box of unpainted miniatures. So .... Top! Top! Top! Top!...... :D
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: arctica on January 28, 2009, 04:26:40 AM: I agree with VK here, i think you should paint some minis Top. Best way to motivate yourself is to put away your models except for the one unit you're going to paint and just work on that, if you got too many out and in your face you'll never get around to doing it. We all believe in you !
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Topkick on January 28, 2009, 09:32:01 AM: Sorry gang but between being a full time Security Officer (the real kind not Paul Blart mall cop), a substitute teacher, a Warzone/Chronopia fig wholesaler, and trying to coordinate the events for Origins and possibly GenCon, not to mention the rest of life's little ups and downs I just don't have the time. Nor do I have the skills. I hope to start trying with my Necormunda stuff as it can be painted to crap quality and I will be satisfied for a while. That will be in about a month I hope.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: joshuaslater on January 28, 2009, 01:23:38 PM: I'm psyched to see someone painting up the beginnings of a Stygian force. I've not seen anyone put sand on the bases before priming. How's that work, 'xactly?

This could be the answer to the drag that basing sometimes is.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on January 28, 2009, 05:37:55 PM: Well just a small update on the Drugged- sprayed them with a coat of white primer. They will get their first coat of paint tomorrow(thank God it is the start of the weekend for me) and I plan to have them finished Friday evening. Now I know I have just jinxed myself but hey, you gotta have a plan. ;)

So as a teaser until then, I have a few Dwarf Dark Axe warriors to show as I started them earlier this week and finished just last night. Comments & criticisms are welcome, but just keep in mind that I'm after a table top standard.

(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia.jpg)
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Manic _Miner on January 29, 2009, 08:40:41 AM: Very nice and clean paint job.I have loads of these to do too.Might get to paint some thing at the weekend.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: joshuaslater on January 29, 2009, 10:24:36 AM: Slammin'!! I went with red, but I'm kicking myself for not using blue. masherking has some blue paint (and green) on his, and they look cool too.

Excellent painting, and basing too.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Alxbates on January 29, 2009, 11:40:47 AM: Those look very nice - as Andy said, very clean paint work.

I always put sand on my bases before I prime my figures - it gives another layer of adhesive to hold the sand down, and I can scrape off any excess or misplaced grains after I glue or and before I paint, it lets me keep the figure just a little bit neat-er, no sand on the feet. And I also prefer the look of painted sand, so it works out pretty well.

-Alex
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on January 29, 2009, 07:13:18 PM: Status update: red mixed with a flesh color for 1st coat on the skin then over-brushed with the flesh color.
Nothing special, just chipping away at the tedious stuff. I would call them slightly 25% done.
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia004.jpg)

Seeing all the great terrain lately got me working on some of my own. I started these about a week and a half ago
just finished them a couple days ago. I have a forest that I created last month, I wanted to have it where you could remove
individual trees in order to place minis during a game and still have the outline of the forest. I'll post a photo soon to get your thoughts.

(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia003.jpg)
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: warzoneD on January 29, 2009, 09:37:51 PM: Nice - where'd you get the wall pieces from?
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Krate on January 29, 2009, 11:54:22 PM: Man! This stuff is sweet and inspiring!

D-- I think the walls are from the Lord of the Rings battle game put out by the company that shall not be named! But I don't know which version/edition.

Very cool stuff!
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Veez on January 30, 2009, 07:48:42 AM: The drugged came out particularly well; excellent use of subtle tones to make them seem "lost" and, well, drugged.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: joshuaslater on January 30, 2009, 09:26:37 AM: I know, and only 25% done!!
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Manic _Miner on January 30, 2009, 01:25:40 PM: The Drugged are turning out rather well.Not the best miniatures in the line though.They could have been a lot better.Cant wait to see them finished.

I might try to get some painting done this weekend.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Petru5 on January 30, 2009, 01:51:34 PM: It inspires me to finish my circus tent and then I can focus on painting my pulp figs!
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on January 30, 2009, 03:08:57 PM: Well, they are on time and complete. First a close up...
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia007.jpg)

and now a group shot. Sorry about the lighting, it's the best I can do.
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia008.jpg)

Stay tuned there is more...
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on January 30, 2009, 03:28:49 PM: I wanted to whip up a paint scheme for my Stygian. I kinda like the black skin color( black & highlighted with a mix of black and gray) and I was sure that I wanted the other two colors to be white and turquoise. I could not resist gold for the metal parts. So what do you guys think? Overall it was pretty easy to paint up quickly.

(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia012.jpg)

(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia010.jpg)
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Manic _Miner on January 31, 2009, 03:07:34 AM: I like how the Drugged have turned out.The boarder on the dress is a good idea breaks up the basic look of the miniature.The Stygian paint scheme is very good too.It will be nice to see a full unit.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Veez on January 31, 2009, 06:57:51 AM: It's a pretty solid color scheme-I'd go with it!
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: joshuaslater on January 31, 2009, 07:15:29 PM: Damn good looking Stygian!!
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Manic _Miner on February 01, 2009, 10:43:31 AM: Well you have gotten me back into the mood to start some more.I have been busy cleaning off,basing and sanding miniatures today.Now to see if I can get some paint slapped onto them.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on February 01, 2009, 10:52:41 AM: The forest that I had mentioned earlier. This was surprisingly simple to make but it took a little while to get down the procedures and figure out exactly what tools I needed. If anyone is interested I can do a short tutorial when I do some more. (I've got a 12x7 ft table I need to make terrain for :P)

(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia011.jpg)

(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia009.jpg)
This is just something I kinda stumbled onto when I was playing around in the shop watching "Searching for Bobby Fisher"
I think you guys know what this is going to be...we will see how it turns out.
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia005.jpg)
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on February 01, 2009, 12:23:27 PM: Status update: about 75% done, just the gold, lighter bone color on the base, eyes and teeth, static grass...and I'll call'em done. Thinking about adding two more to the unit or painting up (6) Starved. Hope you guys enjoy!
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia013.jpg)
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: joshuaslater on February 01, 2009, 08:16:25 PM: Looking great. Those will look good on any board. I've fought Stygian plenty, but one day hope to paint mine and play them. Cool army, both in fluff, and models. I don't care if those sculpts are from last century. Your painting proves the point that they're good!!
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Veez on February 02, 2009, 05:07:04 AM: Tutorials are always welcome here-share the wealth!
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on February 02, 2009, 01:48:28 PM: Ok, just a small update...here is that little side project I have been tinkering with...
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia014.jpg)

I think most every table top gamer has a few "base sprues" laying around if they have not been thrown away. I just happen to have quite a few all piled up from a marathon glue session and I got to thinking that I could really use some barb-wire fencing to go on my table. So being the cheap-skate that I am, I decided to put those sprue(s/?) to good use. All I have left to do is apply the coiled wire and presto...a barbed-wire fence. This is so simple anyone can do this. The hardest part is finding the materials and I think I'll go a little bit in to detail this weekend on how to slap this thing together if people are interested.

The other Stygian spearmen are almost complete and I should have pics of them tomorrow evening.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Petru5 on February 02, 2009, 09:19:49 PM: Yep, they're pretty simple. I also like making hedgerows from green cleaning pads. Add a bit of flocking and a touch of lichen and you're in business!
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on February 04, 2009, 09:57:10 AM: Finished up the barbed-wire fence. I was surprised that it went as easily as it did, now I need to make about seven more. :-\
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia015.jpg)

I also started the "Starved" and am about half way finished with them, and started two more spearmen to round out that unit. I'll post pics of the completed units when they finish "training".
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Veez on February 04, 2009, 10:13:55 AM: Nice work-and good use of available material.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: joshuaslater on February 04, 2009, 01:32:29 PM: What Veez said, with the applaud button hit to boot.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: warzoneD on February 04, 2009, 01:38:28 PM: great ingenuity. Well done.

D
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: luckyone on February 05, 2009, 06:28:37 PM: Nice work!! Great addition to any table.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on February 12, 2009, 12:54:59 PM: Thank you guys for all the kind comments. ;D Well as far as updates go, I don't have any painting progress to report as work has been very busy and I have some wind damage to my roof that needs attention asap. I will continue with this log when the weekend arrives. The Stygian spearmen and the Starved are on the verge of completion and I'm pondering as to what individual I should paint up for my fledgling Stygian force...I'm thinking about a Great Warrior...well, we will see.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on February 14, 2009, 01:26:27 PM: The Stygian spearmen & starved as promised...I really enjoyed painting the starved as they were easy to paint up quickly. I have decided to include a Great Warrior as my first individual because it just seems appropriate fluff wise. After I finish painting him up, I'm torn between a unit of six Stygian axe warriors, a priestess, or some Stygian themed terrain pieces...I dunno...just thinking ahead. Anyway... for your enjoyment...
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia018.jpg)

(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia017.jpg)
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Manic _Miner on February 14, 2009, 01:50:14 PM: Looking really good.Love how you are keeping to a minimum with the colours and using the same ones to unify the force.I would think the Priestess would be good to add to this little lot after the Great warrior that is.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: luckyone on February 15, 2009, 06:04:57 PM: Great job on the figs!
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: joshuaslater on February 18, 2009, 07:13:05 AM: Now if they fight as well as they're painted, you're set!!

Bang up work.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: warzoneD on February 18, 2009, 09:27:46 AM: Great stuff. Very clean. Nice work.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on February 18, 2009, 01:40:11 PM: Finally! My little warband has a leader now and about time too. I will say that sticking to a predetermined paint scheme helps with speed and speed helps with sticking with the army to be painted. :-\...I think...well, maybe...I guess. Anyway it has helped me stay focused on the Stygian army. Here is the Great Warrior with a second one near completion because I had two laying around and figured that I would go ahead and do both while I had the paint out.
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia020.jpg)
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia019.jpg)
I can't help but think of small pyramids and oasis and the odd stone out-croping for pieces of terrain to go with the Stygian when I'm painting. The pull of whipping up some themed Chronopia terrain is growing and I don't know how long I can fight it off.

Well, I think Manic_Miner is on to something with the Priestess. I do need another individual to add to the force and an individual with access to magic may be a very good addition. I think the color scheme of the Priestess on the front cover of the source book " Land of Two Rivers" will do nicely and will fit in with my force . What do you guys think?
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Manic _Miner on February 18, 2009, 01:51:23 PM: You are going at a great pace and putting the rest of us to shame.It would be cool to see a group shot of all the ones you have done so far.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: joshuaslater on February 18, 2009, 02:01:19 PM: What Andy just said.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on February 18, 2009, 02:20:52 PM: Will do my friends, but unfortunately I have to go to work now. I'll put up a group photo tomorrow for you guys. Thanks to all forum members who have contributed their army pics before as they were my inspiration to start my own painting log and it was only right to give back to them and post this one. Thanks guys.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on February 21, 2009, 01:47:45 PM: Army Shot so far...
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia021.jpg)

Work has been a real bummer the past few days and I apologize for the delay on this pic. I still have a lot of steam left for this army and I agonize over not being left to my devices to finish it...oh well that's life. I look forward to bringing you guys more updates soon so stay with me, we are just getting started. ;)
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: aoi cobalt on February 21, 2009, 03:17:57 PM: That is one good looking army.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Manic _Miner on February 22, 2009, 09:49:13 AM: Good looking force so far.What is being added next then?
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on February 22, 2009, 11:30:09 AM: Next up: complete another Great warrior who is half finished & for some magical support I'm going to paint up a Priestess so I can switch out her with the second Great warrior on a whim if desired. In the near future I'm thinking of adding a war band of six Stygian axemen. I'm hoping to sling a little paint today if the weather holds.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Veez on February 22, 2009, 05:34:03 PM: I love group photos; the images always come through so well!
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: warzoneD on February 23, 2009, 11:09:04 AM: Very cool scenery and figs. Great work!
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on February 24, 2009, 07:55:52 PM: Well, time for another update. Here are the 2nd Great Warrior & Priestess. I had good time painting these models as they are pretty detailed(I think) for serpent type models. I never tire of seeing the Stygian models and kudos to the sculptor for their attention to detail. I think they'll do for table top standard and I look forward to putting them in action.
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia023.jpg)

(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia024.jpg)
...her milkshake brings all the boys to the yard... :o :D ...sorry...couldn't resist
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia025.jpg)
A Dark Tusk hero
I felt I needed to paint him up because he's been eyeballing me since I finished the Dark Axes. I keep having visions of him going "Yoda" on the Stygian Great Warriors and well, after that how could I leave him without paint.

Next up: I'm going to put the brush to some Stygian axemen while pondering on some type of themed terrain for the little horde to fight around. So for a recount of the painted force:

1 Priestess
2 Great Warriors
6 Spearmen
6 Starved
11 Drugged
See you guys soon!
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: warzoneD on February 24, 2009, 08:09:01 PM: Great color choices. What brand of paint?
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on February 24, 2009, 08:47:25 PM: The paints that I use the most are Citiadel, but the gold is Testors oil based. I like Testor's gold it just kinda grew on me and I can't bear to use another. I guess it's just my own personal taste. I use Anita's all purpose acrylic paint for the bases and I'm not above using the Apple Barrel brand either as they are super cheap. I like to use these cheap paints thinned down for airbrushing, terrain making and anything other thing that calls for mass production. I have given thought to other brands and look forward to trying something new, but as times are getting kinda lean on the pocket book these will just have to do for now.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: luckyone on February 25, 2009, 10:19:23 AM: Great job on the figs and terrain!
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on March 01, 2009, 10:00:49 PM: Hello again, I've been busy work, life, blah blah and have little to show for all this wasted time but I would like to share a wandering thought with you all in regards to how a gamer/painter/collector motivates him or herself to pull out the brushes and paints and start chipping away at that ever increasing mound of pewter/plastic. I think it all started a long time ago but until this week it never occurred to me that this "acceptance" -(that's what I'm calling it) could be used in a more efficient way. Here we go....

I started my gaming life playing chess and while it will always hold a special place in my heart it just can't compete with the satisfaction I get when I complete painting a unit of miniatures for any system/game. I once played a game of chess against a very tactical and pleasant gentleman who swindled a piece from me through some very sound play. This guy was so nice and had such a strong position that I should have just tipped my king and asked for another chance of him giving me a beat down. This was the kinda guy you enjoyed playing with...no smack talk, no "hey you should have done this move because that move is not a good move", just plain pleasant chatting at appropriate moments. I was siting there looking at my position debating whether to throw in the towel and then it hit me...

A little spark or flame went off inside me that grew until it could not be contained, this is the kinda feeling you get when there is no hope left to win and all that's left is to see just how much pain it will cost your opponent to achieve victory. I made some sacrifices that anyone with just a hint of chess tactical knowledge would be creeped out. Some would say that it was spite that pushed me to play this way but this guy was so nice with no hint of arrogance about him and just played a very good game. I marched on both King and Queen side while closing the center. I made moves to make a show of trapping his queen only to divert from that to get at his king. No great big deal, chess players of all backgrounds do this from time to time and nothing I did was "stellar". I went on to force him to either lose his queen and be surrounded on his back rank or him force a stalemate on me which is what he did. Getting to the point of this ramble is that I threw caution to wind and just "accepted" that I was having a good time even when I was behind and losing the positional edge. This is what helps me stay focused even though my pile of soldiers is getting bigger all the time.

So, here is how I get mentally "psyched up" to start bringing down that pile of pewter: ** I get prepped to do a lot of just one thing at a time **- such as cleaning all the flash/mold lines from a complete unit or gluing the bases to a complete unit. The thing is that Life will find a way to interfere with your hobby time and there is nothing you can do about but "accept" that it is going to happen but until it does you will become master of this one hobby chore before Time/Life stalemates you and you have to go back to the real world. Be like a mad berserker and enjoy the thrill of being overwhelmed because in your heart you know you love this hobby and to do what one loves is what it's all about. Its ok that all you did today was "paint the skin on a basic unit of troops" or tested out a couple paint schemes for that next unit. You will find that after a while you will become quicker and the things that you were "unfamiliar with/scared of" will be a thing of the past as you burn through unit after unit.

Over the next few posts I'm going to share with you guys some of the things I do to get minis done and ready for battle. These are just a few things to maybe help with that "treasure chest- over flowing with figs" that we all have. Some of these points will be very basic to some, but maybe...just maybe...there might be a new guy/girl who has not seen a different way to get their minis ready. If anyone sees anything that should be expounded upon feel free to chime in cause we're all in this together. ;D
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on March 02, 2009, 06:32:05 AM: Ok, let's get this ball rolling!

So, you've got the flash and mold lines cleaned from your next unit-o-doom and you have slapped some glue on them and stuck them into their bases. Staring at them in wonder you notice that there is still a gap between the model's feet/cloak/claws/or what ever method of motion it uses and the base itself. You know if you put flock/static grass on the base it's gonna look like a small pot hole next to it's feet and that...no matter how you slice it...is not gonna do...no sir.

Most veterans are aware that this is an easy thing to remedy but I got to tell you, I see a lot of figures(my older figs included from "yester-year")based but with holes next to the feet on the bases. This thing may not be important for you and it doesn't take away from "gettin your game on" (yes-I'm the dork that loves this little saying and if your not careful I'll say it again when your not ready :-*) ;) ) but you know deep down you think to yourself "Man, I wish I would have fixed that at the time...oh well.". Well sir/ma'am, please allow me to show you how I go about this menial chore in order to prep (there's that word again) the fig for basing.

First, I want to talk about the putty type stuff I use to fill these gaps. Some may use "green stuff" or some type of epoxy/cement and these will do the job, but there is a cheaper solution and I want you to save that "jingle in your pocket" for more figs for your games. I use a generic type of wall filler/putty type product you could get from those department type stores that sell home/do-it-yourself type products. I think I got my tub from the dollar store for a buck and I'm still using it after 4 years. I do the following for all my figs these days so I don't have any regrets later. Here we go...
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia027.jpg)
I take my hobby knife and cut out a little putty (consistency is just a little thicker than cake icing) and put the putty in the bottom of the base with the knife.

(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia028.jpg)
I make sure the putty is pushed up enough from the bottom with my thumb so that it comes out the top of the base just like those old "play doh" moments when you were little (and if you never got to play with "play doh" as a child---the world does owe you an apology).

(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia030.jpg)
next I take my hobby knife and scrape the putty off the top of the base away from the figures feet/method of motion towards the edge of the base. You can also use the putty to level the gap between the figures feet.

(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia031.jpg)
flipping the model over to clean out excess putty with the hobby knife from the bottom of the base. It's also worth noting that having a paper towel or old wash cloth around helps keep your hands clean as you work with this stuff. It's not real messy, but I like staying tidy as I work...just a personal thing.

(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia032.jpg)
Now my unit of Dark Tusks are ready for a little basing sand. I have been asked by my friends if the putty gets old/dry won't it crack and fall out? I have not had one model lose it's putty filling yet because I think when I glue the sand on in the next basing phase it kinda holds it all together.

Well, the next step is deciding on what kind of basing substance you are going to use. I have grown to love using sand as the basic covering followed up with static grass after the sand has been painted, but that is for another discussion later. I know this is nothing new to the modeling world but I thought I would throw this in just in case someone new to the hobby with this problem stumbled into our forum.

**The thing is that I try to do this for a very large group of figs as I already have the stuff/equipment out and I've gotten down the timing of doing the same chore again and again every figure. **
I also listen to music/tv shows or movies just so I've got something going on in the back ground. Now as I only have a few pieces of hobby equipment out, I can put them and the figs away rather quickly and get back to the boring things in life. Hope this helps get you started on your basing or anything hobby related and be sure to stay with me guys... as there is more to follow.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: joshuaslater on March 02, 2009, 07:24:22 AM: ALL THIS TIME I've been using greenstuff I could have been using putty?!?!?!?!?! You've already gained a convert here, and the unpainted pewter mountain will see some progress.

I'd like to see your next steps, especially what consistency of sand you glue down, how it looks after priming, (and what you prime with), and how this basing works.

I've always been of the mind that you finish painting the model, then do the base. I like the idea of working on them simultaneously.

More, please.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: joshuaslater on March 02, 2009, 07:37:06 AM: P.S. the milkshake reference wasn't lost on me. Have some karma.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on March 03, 2009, 04:25:42 PM: Alrighty here we go with more basing...
First up is getting our equipment ready
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia035.jpg)
Glue: just your plain old white glue that you used in school for those classroom projects
Brush: it's worth having a couple of these around in different sizes so you have a choice when going from smaller projects(figure bases) to bigger projects(terrain features) and these brushes can be the cheap ones because once they have been in glue I wouldn't advise trying to paint with them
Basing material: anything and everything you want to use; but plain sand has become my favorite (you'll see why in a future post)
Tub of water: trust me, it helps make the magic flow ;)
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia033.jpg)
I know I know, its just a tub of water with a brush inside but there is a catch--- Get a wide rim tub and place it in the floor beside you * :o You do sit close to the floor, don't you? If you don't then you are wasting all that "table/hobby" space that you have available to you :o* on which ever side that you use your brush. I'm right handed, so I place my tub of water on my right side. This makes things easier and faster and we all want this chore to go by faster.
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia037.jpg)
My chosen victim is this axehorn warrior who looks rather excited to finally be based. Take your brush and dip it into the glue bottle and get just a bead on the end of the brush and then dip it into the water tub. Your looking for a milk like consistency when applying it to the base. Just spread it around.
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia038.jpg)
Dip the figure into the sand and "swish" it a round making sure the base is good and covered. I use a plastic square tub to avoid spillage and a thorough rear-end chewing from the wife. Nothing stops "hobby time" like a spat with the spouse---just trust me on this one.
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia041.jpg)
Now, use the brushless end of your brush to tap the base of the figure over your sand tub knocking loose any sand that didn't get glued down--if you don't it will wind up in your actual paint brush when you go to paint the base.
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia039.jpg)
Use your thumb/finger to clean sand from around the base--maybe not necessary but it's my "tidy" thing again.
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia040.jpg)
There we go! One Axehorn Warrior almost ready for battle. Just let the model sit for about 30-40 minutes and your ready to paint. With all this time to wait you can base a few more cuz after a while you start to get into a grove and this whole thing goes by faster.
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia043.jpg)
This one is for all those Devout players out there. Just think Demon Wings. :)
A word about sand: I use just plain old sand, no need in muddying the water just find some by the road or a construction sight. Just please try not to buy it...it's sand and besides there are more figures out there just waiting for you to purchase them.
Hope this helps and wishing you all many happy days modeling. :D
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: luckyone on March 04, 2009, 10:06:00 AM: Progress loks great! Spackle works great - just watch for shrinkage.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: joshuaslater on March 04, 2009, 02:00:40 PM: Good stuff. The Axe Horn looks good too.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on March 10, 2009, 05:27:51 PM: Sorry, no photos this time. :'(

I must confess that I love everything about this hobby from the irresistible crunch of opening a blister pack to the hours of just staring at the models I have already painted and dreaming of the countless battles to come. I, like so many of you, am interested in several systems and have more than enough pewter and plastic to kept me busy painting for a lifetime.

I just wanted to give you guys an update so you don't think I've been slackin. I have been working on several things lately that have been neglected for far too long. So to keep it brief, here is a run down of the things I have been up to:

1) Scratch building 3 islands for "Uncharted Seas"---I am actually thinking about making a Devout fleet from their Imperial line, something like in the Chronopia rulebook-- :-\ I guess the notion just kinda hit me...just to see the look on my friends' faces.

2) 10 Chameleon skinks, 12 Tau fire warriors, 12 Tau gun drones, 5 man Imperial Guard HQ squad, 4 Empire flagellants, 3 Empire mortar crew(not the mortar, yet), and I am working on building my own scratch built "howdah" for my counts-as Stegadon (a toy dinosaur that I picked up at Wal-mart--yeah, that's right--I'm a cheap bastard)

3) I made several bases for my size 3 and 4 Chronopia miniatures out of MDF board--it's just not right to see a Dusk Realm Demon on that little 25mm base.

4) I based the following Chronopia minis:
2 Dusk Realm Demons
1 Tormented *it is a toss up between this model and the Dark-eyes as my all time favorite mini*
1 Damned
8 Dark-eyes
2 Harbingers
8 Devout swordsmen
8 Devout great swordsmen
1 Stalker
2 Nameless

I plan on finally attacking those Stygian axemen with a brush this weekend and maybe if I'm lucky I can fit in a warband of 6 Stygian swordsmen.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Veez on March 11, 2009, 04:33:43 AM: Great work as always!
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: DogOWar on March 11, 2009, 10:29:55 AM: The Darklord will be pleased that you have given your soul to his will. Keep up the great work. I've enjoyed reading your stuff.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on March 14, 2009, 05:54:35 AM: Uh-oh...look what arrived in the mail...
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia052.jpg)

I think I just had a wargasm. Oh dear, I'm going be busy for a while...

Sons of Kronos army with a few Elven reinforcements(Flying Dragonbanes for Obsidian Serpent & Helios).
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Manic _Miner on March 14, 2009, 09:02:27 AM: Great selection of new miniatures.I still think you need to finish the Stygian first though ;D.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on March 14, 2009, 10:48:58 AM: Quote from: Manic _Miner on March 14, 2009, 09:02:27 AM
Great selection of new miniatures.I still think you need to finish the Stygian first though ;D.

Yes, you are right and I agree. Deep down you know I had to crunch open a few blisters though. I mean come on, it's Sons of Kronos. It's an army with attitude and half naked chicks with great big... :-\ uh...mmm....uh....swords ;) What was I to do? lol
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Manic _Miner on March 14, 2009, 11:17:51 AM: Sons of Kronos are a great force and who does not like Barbarian types.

You will end up like me and spoilt for choice as what to do next :'(.A symptom of being a mad collector I suppose ;D.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on March 14, 2009, 12:49:38 PM: Yes, I'm definately mad... this is most likely the largest order I've ever made at one time. But then again, I have always wanted a Sons of Kronos army and it was one of those moments when I was looking at purchasing this lot that I thought "if I don't do it now, I will probably never get the opportunity again" and well the rest is history now. I know this sounds strange, but I some how feel complete...and if your a collector of anything, you know what I'm talking about. Funny how some miniature soldiers can make one feel so happy.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Manic _Miner on March 14, 2009, 01:58:04 PM: I could not have said it better.

This week I have recieved five greens from two different sculptors with another on its way.Looking forward to getting to the stage when I can show these off with painted examples.

Also won a good deal of Chronopia,Leviathan and Warzone miniatures from Ebay today.

Life as a miniatures addict is great.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on March 15, 2009, 04:43:22 PM: Back again with an update. Here is a wip shot of those Stygian axeman I've been carrying on about. I hope to find some time this week to finish them up. All that is left is to finish the gold work then teeth,eyes, and static grass.

(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia054.jpg)
...and this is what has been keeping me away from my Stygian.
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia053.jpg)
If I counted correctly that is 106 minis glued to their bases and have had all the mold lines cleaned off. After all this, I think I'm gonna catch some "shut eye" before I get too tired and my hobby knife sneaks up on me. ;)

See you guys soon.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Veez on March 15, 2009, 06:28:51 PM: Nice! Looks like you are going to putting those hands to good work for a while!
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: luckyone on March 17, 2009, 08:56:46 AM: Holy cow! That is a lot of minis! Looks like you will be busy for awhile.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on March 24, 2009, 03:51:34 PM: Alright, here we are with another update. I finally finished those Stygian axemen and they are ready to see a little action.
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia057.jpg)
This is my Horned Ones Dwarf army as it stands now. They were very close to being finished before I started the Stygian and I felt I should go ahead and finish them up. I do plan to add to these guys in the future.
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia056.jpg)
Here is a few things that I have been tinkering with...
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia058.jpg)
I thought those interested would like to see a size comparison between the big guys. Man, I can't wait to put the brush to these creatures.
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia059.jpg)
I was wondering if anyone could help me in identifying what these pieces are and from what game set they belong to.

Sorry for the delay in the update but life again got in the way of hobby time. >:(
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: wmeredith on March 24, 2009, 04:47:41 PM: Hello

The unpainted piece is a Necromower for Imperial wolfpacks in warzone, the other game played here. The painted piece looks like it may be from man'o'war, a GW OOP game.

wmeredith
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: leutenantbrittan on April 10, 2009, 02:27:29 AM: Yup the Man o war beast is for the Dark Elves (until recently Man o war stuff sold for mad prices on ebay)

Really liking the painted armies there! It makes me want to rummage out my Chronopia stuff!
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on April 12, 2009, 12:15:27 PM: Thanks guys for the info on those minis. I don't have a clue as to what to proxy the warzone vehicle for but the Man o war ship will be used as a prize ship to capture during a game of uncharted seas (after it is painted of course).

Well friends it has been to long since I posted any updates but I do have some for you today.
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia061.jpg)
I finally finished up the Stygian swordmen. I didn't even bother with the back side of the shields as you can not even see them at arms length. I am really pleased with the paint scheme as it is simple and the more troops added to the army the better it seems to look. I guess it's just my taste.

(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia062.jpg)
Here are a few Dark Tusk swordsmen that are a wip. Just had to paint something different as I start becoming cross-eyed the more I look at the black and gold of the Stygian. :-\
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia060.jpg)
and here is the next addition to the Stygian horde. A Guardian because the priestess can't cruise a game board of war without an escort. Just wouldn't be proper ;)

Anyway I hope to bring more updates a lot sooner than the last time. Cheers!
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Manic _Miner on April 12, 2009, 01:22:13 PM: Nice update.You are putting me to shame.I wish I could paint as much as you and some of the others on these boards.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Alpha on April 12, 2009, 04:06:33 PM: Really, really like stygians. Great color scheme. The only thing I may do differently is a little more color/detail on the skin. They look outstanding though.....great job!
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: luckyone on April 12, 2009, 04:44:45 PM: Thanks for the update. Keep up the great work!
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on April 22, 2009, 11:47:53 AM: Hello everyone, time for another update. I finally finished the Stygian Guardian and boy I must admit it was hard going to get motivated to paint him for some reason. It was a stop an go affair and I struggled to keep painting the gold on the figure. The detail on this mini is great and I some how feel I didn't do it justice, but in the end he is ready for table top battles.

(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia064.jpg)

Here is the finished Dark Tusk swordmen.
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia063.jpg)
The free hand on the shields is less than stellar and I very rarely do it but the open space on the shields demanded something so I just went with a feeble attempt at painting a tusk...not great or even good but they are finished. :)

So next up will be some Stygian Reapers or more Starved(just because they are quick to paint up). I was also wondering what Stygian individual would you guys like to see painted next as I can't decide between the Embalmed, Venom Spawn, or a Hammerhead. Thanks for reading and see you soon.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Manic _Miner on April 23, 2009, 01:01:23 AM: Love the Stygian miniature.I think you have done a great job on him.The dwarves are cool too.I sent mine away to get painted.Just dont seem to be able to paint anything.

Paint up the Hammerhead next.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Veez on April 23, 2009, 04:04:32 AM: I know that "motivation" problem some times. It could be work bleeding over into your hobby, it could be that you have so many projects you don't know where to start, it could be that Bleenor from the Mother Ship is constantly updating you with transmissions and you are trying to process your engrams but the new ones just keep coming in faster than you can rearrange your tertiary sciotic processes and the demand is high but if he wants to rescan the biotic transitory templates for a 3% efficiency spike then we all have to stop what we are doing for thirty cycles just to hear his proposal on a second waveband but that time is still coming out of our processing allotment and...well, I'm sure you know exactly what I mean.

BTW, the eyes on that Stygian are seriously badass!
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Manic _Miner on April 23, 2009, 04:11:34 AM: The Mother ship left me for good some years back.No more transmissions from the home world either.I suppose that is what happens when you ask too many questions.

As for not getting stuff done you are right about having too many projects.Way too many different miniatures lines to figure out which ones first.At the moment I have been on with Spinespur and Inferno.Trying to cut down on the miniatures lines that I like and get rid of my older pieces that I will never get around to.

Hoping to get some more stunties painted up so I at least have a playable force.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: luckyone on April 23, 2009, 08:51:49 AM: The recent post looks great. Keep up the excellent work!
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Glenn M on May 02, 2009, 06:41:32 AM: Everything here is looking great, I love the Stygian, they are not far off of how I did mine actually. One thing, the Guardian looks like his armor could use a wash.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on May 03, 2009, 09:10:17 AM: Thanks guys for the comments. ;D

@ Manic_Miner- I know the feeling. Your wish is my command on the Hammerhead.

@ luckyone-Thanks friend for the comment. I hope to bring you more to look at in the next few days...think "servants of the Blood Throne" ;)

@ Glenn M- Glenn, I need you to get out of my head: I was thinking about a wash and maybe a little gold to go on the armor too but I don't know it may look a little busy if it's not already. I think I'll take your advice and test a little bit of a blue or black wash on one of the arm guards first. You may very well be on to something... 8)

See you guys soon.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: warzoneD on May 03, 2009, 09:57:31 AM: Dude! You are just cranking stuff out!!!

Well done.

D
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: joshuaslater on May 08, 2009, 12:49:58 PM: The freehand prolly looks ace on the table. I wouldn't sweat it. The Guardian is amazing. Go man, go!!
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on May 28, 2009, 05:41:11 PM: Well it has been too long since I've posted any updates and to be honest I have been way too busy to paint as much as I would have liked. Work, work, work is always interfering with my good times. >:( Anyway, I have a few photos to share...are you ready? Your gonna need your sunglasses... 8)
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia065.jpg)
It all started like this...
I was sitting there staring at my Stygian Hammerhead and I just couldn't pick up my brush to start on him. No matter how hard I tried to get the motivation to paint him, I just could not paint him today. I have been kinda down lately (work stress) and today I finally had some free time to myself so I could relax a little and drink a few cups of coffee. When I'm home I am never far from my copy of the Chronopia rulebook. Today I was thumbing through it and ran across the picture of the Orc Swordsmen Warband. I thought "Man, I wish my Blackbloods were painted." Well after a cup of joe and drifting thoughts of color schemes running through my head, I could not settle on one that I liked or had not already done on another army.
So there I was, stranded in the land of the color wheel with no inspiration what so ever. Then I ran through my mind different things that use to make me happy as a child. You know, like playing little league baseball or my favorite "Hotwheel" toy race car and the color schemes of other things from "way back when". Then it hit me...bubble gum...yes that's right...Fleer "Double Bubble" to be exact. Man, I really love that color wrapping it has...the bright yellow with the blue "wings" that are twisted on the ends and with a touch of red if I remember correctly. I paused...

* I had found the color scheme for my Blackbloods.*

You see...sometimes you have to do a little work to find the inspiration to pick up the brush...(at least I know I do)

(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia066.jpg)
I'm still trying to work out how to paint the shields at the moment though.

(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia067.jpg)
...another little something I have been messing around with...a scratch built base made from cork and particle /MDF board. The pewter tab broke off leaving me a little grumpy so I had to break out the pin vise.

@ Manic_Miner- Sorry about falling down on getting the Hammerhead painted, no excuse really, but it is close to the top on the "To Do" List. :) I just had to run with the Blackbloods today. :)
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: luckyone on May 28, 2009, 06:28:33 PM: Those colors do work together. Nice job.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Veez on May 29, 2009, 03:24:37 AM: Dude I know the feeling. I have plenty of projects out there just rearin' to go that I just can't get the gumption to start. Some times you do and it turns out well. Sometimes the inspiration hits you and it comes out a dream but sometimes you muscle through and it looks like crap. It's up to you to decide when to move forward and when to fight again another day.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: joshuaslater on May 29, 2009, 06:45:43 AM: SPOT ON!! The fluff of our beloved game mentions that Blackbloods wear silks and want to look good going into battle. They are still badass muthas, but they dress real fly.

I tried years ago to paint my Blackbloods using some Reaper silks, basically pastels, discontinued now, and didn't achieve results. They still get plenty of battle, but I'd like to have a go at them again.

As always, thanks for posting your pics.

My Brotherhood force is actually moving, and I should have two units of Sacred Warriors finished soon.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Petru5 on May 29, 2009, 08:00:06 AM: I like the color scheme!

For me, I have to almost literally carve out time to paint. I need to focus Mr. Miyagi style and work on one project at a time. My table downstairs is a mess of unfinished projects! Let me see, there are tons of WZ figs, pulp figs, various terrain pieces, spaceships and other assorted things waiting in the queue. I'll probably finish the spaceships first, then work on pulp so I can play my Cthulhu GASLIGHT scenarios. WZ is a little bit down the list, as I'll have to paint a lot of figs in order to get a game on the table (I'm the only one in my group that collects them).
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Manic _Miner on May 30, 2009, 06:55:34 AM: Nice colours on the orc's.At least you are painting something which is far more than me ;D.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: dave kufner on May 30, 2009, 07:04:07 AM: I would paint thier shields a bronze or gold color to stand out from their armor
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Alxbates on May 30, 2009, 07:07:57 AM: Lookin' good!

I like the yellow and purple combo, but it's hard for me to paint figures in that scheme and not have them look like Minnesota Vikings or LA Lakers...

-Alex
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on June 01, 2009, 12:57:57 PM: Hello again. I have a few photos to share...
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia068.jpg)
Just to give you an idea to what I saw in my mind when I chose the Blackblood paint scheme. That is a piece of the world's finest bubble gum (at least that's my opinion) and the wrapper that gave me the idea. Also, I couldn't let my man Manic_Miner down so I also got to work on that Hammerhead.
@Alxbates- You know, I didn't even think about that until you posted. I guess I'm not much of a sports fan. :-\ Your post has a ring of truth about it, though.
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia069.jpg)
This is for everyone who thought I was slipping away from my beloved Stygian. Six more Starved and the Hammerhead who are still WIP. They will also be reinforced by some of their bigger brothers (and Sisters ;)) very soon.
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia070.jpg)
...and another little something I'm tinkering with. These will be my Summoned Undead Knights for my Devout army. I know their a little small but I had them laying around and thought "Why not". I wasn't going to use them for anything else so they got "drafted" into the service of the Dark One.

Well that's all for now.
VK
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Manic _Miner on June 01, 2009, 02:11:45 PM: Damn Von Koss you are a prolific painter.I need to get my butt in gear and get some painting done.The Hammerhead is looking good so far.Sort of reminds nme of the Alien type's in Pitchblack movie.Now if someone brought them out it would be very cool.
Like your inspiration for the Orc's.Might try a KFC colour scheme for a force ;D.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Petru5 on June 01, 2009, 07:59:40 PM: Nah, someone needs to paint a Skittles-themed army. When they get (b)eaten, the winner can say that they tasted like rainbows.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Veez on June 02, 2009, 03:28:09 AM: If it is an unsportsman-like game you can scream "TASTE THE RAINBOW B***H!"
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on June 02, 2009, 07:26:23 AM: Thanks Veez, I haven't laughed that hard in years. That was good...have some Karma.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Veez on June 02, 2009, 07:39:56 AM: Thank you-I do what I can.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Petru5 on June 02, 2009, 09:59:58 AM: I'm the Costello to your Abbot, Veez.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on June 03, 2009, 12:36:40 PM: Update time!

(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia073.jpg)
Finally got the Stygian Hammerhead done...(crap, I just noticed I need to paint his teeth.*stomps floor*)
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia074.jpg)
Here is the other side of the Hammerhead along with a new friend...
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia072.jpg)
this pic is just to show scale and what happens to members of my army who wander away from their warband.
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia071.jpg)
Here is my painted Stygian army as it stands today.

That's all for now. See you guys soon.
VK
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: leutenantbrittan on June 03, 2009, 01:40:30 PM: Excellent army paint job!

It really fits well with the concept art (the enameled armour looks especially good!)

The purple worm repaint is also great (have you thought of using one of the bluespawn god killer thingys for a stygian beast?)
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Manic _Miner on June 03, 2009, 01:59:57 PM: Nice force shot.I love the way you have done these and the speed you have done them.Have you seen the newer sculpts for the Stygian that were released?
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: dave kufner on June 03, 2009, 03:43:55 PM: Really sweet army. That purple worm is huuuuge.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Veez on June 04, 2009, 03:49:09 AM: I am envious of the size of your purple worm.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: luckyone on June 04, 2009, 10:35:23 AM: That sounded bad.

Great army pics!
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Alxbates on June 05, 2009, 04:57:11 AM: Everything looks *awesome*!

Thanks so much for sharing your pics with us... it's great to see people painting new armies for Chronopia.

-Alex
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on July 19, 2009, 10:11:15 AM: Goodness, it has been too long without an update. I have been busy lately with all kinds of projects. Just to name a few:
1) I have played my first game of really big obscene sci-fi battles from the company "who shall not be named" and over all it was kinda fun...going to look into it a little more.
2) I have been making infantry/cavalry movement trays for previous said company's mass battle game in Middle Earth...it's some work making the trays but well worth it considering the cost of purchasing all those trays.
3) ...and the main reason for my update...Indulging myself with all these big games and the preparation for them made me long for a massed battle involving the armies of the Eternal Realm. I looked at all my shelves of minis of all the game systems I play- most which are unpainted- and I felt completely overwhelmed. I thought, "Man, I'm never going to get all these minis painted." and that could be true but I'll not give up without a fight and a final stab of the paint brush.

So, how does one fight this feeling of hopelessness? Well, I decided a while back that I wanted to change my basing style of green rimmed bases and green flock to brown rimmed bases with sand colored flock(ie sand). Some of the paint jobs are from a time when little VK held a brush for the first time. They are not impressive by a long shot, but they are done and playable...to me. This is what got me thinking: Why not put all the models that need work( of any kind) into groups starting with the ones in the package all the way to the ones that just need a little touch up. I know this seems elementary and that grown-ups call this thing "organization" but I think it may help put the painted armies on the table and knock down the pile-o-pewter/plastic. Over the next few weeks I'm going to update my long with more random drivel about trying to work through getting the pewter/plastic pile down to a manageable level. I have trolled the net for a while and I have read through a lot of batch painting tutorials and other misc. posts to "wrap my head around" a plan to get those models out of the boxes/blisters and onto the table painted and ready for battle.

These posts will be more Chronopia related but I will include minis from other systems as to show the processes that I'm trying to work through. Some hobbyists work to improve their painting skills, some their scratch building/ sculpting skills...I'm trying to improve my taking acceptable short-cuts to getting painted armies/terrain/movement trays on the table skills-if you want to even call it a skill. Some of these ideas will not be original (well most won't be) and you will see some processes that can be improved upon and by all means please speak up and share. I'm not above taking someones advice to improve. ;D

*My number one goal is getting through the most minis in the shortest amount of time.*

So while I contemplate my first post on this group of processes, I leave you with some photos of touch-ups and new wip...

Touch-ups which are still wip:
Devout Great Swordsmen Warband
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia004-1.jpg)
Devout Necromancer, Warped Lord, Summoned Greater Demon of the Twilight, Jackle Scout
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia003-1.jpg)
Devout Wailers and Cursed
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia002-2.jpg)
Devout summoned Undead Knight mounts
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia001.jpg)

New wip
Stygian Reapers
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia006.jpg)
SOK warhounds
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia005-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Manic _Miner on July 19, 2009, 11:42:27 AM: Nice update and good luck working through the lead mountain.I have decided to sell most of my old miniatures and concentrate on a few systems.Thirty years of collecting miniatures gives me loads to get sorted ;D.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on July 19, 2009, 12:11:01 PM: @ Manic_Miner- I had you, Josh, Topkick, and a personal friend in mind when I thought about the mini mountain and the downer that comes with so much "collection aggressiveness" in getting them ready. I hope you stay tuned as I plan to attempt to inspire you vets as well as newcomers to stay the course. I know that a little reality into what can be accomplished is needed but it can be done with just a little effort each day. I know that you know all this and others too but if your like me... a little "refresher" is something that is all that's needed to get going.

Think of the kittens... ;)
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Manic _Miner on July 19, 2009, 01:56:16 PM: My trouble is I have so much to get through and cant decide what to do next.Then when I do I think of something else that I would love to do.
This problem is I think because I dont play any games so dont get the motivation to paint up stuff.Another thing is that I dont have a dedicated painting area.I need a bigger house or put the kid's in one room or the garage :o.
I hope to get something done to show soon (in the next month or so).
The last miniature that I did was for Spinespur and I still need to post a picture of him on there forum.
There are loads of Chronopia miniatures based and undercoated.Some even further along.Just need to get my finger out aand paint them up.
It is always great to see updates from everyone on this forum.Veez and Glenn really seem to churn the stuff out along with others.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on July 19, 2009, 02:11:46 PM: It is time to tackle the pewter/plastic mountain...

*PREPARATION*
1) Grab all the blisters/box sets/bags that contain single piece minis. It does not matter for which game system/Era/ or genre nor about plastic or pewter minis. This is about taking control of that mountain.
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia009-1.jpg)
You may have some blisters or box sets that contain both single and multi-piece miniatures--grab them too.
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia008-1.jpg)
2) Separate the single piece minis from the multi-piece minis as well as the bases. You should have three containers. A multi-part tray that came from a fishing tackle box is the best thing I've found to use for the multi-piece mini storage for this step. Put the multi-piece minis aside for now, we will come back to them later.
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia007-1.jpg)
3) Taking the container of single piece minis, place them at your side and place a big empty container in your lap. Use your hobby knife to clean the mold lines and flash while you listen to music, watch t.v., or just hang out with friends.
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia011-1.jpg)
You need only concentrate on being safe with the knife and appropriately cleaning the mini. Having something to help ease this boring process is a plus and is always a matter of taste. The point is that your getting minis one step closer and satisfying your normal habits at the same time. I have used a frisbee, popcorn bowl, empty box at my feet, and even an empty coffee can to catch the shavings. This may take a while and even a couple of sittings to get through the single piece minis. It's ok, your moving closer towards the goal.

The process for the multi-piece minis is the same but you have to keep in mind which accessory piece goes with it's "parent" model. The tackle caddy is great for keeping the pieces separate. I would however concentrate on the single pieces for now. We want to keep the momentum going.

Place the the "clean" mini into a suitable container (I use a plastic straining bowl) and when your done for that sitting go ahead and place the minis under the tap and give them a good rinsing and let them dry. We all have heard this helps when we paint them later but it also helps when we glue them to their bases in the next step.

The thing I would like for you to take away from this first part is that you should always set yourself up for your next hobby secession so it is easier to get going as you already have a plan. You have done this by separating the multi-piece minis from the single piece and you have washed the figs for the next step...glueing the models to their bases, which I have sorted out my own taste as to get this process done.

But the most important thing is ....now you have a plan. Stay with me friends for the next step soon!
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Manic _Miner on July 20, 2009, 08:44:29 AM: I have done similar things in the past and got boxes of miniatures cleaned and based.

Did not know about washing them.I thought that was just for plastic and resin miniatures.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on July 20, 2009, 09:25:28 AM: It has been my experience that the minis glue better to their bases though it might not make that big of a difference. I like to give them a light rinse and dry before I apply primer. It could be just a mental thing but it makes me happy and it's not much more effort in getting a mini prepped for painting.

I went digging through my collection of unbased minis yesterday and with Josh's words of wisdom ringing in my ears about at least getting them ready for a game should one pop up, I piled'em high in my "prep box" for cleaning. Oh boy, I'm going to be busy. :-\
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Manic _Miner on July 20, 2009, 12:24:51 PM: I know how you feel.I split my blisters and placed each faction in there own box.Loads of miniatures for each faction and more still in boxes all over the place.
My Chronopia collection is probably the biggest lot to go through.Then My Wargods ones.I also have loads of Grymn to use as an alternative Imperial Guard force.
Then I have loads more from alot of different companies.
Lets see if we can post something new each week or every other week.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: warzoneD on July 20, 2009, 06:47:12 PM: Great work! As always.

D
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: joshuaslater on July 29, 2009, 10:49:44 AM: I just washed an entire army of Cybertronic for Warzone. Now to clean them. I've got one unit almost done for my Brotherhood force, but most of my time is devoted to just assembly. At least something's getting done!!
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: luckyone on July 29, 2009, 11:27:18 AM: Quote from: joshuaslater on July 29, 2009, 10:49:44 AM
I just washed an entire army of Cybertronic for Warzone. Now to clean them. I've got one unit almost done for my Brotherhood force, but most of my time is devoted to just assembly. At least something's getting done!!

Josh, I hope you got behind their ears.

Just kidding.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on September 16, 2009, 10:34:58 AM: Wow....almost two months without an update...I should be ashamed.

Well, no pics today...just an update on the projects I've been working on:

Projects Finished & game ready

6 Stygian Reapers
1 Stygian Ophidian
1 Devout Harbinger (Dark Wings not complete)
2 Devout Dusk Realm Demons
2 Blackblood close combat Ogres

Projects in Progress

12 SOK Tribal Warriors
9 SOK Berserkers
9 SOK War dogs
36 Perry Brothers plastic Confederate Infantry
24 GW LOTR Riders of Rohan
80 GW LOTR Army of the Dead Infantry (yeah ...I know...but they paint up really fast)
1 Armorcast Titian w/ several extra weapons ( I'm painting this one up for a friend- Iron Warriors paint scheme)
1 Ork Stompa (almost complete- can't figure out how I want to paint the rockets)
....plus others as the list is very long

I'll post pics tomorrow as the weather is not cooperating and if I'm not "gamer-napped" by real life again.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on November 04, 2009, 10:18:32 AM: Update Time!
Here are the completed Stygian...
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/th_Chronopia075.jpg) (http://s234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/?action=view&current=Chronopia075.jpg)
two completed Ogres (the rest of their warband is wip)
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/th_Chronopia076.jpg) (http://s234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/?action=view&current=Chronopia076.jpg)

and here is a little something I'm working on for playing those great big games of Sci-Fi. Nothing fancy, just for getting the feel of urban conflicts.
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/th_Chronopia077.jpg) (http://s234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/?action=view&current=Chronopia077.jpg)
Here is an almost complete building with the "stone spray". I thought the Warzone fans would like to see these as they are very quick to make up...just cut up a box to make the doors and windows ...a quick stone spray... glue the see-through plastic on the inside and presto...a building ready for your troops to take cover.
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/th_Chronopia078.jpg) (http://s234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/?action=view&current=Chronopia078.jpg)

Heres to hoping I can get a little more hobby time in the future. See ya around! :D
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Veez on November 04, 2009, 10:22:35 AM: Nice work as always!
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: luckyone on November 04, 2009, 10:32:05 AM: Great job! Thanks for the update!
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Petru5 on November 04, 2009, 09:55:22 PM: Put an arched front on that last building and you'd have the Hall of Justice! That'd be perfect for SuperSystem!
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on November 12, 2009, 11:32:25 AM: Hello again...I have always been the guy who looks around and wonders "where did the time go?". It's almost as if I have been caught in a perpetual daydream. Well to get to the point, I wondered how much progress have I made in a year in getting my mini collection painted. I do not have any other hobbies other than a few video/computer games and minis are pretty much my main interest. I will admit the past year has been light on the gaming side of things, but when I went back and looked at what I had painted in almost a years time...it shocked me pretty bad. My wife and I had bought a new house which included a fairly nice unattached 2 vehicle garage (I have not doubt you could fit three moderately sized vehicles in there) so you know what happened when we moved in...right?

Well, we moved in at the end of Oct. 08 and there was quite a bit of painting/ moving furniture around and the general mucking about when you buy a home. It was all I could do to keep from locking myself in my new wonderland of gaming but the Wife insisted that I get about setting us up proper...so gaming/painting fun had to be put off. When the time came around right after Christmas to get on with the gaming/painting I launched myself into that swirling abyss of a dream.

Today I woke up from that dream and when the counting had finished ... I have painted 472 models to date from all sorts of games/terrain. I could not believe it. It kinda left me speechless. But no matter what you say...I have just proved that I'm a official, card carrying, no social life, painting goober. :-\

So what do you think this painting goober has to do? That's right...I've gotta get to 500 before Christmas Day 2009.

So tell us what you have painted throughout the year and what do you hope to get painted before years end.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Manic _Miner on November 12, 2009, 01:47:03 PM: That is an amazing amount of miniatures painted.

I dont think I have painted anything this year.Really need to get motivated and get some thing,anything painted.

If you can paint 28 before Christmas I am sure I can do at least a units worth.Now to decide what.Might try to finish the Devout Greatswordsmen I started god know's when.Or the Dwarves I started.Choices,choices.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on November 14, 2009, 11:16:04 AM: Motivation can be a hard thing to find at times, it's almost like you have to grab it and tackle it to the ground just to get started. I like some hobbyist/gamers/collectors suffer from the "chronic illness" of wanting all the figs I can throw money at ...at the time, there is just so much good stuff out there these days.

I have amassed quite a few armies over just 12 years of gaming and I know I don't want to stop collecting and I (for some unknown reason) have been feeling the pull to play only with painted models. Don't get me wrong, I will play games with unpainted minis as I don't get as many opportunities to play as I use too. Seeing a game played out with two completely painted armies on a descent battlefield is what it is all about in my opinion.

The are a couple of reasons why I have been able to get these minis painted:

* no children
* no other major interests/hobbies
* plenty of space to stop one project and put it aside and pick up another- I have the attention span of a gnat.
* I paint several minis at a time that have the same exact pose so it's almost like my hand has formed a memory of the painting strokes. It does not add to the variation of my forces but I can tell you ...it really increases speed.
* Grey-scaling. It is just that cool.

As we go through life we can pick up inspiration for things from the weirdest places. For example, Dave Ramsey's "Financial Peace" explains the rolling snowball affect/effect(?) in paying off debt. You can use this in getting your mini collection painted.
Paint up the rest of a squad/warband to add to the army. Finish off another for a different army to keep things fresh. Paint something for another game, then come back. After awhile you get your armies closer to completion and then set your focus to the one almost done. One completed army. Start on the next one that is close and you start to "see the light at the end of the tunnel". You can do this process for your squads, armies, or all the models of your collection for that game's system.

That is how I have been able to tackle my pewter/plastic mountain. It has made a dent in my pile and I look forward to trying to out do myself next year, for if anything it may help in keeping me motivated. ;)
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Topkick on November 14, 2009, 11:23:50 AM: Big fan of Dave Ramsey and am trying to apply his principles to my financial life but never thought I'd see them applied to gaming and/or painting. Karma for the original and helpful idea.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on November 27, 2009, 05:45:23 PM: I finally did it...500 minis painted as of this year.
Blackblood Caravan Guards w/ leader...this group pushed the total up to 481.
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/th_Chronopia079.jpg) (http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia079.jpg)
SOK wardogs....they are all the same pose but it got them selected to be painted. 490
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/th_Chronopia080.jpg) (http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia080.jpg)
I know it's not Chronopia but it pushed my painted model count to 500. Uncharted Seas Dwarf Starter Fleet. Great models and very easy to greyscale. They were all painted in two sessions because I had to let the wash dry.
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/th_Chronopia081.jpg) (http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia081.jpg)

If you haven't tried grey scaling, you really should. It makes quick work of painting skin (as an example) for all you SOK fans out there. See ...looky...only one coat of wash on the skin.
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/th_Chronopia082.jpg) (http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia082.jpg)

and a close up.
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/th_Chronopia083.jpg) (http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia083.jpg)

Give it a try and tell us what you think.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Veez on November 28, 2009, 06:08:10 AM: You'll have to go into more depth on this greyscaling.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: joshuaslater on November 28, 2009, 10:06:40 AM: Curious minds want to know. 500!!! Whoo that's impressive. I feel like a slacker.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on November 28, 2009, 11:40:58 AM: Thanks Josh for the complement. Discovering this kinda slipped up on me. I have been thinking alot lately about what it takes to get going and into a painting groove.

@ Veez: you got it...I'll give a step by step soon. I gotta take the wip pics though and find a good Chronopia model(s) for it. I do owe alot to this technique, it really gives decent results quickly and I couldn't do a better job on blending skin.(Who needs to, as it does it for you?) I just wish I would have discovered the tutorial before more than half the year was up...I know I could have finished more models.

I will also find the original tutorial "Gray-Scale Washing" by Whitman Bottiger so you guys can get busy on your own pile of mini goodness. The man is my hero. It changed my painting style and for the better I believe.

See you soon! :)
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Morfdoggs on November 29, 2009, 03:45:41 PM: Here is the link that I found, not sure if it is the same one you used but it is very good nonetheless.

http://www.warseer.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=64721&d=1247559786 (http://www.warseer.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=64721&d=1247559786)
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on November 29, 2009, 04:08:16 PM: That is indeed the tutorial that I learned from. Thanks Morfdoggs! It is a great little piece of information for helping painting minis fast.

I would hope you guys will try it, who knows maybe you can start your own personal speed painting contest to see how much you can do in a year. (I would love to read about it.)

I showed a friend of mine who is not really into painting (I personally think he maybe embarrassed at his skill) and in one night of painting he painted three minis that looked great. I truly was impressed that he did such a good job the first try of this technique that I was giddy the whole time we talked while he "oooed and aaahhhed over how easy it is. It felt good to show someone how fun it could be to paint up his armies...and you know what...he dropped some green on new reinforcements for one of his armies. And here all this time I thought he was losing steam in the hobby. Last I spoke with him he was wanting to "retackle" his Dwarf Uncharted Seas Fleet and give them the ol' Gray-Scale touch.

Give it a try on some old fig you got laying around...you never know...it might give you that new hobby "giddiness". ;)
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on January 08, 2010, 12:41:36 PM: First update of the year!

I had to go back and change the color scheme for my SOK, I just wasn't feelin the light blue so I went with a green and yellow palette. Nothing to showy but I like it.
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/th_Chronopia085.jpg) (http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia085.jpg)
Here is a close up of some "gray scaled" Berzerkers
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/th_Chronopia087.jpg) (http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia087.jpg)
Army shot: 4 Warriors, 12 Zerkers, 3 Zerker Champions, 9 Wardogs
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/th_Chronopia084.jpg) (http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia084.jpg)

19 painted Chronopia models for the year and counting...
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Daargrim on January 08, 2010, 12:48:02 PM: Quote from: Von Koss on January 08, 2010, 12:41:36 PM

19 painted Chronopia models for the year and counting...

19!?!?!? wow! way to go! I'm still trying to get my first of the year started (Vulture Hero) but alas the holiday schedule and my back flaring up have not helped matters.

I love this thread! I'm tempted to start my own project log thread but I'd be afraid the updates would be months (years?) apart.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on January 08, 2010, 12:54:12 PM: Do It ....Do It....Do It.... :D

Don't be afraid about long periods between posting. We all know and understand life's little "hiccups" besides it will be "Daargrim's Painting Log" and you will be it's author. I would be honored to say you already have at least one fan to start with ;) . So get in there and let the paint fly.

Do It.... Do It.... Do It....
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Manic _Miner on January 08, 2010, 12:55:09 PM: Great update Von Koss.The colour scheme works well.I have the old warriors but think the newer ones are one hell of an improvment.

Daargrim you should start your own log.It will help motivate you and others including me.Von Koss has been my inspiration.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: luckyone on January 08, 2010, 01:21:05 PM: Great painting and great idea - to start one's own project thread.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on January 15, 2010, 11:19:59 AM: Small update, a little WIP....
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/th_Chronopia091.jpg) (http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia091.jpg)

Today we have four SOK Tribal Warriors and a Wyrd answering the call to battle. I'm going to finish up their bases tonight and then ponder who is next for a coat of paint.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Coil on January 15, 2010, 02:45:58 PM: Looks very good. That is quite a nice army you have there.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Daargrim on January 16, 2010, 08:52:00 PM: Quote from: Von Koss on January 15, 2010, 11:19:59 AM
Small update, a little WIP....
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/th_Chronopia091.jpg) (http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia091.jpg)

Today we have four SOK Tribal Warriors and a Wyrd answering the call to battle. I'm going to finish up their bases tonight and then ponder who is next for a coat of paint.

These look great! The skin tones turned out excellent! Good job!
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: luckyone on January 18, 2010, 06:16:21 AM: Great job on those. Can't wait for the next update!
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on January 27, 2010, 04:00:49 PM: !!!! VK's One Year Project Log Anniversary !!!!

Alright everyone, as promised here is an update to what I've been up to lately...
Base prepping some SOK minis
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/th_Chronopia092.jpg) (http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia092.jpg)
Here is a shot of my work area (10 ft. x 4 ft.) because you know in this hobby you need all the space you can get.
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/th_Chronopia093.jpg) (http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia093.jpg)
!!!Shadow Stalker conversion WIP !!!
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/th_Chronopia098.jpg) (http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia098.jpg)

Wait there is more...
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on January 27, 2010, 04:21:46 PM: The party continues...
VK's Big Battle Table- a" zoom in" perspective
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/th_Chronopia094.jpg) (http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia094.jpg)
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/th_Chronopia095.jpg) (http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia095.jpg)
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/th_Chronopia096.jpg) (http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia096.jpg)
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/th_Chronopia097.jpg) (http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia097.jpg)

Table Stats:
12 ft. x 7 ft. (29 inches high)- because some of us are short and need to be able to reach the middle of the board. Not to mention having a reason to go around the table to move models and occasionally "nut punch" a smirking opponent over my bad strategies. :o *by the way- I would never ever hit someone over a mini game...er...well maybe...but only if they spilled my beer and broke my models while being a total douche bag- but only*

Well, I hope you like the project log and here is to hopefully another year of Chronopia painting/converting action! *toasts forum members*
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: warzoneD on January 27, 2010, 10:28:21 PM: Holy shmoly! That's enormous (no the sound of dripping water you're hearing is not a leaky faucet, it's me drooling with envy!) :P
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Cirith on January 28, 2010, 03:23:39 AM: Looking good, I am really envious of your working space, puts my desk and lamp to shame.

I am liking your conversion as well, I recognise most of the parts, well except the legs.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on January 28, 2010, 03:51:03 AM: The Shadow Stalker piece break down includes:

head-GW 6th Ed wood elf
torso-GW 6th Ed skaven clan rat
arms-GW 6th Ed skaven night runners
sword-GW 7th Ed dark elf corsair(sp?)
lower body-GW 6th Ed skaven clan rat
feet- GW 7th Daemonette of Slannesh(sp?)

*I joined the daemonette leg/feet at knee joint of the skaven clan rat lower body*
---more work to be done----

I know it's bad "mojo" to envoke the cursed name of that company...but I can not shrink away from using their parts for my own vision of a character from my beloved gaming system. Who would have thought a person would use one/some of their models for a different game. Normally it's the other way around.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Daargrim on January 28, 2010, 08:21:56 AM: Just wonderful VK, I'm very jealous. Thanks for sharing. We'll be building a house soon and I will get my own little "office" adjacent to the basement utility area, so I hope to rig up a nice miniature-working space. But yours is just tremendous!

I don't own any terrain or game table stuff (I use my buddies when we get together to play once or twice a year). Any advice for cheap ways to come up with my own stuff? I've often considered building a 4'x8' table covered in some sort of flock (or roll-up flock pad) and then buy my terrain (just basic stuff) on ebay. I haven't done any real research though on where to buy terrain online and what is good and what isn't. I'd rather not make too much of it myself as I have limited painting time as it is.

Thanks again for sharing.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: luckyone on January 28, 2010, 09:57:43 AM: Awesome, just awesome is all I can say. The things I could do with that space.

I own the garage and basement in our house (we have a crawl space BTW).
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Manic _Miner on January 28, 2010, 01:13:32 PM: Damn.I was jealous with the amount of miniatures that you get painted and now I am just plain depressed.You are so lucky with the space you have.I think I might have to sell my soul to get a similar set-up.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: joshuaslater on January 28, 2010, 01:31:25 PM: Von Koss, when can I come over and play some Chornopia??? Where do you live anyway?

My lazy butt is breakin' out the digital camera.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on January 29, 2010, 07:43:43 AM: Hey guys! Thanks for the compliments. The thing is, I have a problem. I love this hobby, I admit it.

I have decided that through He** or high water... I will continue this hobby(all aspects of it) no matter what. I have been doing this since June of 1997 and have not had the slightest moment of disinterest. Some men love guns, fishing/hunting, old cars, computers/games, work (*shudders*), t.v., or motorcycles...I love modeling/painting, tabletop wargames, astronomy and smokeless tobacco ...well ...a lot of tobacco.

I decided to make my hobby heaven no matter what it takes. I am very lucky and fortunate that my wife encourages my hobby and has never made an issue of collecting/pursuing miniature wargames. She kinda finds the whole thing cool. 8)

@ warzoneD- thanks buddy, this room is my "dream zone" and walking in there always takes away the blues.

@ Cirith- I once had a little cramped apartment and just didn't have the room to store my painted figs. I had a little computer desk that held little more than my brushes and paints let alone a decent light for painting. Once I made up my mind though, I went wild with what I wanted in a hobby room. The Shadow Stalker conversion came straight out of the ol' bitz box and a desire to convert something.

@ Daargrim- Ah don't be jealous friend, you are about to build a house and this kinda "hobby dream" is within your grasp. Please be sure to post a pic of your "office" ;) when you get set up, I'd love to see it. As far as cheap terrain, I would definitely go into detail but I think luckyone has me beat when it comes to building cheap terrain. In fact I'm going to change the way I do forests/jungles to his way of building. It would just be cheaper. If you have any specific terrain in mind that you want to know about, just let me know and I'll give you the "low down" and if I can't, I'm sure someone here can fill in the blanks.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Daargrim on January 29, 2010, 07:54:43 AM: Quote from: Von Koss on January 29, 2010, 07:43:43 AM
@ Daargrim- Ah don't be jealous friend, you are about to build a house and this kinda "hobby dream" is within your grasp. Please be sure to post a pic of your "office" ;) when you get set up, I'd love to see it. As far as cheap terrain, I would definitely go into detail but I think luckyone has me beat when it comes to building cheap terrain. In fact I'm going to change the way I do forests/jungles to his way of building. It would just be cheaper. If you have any specific terrain in mind that you want to know about, just let me know and I'll give you the "low down" and if I can't, I'm sure someone here can fill in the blanks.

Well, I shouldn't complain..I have a 10x10 room right now that is pretty much mine, although its holding a lot of family "junk" as well, but it gives me a desk to paint, plus a TV and computer. Maybe I'll throw a picture in my log. But I don't have a good "workshop" type space like you do (at least not yet).

[tangent]
Anyway, not to hijack this thread, but as far as terrain...I was thinking any suggestions on just buying the stuff already done. Once upon a time I thought I would end up making my own but I don't see that happening. For example, if anyone had any suggestions for a big roll-out mat, etc, etc. As far as pieces of terrain, I do see stuff on ebay often and have been tempted to buy it. I guess all I can do is buy a couple pieces and see if I like them or not.
[/tangent]
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on January 29, 2010, 08:20:50 AM: ...continued

@ luckyone- Thank you sir!

@ Manic_Miner- I am very lucky and thankful for this hobby space. Please don't be depressed, I encourage you to be inspired. This room is the 10 year accumulation of hobby projects, daydreams, and down right "strategies" to attain the game room that I always fantasied about. I searched and saved for two years before finding the home we have now. We almost passed it up due to the absurd high price. The housing slump here in America allowed for my wife and I to finally purchase a home on our terms and not be "wallet raped". The timing of this slump was indeed instrumental to my dream.

The painting spree I have been in lately has been something of an anomaly for me. I guess you could say my painting spring has been wound too tight. The thing is ...I do not get in a fuss if I make a small mistake, I just let it go. If I can't see the mistake at "arm's length", I do not go back. I batch paint the same pose miniature if I can.

*Here is a painting secret...<looks around deviously> When you sit down to paint, your just setting up the miniature(s) for the next time. Get the mini prepped for next time and you will find it easier to go back to it when you sit down again. The current step is just preparation for the next step.

So I encourage you to hang in there and if there comes a time when you just can't pick up the paintbrush...clean up your painting area, mini storage area, make an "inventory" list of every mini you have for a specific faction/game system. I guess I just mean ...you don't have to paint to do something hobby related...it helps to change gears sometimes and do something different.

@ joshuaslater- You my friend, are always welcome for a game of Chronopia should you ever venture South into the land of west TN. I'm located right in the heart of west TN near Jackson. Like all good southern gentlemen, I will provide the whiskey, tobacco, and a good scrap on the battlefield. ;)

Thank you all for your comments- it's for you guys that I post my adventures into this log and I hope you will visit more often, as well as, post a few comments along the way. See ya soon! :D
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on January 29, 2010, 08:34:10 AM: @ Daargrim- For my big battle table I bought some of that "stone spray" you get at Wal-Mart that you use to cover things to make them look like stone. It makes a great surface area that looks like it's based in sand. Then I buy a spray can of what ever paint color I want for my table. To glue sand onto a board, then prime it, then paint it is just too much work. Buy the can and spray, that's it. Easy peasy. So you don't have to buy a roll-up mat.

I bought my "dirty river" from Neal @ the Warstore (great customer service and great prices- win win if you ask me) in the terrain section at his online store. He has a pretty good selection of terrain there. To be honest I always look there before I go to ebay. It's also where I got my table top battle mat for Firestorm Armada and Battlefleet Gothic, not to mention the desert battlefield mat I got there as well. Very good stuff.

I forgot...I got my "Sea Battllefield" for Uncharted Seas from Neal as well.
I hope this helps.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: luckyone on January 29, 2010, 09:48:05 AM: Quote from: Daargrim on January 29, 2010, 07:54:43 AM
Quote from: Von Koss on January 29, 2010, 07:43:43 AM
@ Daargrim- Ah don't be jealous friend, you are about to build a house and this kinda "hobby dream" is within your grasp. Please be sure to post a pic of your "office" ;) when you get set up, I'd love to see it. As far as cheap terrain, I would definitely go into detail but I think luckyone has me beat when it comes to building cheap terrain. In fact I'm going to change the way I do forests/jungles to his way of building. It would just be cheaper. If you have any specific terrain in mind that you want to know about, just let me know and I'll give you the "low down" and if I can't, I'm sure someone here can fill in the blanks.

Well, I shouldn't complain..I have a 10x10 room right now that is pretty much mine, although its holding a lot of family "junk" as well, but it gives me a desk to paint, plus a TV and computer. Maybe I'll throw a picture in my log. But I don't have a good "workshop" type space like you do (at least not yet).

[tangent]
Anyway, not to hijack this thread, but as far as terrain...I was thinking any suggestions on just buying the stuff already done. Once upon a time I thought I would end up making my own but I don't see that happening. For example, if anyone had any suggestions for a big roll-out mat, etc, etc. As far as pieces of terrain, I do see stuff on ebay often and have been tempted to buy it. I guess all I can do is buy a couple pieces and see if I like them or not.
[/tangent]

Not highjacking - just replying. I am willing to make terrain for you. I have made foam hills, cliffs, jungle and tree bases (60mm and CD sized). I have several Hirst Art's molds I can use. PM me and we can talk / discuss. Back to your regularly scheduled program
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on February 02, 2010, 12:48:01 PM: Two of my Shadow Stalkers ready for priming, but the weather is really not inclined to see me speed through these...mumble...grumble....

The Kutra Lancer is just a side project that I already had primed and ready for gray-scaling and it will be a nice distraction from painting more WH VC zombies (29 almost done). I have been really lucky as I have not made too many mistakes to slow me down...I never seem to get this lucky. I guess my "internal color wheel" is finally working with me.
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/th_Chronopia100.jpg) (http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia100.jpg)
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/th_Chronopia101.jpg) (http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia101.jpg)
The Lancer is no where near done as I'm trying to decide on some type of Middle Eastern pattern for the Kutra's saddle cloth.
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/th_Chronopia102.jpg) (http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia102.jpg)

I hopefully will have more time for painting the next two months as my rotating work schedule has lined me up for some down time. See you soon!
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Daargrim on February 04, 2010, 12:06:22 PM: Quote from: Von Koss on January 29, 2010, 08:34:10 AM
@ Daargrim- For my big battle table I bought some of that "stone spray" you get at Wal-Mart that you use to cover things to make them look like stone. It makes a great surface area that looks like it's based in sand. Then I buy a spray can of what ever paint color I want for my table. To glue sand onto a board, then prime it, then paint it is just too much work. Buy the can and spray, that's it. Easy peasy. So you don't have to buy a roll-up mat.

I bought my "dirty river" from Neal @ the Warstore (great customer service and great prices- win win if you ask me) in the terrain section at his online store. He has a pretty good selection of terrain there. To be honest I always look there before I go to ebay. It's also where I got my table top battle mat for Firestorm Armada and Battlefleet Gothic, not to mention the desert battlefield mat I got there as well. Very good stuff.

I forgot...I got my "Sea Battllefield" for Uncharted Seas from Neal as well.
I hope this helps.

thanks, this is helpful. Like the idea for the stone spray! I've ordered from the War Store before so I familiar with them.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on February 18, 2010, 01:54:45 PM: Just a small update so no pics... >:(

I have had a change of heart on my Kutra Lancer paint scheme so it's back to the "drawing board" just could not find a way to make the pinksh red work...just too big an area on the back saddle cloth. I'm thinking about a light green ...I don't know though...just tossing colors around in my head.

I have just about completed some GW WOTR "Last Alliance Elves" to stay in "painting practice" despite feeling a little blue and under the weather lately...overall...I really want Spring Time to hurry up and get here.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on April 05, 2010, 03:14:03 PM: Updates:
Two warbands of The Tainted (WIP)
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/th_Chronopia111.jpg) (http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia111.jpg)
Blackblood Orc Archers -just need to finish the bases.
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/th_Chronopia113.jpg) (http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia113.jpg)
Two side shots of the completed Orc Kutra Lancer.
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/th_Chronopia114.jpg) (http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia114.jpg)

(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/th_Chronopia112.jpg) (http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia112.jpg)

Seeing all the great work around the forum has motivated me a little to paint so I hope to keep it up for a while.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: dave kufner on April 05, 2010, 04:30:15 PM: Those tainted look like interesting figures and well on their way to completion. I like the looks of your BBs.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Cirith on April 08, 2010, 12:16:50 PM: I am liking the square pattern on the back of the Kutara, a very nice touch.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: luckyone on April 08, 2010, 06:44:20 PM: They are looking great. Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: joshuaslater on April 09, 2010, 01:22:50 PM: Nice selection for the Tainted!! Not Heresy, but it's all good.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on April 09, 2010, 02:11:19 PM: Thanks fellas for the comments. :)

Yeah, I wanted to get some of the Heresy figures for a warband of the Tainted but things have gotten a little tight around here money-wise and I had some of the plastic bloodletters around and some old zombie heads so I thought I'd stretch my conversion legs.

Good news on the gaming front! I ran into an o'l friend who used to visit the gaming store we had a long time ago and we plan on getting together to play some Chronopia and I can't wait! :D

He also wanted to take his Cybertronic (sp?) for a spin around the gaming table and I'm going to oblige him in getting together a Warzone force of my own( I have some old minis for Dark legion around here somewhere) to give him a game. So this means I've got to get a force painted up on the double.

Although spending on minis has slowed down I'm still excited about table-top war gaming and hope the battles will increase. I hope to start posting battle reports as we get the time to play.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: MassDistortion on May 08, 2010, 05:49:12 AM: Those tainted look pretty scary and hungry... :o Excellent work on those Archers and Lancer, they look great! The dubble bubble scheme is brilliant. You mentioned you were stuck on the colour scheme for the lancer, have you modified them by any chance?
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on May 08, 2010, 05:52:09 PM: Nah, no modification on the lancer. I decided to keep him the same as in the above picture as I have more minis than I can shake a stick at that need some "brush love".

I kinda feel dirty just sayin it like that... :o

I am stalled at the moment on trying to find what color combination on the Tainteds' swords especially the hilts, any ideas? I've given the blades a wash of green but am at a loss on the hilts and hafts.

<side note>

My monitor has died on me and I am having to use my wife's laptop to check in when she is not using it, so updates are kinda on hold for the moment. Lately, I've been focusing on painting up some WOTR orcs.(what I'm really trying to say is that I've been staying in pratice with my drybrushing skills :P )
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: MassDistortion on May 09, 2010, 06:16:11 AM: I was thinking that replacing the pink strips with the dubble bubble green/yellow you used would look great. I think it would go well with the emerald green (?)

As for the tainted, I've always liked bright contrasting colours every now and then... with that said, perhaps blood red on the hilts? Might be too "christmas-y" with the green though. Just stare at a colour wheel some more :P

That sucks about the monitor... you'd be surprised how many businesses give away CRT's since they've upgraded to LCD's. Might be worth asking some local buddies for a quick replacement.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on May 20, 2010, 03:36:29 PM: UPDATE TIME !!!!

I finally got a replacement monitor so I'm back in action. So here we go with the two completed warbands of The Tainted. I settled on a dirty muted green for the haft of the sword and went with a brass color for the hilt/guard. Was I inspired with those colors?...nah...just said "move on" and get them done. I think they came out ok though.
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/th_Chronopia117.jpg) (http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia117.jpg)

(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/th_Chronopia116.jpg) (http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia116.jpg)

I don't know what I'm going to tackle next Chronopia wise. Maybe some goblin Swordmasters or some more SOK...then there is the Sisters of Tiamat that need to be tickled with the brush...so many choices so little time...
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on July 26, 2010, 02:22:14 PM: Well friends it has been to long since a proper update and we all know that summer time can put a crimp on unfinished hobby projects so I'll just skip the excuses.

Ok everyone gather close and wrap your vision globes around this bushel of snake necks. I present to you the Sisters of Tiamat.

(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/th_Chronopia125.jpg) (http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia125.jpg)
A side view.
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/th_Chronopia129.jpg) (http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia129.jpg)
Once you get the model pinned and glued together it's not that bad to paint in one sitting. I didn't paint it in one sitting but I think it is possible. I kept the scheme simple and just tried to tie it into the rest of the army. Anyway, I do feel the slight urge to get another one to paint up.

Ah yes, here we have a proxy conversion of a Devout Tainted Disgorger. I just green stuffed the vomit explosion and added a chaos knight maul head where the sword was attached. I hope it represents a "savaging maul" well enough, I think it does (at least for me).
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/th_Chronopia128.jpg) (http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia128.jpg)

Hope you guys enjoy!
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Cirith on July 29, 2010, 02:19:02 AM: I am liking the Sisters.

The base looks like a good size as well.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: joshuaslater on July 29, 2010, 12:47:57 PM: Bang on with both of those!
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: MassDistortion on July 29, 2010, 03:03:46 PM: Excellent job there. The collars make them look somewhat domesticated. Talk about a nasty pet :o I've always wanted to paint the Sisters.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: luckyone on July 30, 2010, 08:05:21 AM: Great work. I like the hydra especially.
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on November 27, 2010, 01:43:34 PM: It's been way too long... so let's get to it.

(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/th_Chronopia172.jpg) (http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/Chronopia172.jpg)

More reinforcements for my Sons of Kronos are underway along with some Dark Star warriors for my Dark Tusks which didn't approve of a photo being taken until they were "presentable" (i.e. I was too lazy to take a pic of them).

I hope *crosses fingers* that I will be able to paint/post more now that things have slowed down in my life. :)
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on December 27, 2010, 10:02:41 AM: Well another year is almost lost to the winds of time. I sit here and think of all the things that have happened this year and it seems like more bad than good has happened. I think of my family and friends with their hardships and realize that I have really been fortunate. I have no right to complain or despair. Bad years can be hard on each of us but they come and they go. I've started to finally understand that the important thing to remember about bad years is that "they go" eventually.

I am excited for the new year. I know it's just a new label for a time frame but something about this upcoming year of 2011 seems different to me.

I wish each of you a better year this time around and hope that so many good things happen this year to you that it will be remembered as one of those "better years" or "the good' ol days". I know we all could use some good times right about now.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Alxbates on December 27, 2010, 10:59:59 AM: I share all of your sentiments, Von Koss. Happy New Year to you, too!

-Alex in Alaska
Title: Re: Von Koss's project log
Post by: Von Koss on June 06, 2011, 07:37:54 PM: Well now, talk about Life having ya by the "short-hairs"...it has been way too long since I've updated my project log so let's get this Chronopia log back on track.

First up is that unit of Dwarven Dark-Tusk "Dark Stars" that have finally seen the attention of the paint brush. It's about time too...these guys have been sitting around for awhile now half finished. There is no reason these guys should have not been finished long ago because the sculpts are so good the paint just seems to "know where to go". There are plenty of places to fit your army's paint scheme on these models and despite my laziness; I really enjoyed finishing these guys off. Anyway, here they are...
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/th_MiscPics002.jpg) (http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/MiscPics002.jpg)

Now here is a little something that I stumbled onto while surfing Ebay scouting for a deal...
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/th_MiscPics001.jpg) (http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/vonkoss/MiscPics001.jpg)

These guys are "Elemental Walls" from the pre-painted D&D miniatures line. I have an Elven Obsidian Serpent army on the back log and I was checking out their Lotus-eater spells and saw the "Crusher" summoning spell and thought "Now there is a mini that will fill the role of the Crusher just perfect." I will say that the model is on (in my opinion) an appropriate base for either edition as is and is a complete joy to paint up...especially if your into the whole "over-brush" or "dry-brush" painting method. Cheap, cheap model, so you might want to look in on picking one up if you run an Obsidian Serpent army.

Anyway, it's good to be back.