Weekly Finds

Taurans by Overdrive from thw Bolter & Chainsword - A quick look at how to achieve masking using tape and putty. I've also shown what the guys at Massive Voodoo have done in the past as well.

Seekers of Truth by Royal Cactus from the Bolter & Chainsword - You don't often see someone taking the loyalist Space Marine Terminators and converting them into Chaos Terminators. But this has really worked. The powerfist is just awesome.

Pandemonium Genesis Cultists by Kouzes le from Blog de Kouzes - A interesting approach to washing some cultists. I've never seen matt medium used before. So I'm not sure how unique this approach is... but it's something to consider given that I've got 35 of these guys to paint. There is also Games Workshops own Youtube tutorial.

Weekly Finds

Codex: Loot by Tim from The Tau of War - The Mad Max inspired vehicles continue this month with this clever use of Dark Eldar bits to get some awesomely posed combatants.

Lights of Perverted Science by Jeff Vader from The Convertorum - Next time I'm at a Games Workshop store I've gotta get my hands on the wraith miniature... I've seen so many awesome conversions.

Heresy Imperial Fists by Brother Galfridus from the Bolter & Chainsword - Such a vibrant yellow despite all the weathering. Looking forward to seeing this army progress.

Creating Terrain by poom from the Bolter & Chainsword - An approaching to adding some uniqueness to the Realm of Battle boards by Games Workshop. I'm actually a fan of the skull pits. But that isn't for everybody.

Weekly Finds

While I was off in the warp the interwebz continued to churn out amazing miniatures and useful tutorials. Although I had access to the interwebz, I have never been able to get blogger to reliably work on my iPad. So unfortunately there was no way share them with my Imaginary Friends. So today I've decided to go back and find some of them...

Heresy Era Imperial Fists by Corai from the Bolter & Chainsword - The vibrancy of the yellow makes it hard to imagine. But Corai's Imperial Fists are actually metallic...

Rogue Trader Conversion by Andy Hoare from Tales from the Maelstrom - This isn't the first conversion that I've instantly fallen in love with from Mr Hoare. His Inquisitor is just as awesome. Took me a while to realise that the body actually comes from the new Tempestus Scions box set.

Commisar WiP by Henry South from Four Go to War - One of my favourite miniatures from the relatively new clamp-pack sets that Games Workshop has started to release. Mr South has given this miniature some great justice and I wouldn't be surprised if it didn't show up at the next UK Golden Daemons.

How to Create Newspaper by Roman from Massive Voodoo - It's the year of the painter over on Massive Voodoo. Which means that they are hitting out tutorials on an alarmingly frequent rate. So quickly in fact that it wouldn't be practical for me to do a post for each of them such as the review on ModelMates' Verdigris or the tutorial on Airbrush Masking. So instead here is one for the post-apocalypse fans.

Deathwatch Strike Force by Rob451 from the Bolter & Chainsword - I doubt there are many Warhammer 40K fans out there that don't like female Inquisitors in form fitting power armour. But to see one in bulky power armour is something new. And yet, it works perfectly fine...

Weekly Finds

Inquisitor by Kari from Spiky Rat Pack - This is a very creepy miniature that fits perfectly into the Grim Dark universe of the Imperium. I doubt that the person that did this illustration expected it to be transformed into a miniature. The person that commissioned this is very lucky.

Painting Rust by David Soper from Sproket's Small World - A brilliant step-by-step tutorial that offers hobbyists yet another way to give their terrain and miniatures a realistic rust effect. I can imagine this being used on Chaos Space Marines that have pledged themselves to Nurgle.

Illustrations by Faust from Faust Labs - I came across this website thanks to Tears of Envy showing off some of Faust's concept work for Ghostbusters. Although I'm not interested in all of his illustrations and concept work. The below piece especially caught my eye as it mad me imagine a ship hold or sub-terrain level of a Hive set in the Warhammer 40K Universe. Well worth checking out.

Weekly Finds

Imperial Fists Dreadnoughts by gnoks from Reaktor.Miniatures - I normally find inspiration for my Imperial Fists on the Bolter & Chainsword as they have some amazing painters with some beautifully weathered 1st, 3rd and 5th Company Imperial Fists. Plus there is the growing 30K Era collectors. But I saw this Dreadnought in a news feed on House of Paincakes... I'm glad I did because these guys look great. The yellow isn't exactly too my liking. But the weather is just right and a great source of reference. It also inspired this weeks focus on weathering.

Weathering Overview by Roman from Massive Voodoo - A collection of some different approach to weathering including my favourite chipping.

Sponge Weathering Video by Grey Death from The Painting Corps - An old tutorial that I feared was lost to the Warp. However, a quick Google search revealed that TPC was still active... but far from alive like it was in it's golden days. Grey Death's Sons of Medusa are some of my all time favourite due to the vibrant green he has created along with the use of weathering. Definitely worth a look if you've never seen the collection.

Demetrius Katafalque's Company by Apologist from the Bolter & Chainsword - I've shown Apologist's True Scale Imperial Fist in the past. But you can't show off weathering without including this beautiful miniature.

Forge World Space Marine by Meph from Cool Mini or Not - I came across this while searching Google Images. An amazing find that isn't limited to just the Forge World Space Marine. There is also a Blood Angel Terminator built to the non-table top large HUGE scale.

Weekly Finds

Hairspray Technique by Scale Model Medic from Youtube - This popped up on the side bar while watching Youtube the other day. This technique is nothing new to me, having seen it and the salt technique on Massive Voodoo several times as well as other great hobby sites. However, with Templars Crusade's Youtube vlog getting me motivated to work on my Imperial Fists, this is a technique I plan on using extensively. Especially, after seeing how heavily weathered BCK got his White Scar Space Marine using this technique.

Face Painting by Iguazzu from Massive Voodoo - Painting face can be a challenge. And although this video tutorial uses a different scale to what many of my imaginary friends would be used to... it helps highlight some of the points to face painting that other professional painters have also suggested in their tutorials.

Weekly Finds

Product Review: AK-Interactive by Raffa from Massive Voodoo - This stuff looks amazing...

Warhound Oil Wash by Drathmere from 40k Hobby Blog - And it isn't the first time I've featured a Titan that used AK-Interactive for weathering. At the beginning of the year I showed off MBG's Phantom Titan along with a tutorial by Orc Painter Nerd... to think this stuff has been around for a while, and yet, only now does it seem to be picking up any sort of momentum in our niche hobby.

Lets Make Some Snow by David Soper from Sproket's Small World - This isn't the only tutorial on making snow or icicles. However, it does go into more depth than most. There are several excellent tutorials on making snow of varying consistencies on the interwebz including this great one by Mr Justin from Secret Weapon Miniatures. Another way of making icicles can be found here... it does involve the use of plastic and fire do this in a well ventilated environment.

Weekly Finds

Legion Outrider Squadron by Drathmere from 40K Hobby Blog - When I first saw the outrider models, I was far from a fan. For some reason I didn't like them one bit. However, seeing them with a nice coat of  paint, those feelings have completely been replaced by envy. These bikes look amazing... in a way they are a hybrid between the Scimitar Pattern Jetbikes and the current Space Marine Bikes.

Elegant Haemonculus Conversion Finished by EoE from Eye of Error - Something different to the traditional look associated with Dark Eldar Haemonculus... this one doesn't look as gauntish. The conversion itself is great. However, it is the robe that I think is brilliant. It is a great combination of stippling and traditional weathering.

Lets Paint Weathered Walls by Kari from Spiky Rat Packs - I need inspiration to get some paint onto my terrain pieces. This quick and dirty approach reminds me of the display board created for the Armageddon Charity. 

Dark Eldar Quad Gun Conversion by EoE from Eye of Error - Some inspiration for those Dark Eldar players who want to include some army specific fortifications into their army. The Aegis Defence Line could be represented by a grotesque version of the Imperial version... impaled bodies and piles of skulls. 

Weekly Finds #117

And the Madness Continues by Dave Taylor from Dave Taylor Miniatures - Based off a piece of artwork in the main rulebook for this edition. It shows just how weird and wacky the Warhammer 40K Universe really is. A tutorial on making/using cables and wires for this monstrous construct can be found here.

Scarebrushing vs Airbrush by Rev from Tale of Painters - A look at setting up your own airbrush 'studio'. Something missing from this review by Rev is an airbrush cleaning pot. For me these are a must. It makes the quick cleaning between colours so much less tedious. Of course that isn't to say there isn't a need to properly clean your air brush after EVERY SINGLE USE. These things are an expensive investment, proper maintenance can keep them going for a lot longer. But then the time saved on getting a nice, clean basecoat on a squad of miniatures can be spent cleaning up afterwards. Another look at the portable spray booth and extractor can be found here. This is one thing I'm missing...

Imperial Fountain by Luck No 5. from Eye of Error - This would make a great centre piece. I need to find a model train store that sells detailed plasticard...

Vehicle Weathering How-To by Man Boy Genius from Spikey Bits - This is a brilliant series by Orc Nerd Painter. The streaking grime by AK looks so promising. Just look at the Eldar Titan pictured below...

Weekly Finds #116

New Year, Old Tricks by izeColt from Spiky Rat Pack - My partner got me the Imperial Sector set for Chrimstas. Have been slowly plucking away at each of the buildings while working on other projects at the same time. Seeing this got me thinking of ways to utilise some of the spare bits. And the Terra-Flex Gaming Mat looks amazing.

Painting OSL Weapons Effects by Lucky No. 5 from Eye of Error - Following on from last weeks vial tutorial...

From the Margins of the Mighty Tome by Dave Taylor from Dave Taylor Miniatures - Stunning assortment of different kitbashes. The floating servitors offer some ideas on what can be done with all of the wings that come in the Dark Angels Veteran Upgrade box. Then there are these equally stunning, yet very different miniatures. The first could easily be seen as an Arch Magos, while the second fits into the lumber war machine category very nicely. Another option for the bodies is Skaven in a smiliar fashion to what Paulson Games did in making some Jawa seen here, here and here.

Snapshot: Expressive Surfaces by JRN from miniaTEXTures - White is one of those colours that is extremely difficult to get right. For beginners it is a challenge just to get a smooth, even coat. And then there is the greater challenge of adding depth. The below image goes to show one way of achieving a detailed white surface. Reminds me of this Forge World miniature with an almost flat white and the use of weathering to add depth.

Creating Complex Styrene/Plasticard Armour by Lucky No 5. from Eye of Error - I doubt I'd have the patience to go through with something like this. However, it does offer one way of adding lightening bolts in a fashion similar to The Damned Artificer.

Weekly Finds #112

Christmas is almost upon us... a time of family, food and presents. I know there will be plastic crack under the tree for me this year. Does anybody else know what they're getting?

Blood & Gore by Les Bursley from Awesome Paint Job - I see bloody wounds on a regular bases at work... and it is amusing to see some of the blood splatter effect that hobbyists paint onto their miniatures. Few of them come close to realistic. This tutorial is great as it points out one of the common flaws. Just cause the paint is called Blood Red doesn't mean it looks like blood. Another realistic tutorial is this one by Mad Matt.

How to Paint Goblins from The Hobbit by Garfy from Tale of Painters - A quick and dirty approach. Despite being table top standard they still look great with lots of detail picked out using simple techniques.

Painted Shipping Containers by Cameron from Rust and the City - Been following Cameron's progress on these home-made shipping containers. He has been kind enough to compile all of the links into one article. A cheap approach to some characterful terrain pieces. Can see another DIY Shipping Container by Grey Death over on The Painting Corps... can see it painted here.

WIP Sisters of Battle St. Celestine by Sigur from Tale of Painters - One of my favourite miniatures from Games Workshop's range. Sigur has done it justice with his stunning red and metallics. I initially thought he had used a blue or purple wash to get such dark shadows. However, it was far more simple and straightforward. He has left the black base coat showing through. Look forward to see this completed.

Blood Angels Venerable Dreadnought by Maz from Winterdyne Commission Modelling - Almost two weeks ago I managed to get my hands on one of those OOP Venerable Dreadnoughts from Stillfrosty. It arrived last week and has spent the past few days in an acetone bath. It will need a second dip. However, this approach by Maz has me thinking of ways to paint my own. It'll be painted as an Imperial Fist, but the placement of white has interested me...

Weekly Finds #109

Wow! The blog has been dead for far too long. Not hard to imagine with work and the build up towards Christmas. My gaming has been as dead as Imaginary Life. Fortunately, my hobby time hasn't suffered. I've pulled out the airbrush and slowly gotten to work putting down layers of black and then grey even some red. As for paint brushes... hopefully next year will see some big changes.

Dark Vengeance Chaplain Painted by Ron from FTW - I'm a fan of how Ron paints his blacks... it has been interesting to watch him approach it. Also like how he has approached the smoke coming from the censors on the backpack. An approach I may copy.

Dark Eldar Coven Raider Conversion by Lucky No.5 from Eye of Error - This is a beautiful conversion... yes you read correctly. Beautiful. Actually, all of the new Dark Eldar sculpts are beautiful in their own ways. Lucky No.5 just has a way with enhancing that beauty.

Dark Eldar Harlequins by Lucky No.5 from Eye of Error - A unique approach to the Harlequin Troupe. I prefer the image that Games Workshop has with their resin set. However, the minor conversions to the Death Jester and Shadow Seer are nice and will help them fit into a Dark Eldar force.

Lamenters Death Company by Dave Taylor from Dave Taylor Miniatures - I love the miniature pictured below. It is an amazing yellow which has been highlighted very nicely with the chipping and blood splatter. This is what Space Marines should look like... fighting in the thickest battles. Taking heavy hits that would drop a mere mortal. Remember, they get hit just as easily as a Guardsmen by enemy shooting. The difference is their armour can handle it.

Weekly Finds #102

The Fly by Guita Rasmus from The Bolter & Chainsword - I've sure it has been mentioned before on the blog, but Nurgle is my least favourite Chaos God. Just doesn't appeal to me like Slaanesh or Khorne. However, the the followers of Nurgle have produced some of the best conversions I've seen. This fly, which has been featured on Games Workshop, is just one example. And you can see more of Guita Rasmus' warband in his thread here.

Weathering Models with Two Easy Spray Paint Effects by Sandwyrm from The Back 40K - These are two great effects. The bounce-spraying is something I've never seen before. Interesting technique to consider when it comes to connecting a miniature to it's base from a visual perspective. The use of dusting to break up colours is something I've seen in Forge World's Model Masterclass books. A great series that is worth the cost. Both of these effects can be produced with an airbrush... but spray paints are a great alternative.

Step-by-Step Vehicle Squadron by Martin Klug from (T)Raumschmiede - An extremely detailed tutorial on speed painting some Leman Russ Battle Tanks. In truth these are leagues above Table Top standard, with many of the techniques used found in Forge World's Model Masterclass books. However, if these steps were done in an assembly line, then it would be a relatively quick method for stunning results. And the chassis only requires three colours...

Weekly Finds #99

The interwebz is buzzing with rumours on the upcoming Chaos Space Marine release... after Dark Vengeance and the awesomeness that is Sixth Edition I can feel the excitement building. There were many that viewed Games Workshop inclusion of two power armed factions in the same box set as flawed. I can start to see their scheme trap behind it. Many players already have Loyalist Astartes... but between the awesome content of the box set and all of the new releases, I find it hard to imagine that there wont be a huge influx in Traitor Astartes especially with the allies rule.

Demetrius Katafalque's Company, Imperial Fists by Apologist from Bolter & Chainsword - Big fan of Apologist's true scale miniatures. Doubly true for this amazing looking Imperial Fist. The tutorial on how to paint the well weathered yellow can be found in this post. I'm curious as to how easy it would be to combine Tyler Mengel's method of painting yellow with this... may produce a quick, weathered yellow. Or it might be a little too bright... also learnt a new word in the form of trompe l'oeil.

Leaked Chaos Space Marine Pictures by Loken from Apocalypse 40K - I got my White Dwarf today. So I've seen these pictures in the flesh. Being able to see multiple pictures of these miniatures has helped cement some of my feelings. I like the Aspiring Champion and the Finecast Characters. I'm not a fan of the daemon engines. They just fall flat when compared to what Forge World has been offering. Although the Heldrake and Maulerfiend are still nice. Pre-release details on kits can be found here. A lot of the info and images have been compiled over on Faeit 212.

Leaked Chaos Space Marine Rules by Old School Terminator from Dark Future Games - Can get some ideas on what the new Codex offers by looking at the White Dwarf. Specifically the battle report... I suspect the Warsmith will be a popular addition with his ability to repair vehicles and hopefully daemon engines.

How to Paint The Flawless Host by Ron from FTW - With Sonic Weapons ignoring Cover Saves there will be a fair few Noise Marine armies... so this tutorial is great. It has some similarities to Tyler Mengel's tutorial on painting yellow. Using a light base coat and applying glazes to add the colour. Ron's suggestion on using reds to add depth is something I'd like to try. Note that Ron is actually talking about glazing...