WIP Master of the Forge (Pandora Chapter) 4

More work on the Master of the Forge. Quite pleased with how this is going. Click the image for a larger view.

WIP Master of the Forge (Pandora Chapter) 3

Whilst I wait for a paint delivery from Maelstom Games (slow service!) I've worked up the attendant Servo Skulls. Pretty pleased with how these have come out. I think in future I'll scratch build more of these, they were fun. These photos are pre-varnish, but there's nothing else to do to them really. It may be that a little dead desert foliage is added to the bases, but that's something I need to talk to the client about. As ever, you can click the images for a larger view.

Alpharius Complete

Shot some primer at Tom's Alpharius build. I think he's now done. Hopefully the client will send us some nice pics when he's painted up. Click the images for larger views.

WIP Master of the Forge (Pandora Chapter) 2

A quick shot of the Master of the Forge and his attendant servo skulls, before I put the primer on. John is responsible for the MotF, and I did the servo skulls. Pretty happy with how they've come out. I'm still waiting on some VMA paints to get cracking on this properly, hopefully they'll arrive in the next day or so. Click the images for a larger view.

Alpharius Collar Fix

The client for this piece decided he would like the gorget / collar built on. As Tom's still in Denmark, I took the opportunity to build it on. Click the image for a larger view.

Finecast Emperor's Champion - Golden Demon 2011 Contender? Done?

Starting to feel this guy is done. As ever, click on the images for a larger view.

Alpharius Sword Fix by Maz

Ok, I've had a chance to fix the sword on this chap. Looks a bit scrappy with just an ink wash on it, but painted it should come up fine I think. It may be that we add a gorget around the neck. As ever, click on the images for a larger view.

Finecast Emperor's Champion - Golden Demon 2011 Contender?

This guy's pretty much finished now. I've asked the client if he's OK with me putting it through GDUK2011, which obviously puts a delay on delivery. He is, so there may well be a few tweaks to really get this guy to shine. Click the image for a larger view.

WIP Finecast Emperor's Champion (1)

The Finecast Emperor's Champion I'm working on is coming along quite nicely. The base is textured with plasticard and a spare icon from a drop pod kit. The sword, which I broke off the hand trying to straighten (and had to pin back to the hilt) does keep warping, but this is the only problem with the model. Click the image for a larger view.

WIP Vermin Lord (4)

Mark's work on the Verminlord continues. Mark explains:

'The verminlord is starting to get close to being finished. The major sections are now done, With just some final texturing to do on the head, a little more fur on the neck and a couple more spikes to add onto the glaive's counterweight.

He's also missing a finger and there are a few sigil shaped scars to put on his body, and then it's onto the base. Because of his impressive size, I've included a close up of the head so the details can be seen.'

As ever you can click on the images for a larger view.

Sanguinary Phalanx HQ

The sanguinary phalanx commission is finally done. I'm fairly pleased with how the candy-coat effect has come out, especially when contrasted against the flat wings and banner. Some subtle OSL on the plasma pistols has also worked well (I don't often use Hawk Turquoise, but it's really a nice paint!). Base rims have been knocked back to matt as the gloss was a bit much I think.

As usual, click the images for a larger view.

Alpharius Update 0/08/2011

Click Images to Enlarge:

Added trims to shoulder pads.

Citadel Finecast Captain Stern Review Plog (3)

The 'Finecast' Captain Stern is about done. I'm fairly pleased with how this has turned out paintwork wise, although constantly spotting new flaws (like a stud of resin on his nose, numerous bubbles that I missed previously on the cloak) is a bit of a shame.

As ever, you can click the image for a larger view.

So, how do I feel about 'Finecast' now this model's done?

Well, I think my original review is pretty much on the mark. The material itself is alright - it's nice to paint on, flexible, lightweight and superglues pretty well. It is delicate (I broke the sword on a Finecast Emperor's Champion I'm working on) compared to metal. The primary advantage of the material is the light weight. It's working qualities are appalling for abrasion, but it cuts very (perhaps too) easily.

For those thinking of buying a Finecast miniature, be aware the miscast / horror stories still flood in at about the same rate. Definitely still a buyer beware product. I'd advise buying in person, and checking your purchase in the store, getting a replacement or refund on the spot if you're not happy. There's nothing worse than a journey home in excitement to have it dashed when you open the packaging.

Some retailers are now reporting that they're receiving models both on and off sprue, indicating that perhaps the best parts are now being picked and packed rather than whole sprues from the casting machine. This may indicate an upturn in QA, but is I think probably going to come with another price hike to cover the additional labour.

Alpharius WIP update 04/08/2011

Click Images to Enlarge:

I have added a skull to the left shin guard which I sculpted earlier today. It is only lightly tacked in place currently as I am working on it's positioning.

Here is the right shoulder pad. The grey Procreate looks less sharp in the photos than Greenstuff for some reason.

One of my many attempts at inscribing text on the sword, this being my best result thus far. I have used a little bit of ink to show where the lettering is. The is "Secrets and Lies" in latin reading Arcana et Deceptii.

Thanks,

Tom