PMC Finished (pending basing)

Just needs to be based, but otherwise its done.  Had a bit of a SNAFU last night with my matte sprays, it ended up getting.. 5 layers?  In the end, it doesnt really show.. which is good.

Edit: Here is what I was basing the paint job off of, my PMC Airsoft outfit.

"WW3" Russians

I spent yesterday afternoon getting a layer of primer on my two squads of Russians.  They are advertised as Spetsnaz ( Rebel Miniatures Spetsnaz) but I think I want to paint them as Russian Airborne instead.  Call it a tribute to Red Dawn.  Tried to find some photos of the movie to show you the basis, but I am going to go ahead and guess if your reading this, you have probably seen it.  If not, its worth watching.

Anyway, here is what I did find from the movie:

Soviet paratroopers landing in "Colorado"

There is a scene in here where you see an officer and some paratroopers with the light blue beret.  I should probably re-watch it myself to get an idea of how they looked.  Anyway, in looking for more modern Russian uniforms I found these:

From what I have read, the "Flora" pattern is still in use (similar to the older US Woodland BDU), so they will be painted up like that.  Berets blue rather than crimson.

Main reason I am posting all this?  So my signifigant other isnt troubled by the dozen or so tabs I have open on the browser that is slowing it down.  Now, I can just reference here when I start painting.

Oh, and because I found it amusing, this is a photo taken (I think) by a bunch of the extras from the movie when they went out for Lunch while filming.

PMC Multicam almost done!

While somewhat stalled with my germans (I cant tell who has camo smocks on so as to paint them properly!), I pulled out my 15mm Moderns and started working on them.  I must say, it is somewhat refreshing to have just a handful of individual models to paint, rather than an equal number of bases to paint, each base having 3-4 figures.

So, there is a story with my choices for moderns.  When I picked up Ambush Alley (the book before the new Force on Force was out) I was really big into Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.  My whole plan with playing Ambush Alley was to, more or less, play a tabletop version of the video game.  I got a unit of Rangers, a unit of Spetsnaz, and some Insurgents.  Since they seemed to be necessary in a few scenarios, I also got a pack of PMC's (Private Military Companies/Contractors).

My intent was to just do generic Contractors, but today while priming my Rangers and Spestsnaz, I got the idea of painting them up like me and my friends when we did Airsoft as a PMC squad.  MultiCam pants, black polo shirt, coyote brown vest, black ball cap, etc.

Somehow, I managed to break through my usual indecision and actually figure out how to paint them up in something that looks like MultiCam, and all in all I think it looks pretty much like the pants I have on (a fairly well used pair of MultiCam pants).  So, here it is:

It still needs a brown ink wash.  Debating using my usual ink, or the Army Painter dip.  After that, seal, matte, finish base, and done.  Maybe an hours worth of work?

Force on Force and German Decisions

Quick one today.

First, played a few games of Force on Force this weekend, and enjoyed it.  I really need to get some 15mm modern buildings made soon though.  Pictures were taken, but are still on the camera.  Also working on a reference sheet for myself for the game before I try it again.  Urge to paint the figures is high, but I want to finish my Germans first.

Second, and on that note, I think I am just going to paint the damn Germans the way I set out to originally.  The bags/gear will all get the proper colors, helmets will be the lighter version of "German Grey" I played with, and I will leave the uniforms the shade that the 'primer' is (Uniform Grey).  Better to have them painted, easy to ID as germans at a distance, and done.. than to please people I dont even play with regarding the color.  Yes, I know it is not historically accurate.  I also know its a 15mm metal figure on a base with a bunch of others, being pushed around a table for a wargame.  Its close enough for now.

That is all. 

Trouble with Germans

I have a problem.  Several, actually, but one that the others stem from.  Do I paint my figures in a fashion thats 'historically accurate' but difficult (and thus taking longer), or do I paint them in a way that looks 'kinda right' and goes fast?

To that end, I am frustrated with my progress so far.  I had decided to base them all in the Uniform Grey spray, and paint it up from there, as opposed to the more accurate "Green Grey" look.  Honestly, they just look American with the green.  Still, I am hesitant.

Now I am playing with the helmet colors.  The forum suggested a dark grey, almost black (it looks like a rubber color to me).  It looks too dark to me.  Maybe it would look better with a different color of uniform?  I posted pictures of my last attempt at Germans in this style earlier, I wish I knew how I had painted their helmets.  Going to have to reinvent the wheel here I suppose.

Naturally, this problem is holding me up.  I wish I had painted a range of test models to test this out first, but no luck there.  I am using my panzershreck squad for that purpose.  Going to try a different helmet shade tomorrow once this one is dry.  Now I need to figure out how to paint the cloth covers too.

I dont think I am going to meet my deadline....

Progress

Found a local art supply store that is probably going to be my regular stop for odds and ends I need. Stopped in at Posners Art Store today, picked up a few brushes, and had a conversation with the manager (I think?) about their future with stocking airbrushes. They seem to be heading towards Iwata, which I encouraged. Either way, got my ink ordered (for washes), a few new brushes on the cheap, and for a really good price.

No painting done yet, but I did get my pioneers bases done with a layer of wall-filler. Plan to do the barbed wire and other misc "pioneer" items before I prime them, so they will probably stay as they are for awhile.

While looking for a photo of a Nebelwerfer to figure out how to paint the thing I noticed that I left part of the model off. There is a little round thing with two bars leading away that goes on the front to brace it. I will worry about that tomorrow, but glad I saw it when I did.. still time to fix it. Now, to chance tearing up the fill on the base to pry the launchers off so I can add that part and paint in the proper color (Middlestone, or a dark yellow), or just glue them on and paint as is. Probably will just leave it and add them on and hope for the best.

Got a photo of the work table, for anyone that might be interested.

Paints sorted, lights set up, minis ready.  Now, to get to work!

.. and the painting begins

After sorting through my paints, making sure I had the basics necessary, I finally started actually painting again. Got a flesh coat on two Grenadier platoons, plus my HQ. Really need to find an art supply store similar to Meininger's in town. My 3/0 brush has seen better days and I am missing a few of my ink's I use for washing.

Still no pictures. I am having to rely on my girlfriends phone to get decent pictures. Looks like a camera might be necessary soon.

My goal is to have both platoons and the HQ painted, washed, and sealed by Saturday. Finishing the bases would be a bonus, but for some reason I dont really expect it to happen. Maybe I should set that as my goal instead?

Got the airbrush out a few days back. Looking to sell one of the ones I have, as three are unnecessary. Once the Grenadiers are done, I will start playing with camo schemes again for the armor. Nothing fancy there, probably just the standard Dark Yellow base (already on) with brown/green airbrushed lines across it.

I really need a camera.

700pt Infantry Aces list

This weekend was the first in the second phase of the Cassino Infantry Aces campaign. I had the opportunity to play a new old player who was running a British list. I did not record the details of turns, but it was a No Retreat on Snakeshead Ridge. I was defending, and it allowed me to try a few things out. My list was as follows:

Grenadierkompanie - FE2

HQ - Command/2iC (SMG) + Mortar Section
Grenadier Platoon - 3 Squads - HQ SMG/PzKnacker
Grenadier Platoon - 3 Squads
Grenadier Pioneer Platoon - 2 Squads - HQ SMG/PzKnacker - 1 Flame Thrower
Rocket Launcher Battery - 3 Launchers

695 Points


The HQ/Grenadier Platoons were pretty standard from the 500pt list. Same as the Mortar section. I dropped the HMG's I had been running, and added the Pioneers and Nebelwerfers.

The Rocket Launchers were well worth the points. With the nature of the small games, two sections would be overkill I think, especially for the points, but three launchers did the trick. No penalty to the range-in if its on the second or third try was especially handy.

The Pioneer platoon also did better than I had expected. I used them as a reserve force for assaulting. The flame thrower pinned the platoon down, and they swept them off the hill I was defending. However, I found out later that they are unable to contest an objective (because they are support), and even though it made no difference it will cause me to revise the list I think.

Here is what I am considering:

HQ - Command/2iC (SMG)
Grenadier Platoon - 3 Squads
Grenadier Platoon - 3 Squads
Rocket Launcher Battery - 3 Launchers
Grenadier Machine-Gun Platoon - 1 Section
Grenadier Mortar Platoon - 2 Sections

700pts exactly, with 5 platoons. Decent amount of ranged potential with the Rockets and Mortars. HMG's were quite useful before. I can also Kampfgruppe a third platoon to help with deployment and company morale checks. Now, I just need to pick up some more mortars.

Nebelwerfer Bases

In the second phase of the Cassino Infantry Aces campaign we are allowed more options with support, and I decided to expand into a battery of these rocket launchers. Generally, I try to look up as much info as I can on a weapon or unit before I start putting it together, in part to get it looking right, but also because I like the history of it. I wont go into a detailed report here, I figure if you are interested, you can readily find the info on your own.

The video below is one of the better ones of historical footage I found on youtube. Generally, I prefer the Panzerwerfers due to their mobility and extra crew (counts one launcher as two). However, for a limited point list, I think the Nebelwerfer will give me more options for a very limited cost. At the very least, gives me some experience with assembling and basing artillery pieces.

In the video, you will note that they are mostly in the open, rather than in built up positions. I am going to reflect that in my basing, mostly because I dont feel confident enough with my basing ability to really make a dug-out or such for them. They have some footage of the launcher with shrubs or cut down trees nearby, so I might add something like that if I feel the base is too empty. I would prefer to save the 'built-up' look for when they are actually dug-in, for which I have the pre-painted markers (in this case, the log emplacements).

Space Hulk

Space Hulk on BGG

Space Hulk is a 40k board game, representing a team of Terminator Armor clad Space Marines (Blood Angels to be specific) boarding and conducting missions on a Space Hulk, a massive floating convergence of derelict space craft, asteroids, and other debris.  The missions have a very "Aliens" feel to it, with a small team of heavily armed troops fighting against wave after wave of close fighting aliens. 

I never got a chance to play the original board game, so I have no real basis for comparison, but I really liked this one.  Picked it up because it was set to be a 'limited edition' and it looked like fun.  Very glad I did.  It took me several games to get it down, but since then I have found it to be a worthwhile experience (especially in light of the time and effort needed to set it up and play, which will usually discourage me from some games).

A google image search for "Space Hulk Miniatures" will show you the other reason why I picked it up.  The miniatures included in the game are some of the best I have ever seen from Games Workshop.  They are so good I know of at least three players in the Colorado Springs area who purchased 2 or more copies of Space Hulk just so they could get the miniatures.  For an example (borrowed from the Games Workshop site):

Property of Games Workshop - I did not paint this

 So, as you can see, there are some excellent miniatures just waiting to be painted in that box.  Since I have played it maybe a dozen times since I purchased it in 2009, my motivation to pull them out and actually get them done has been minimal.  However, after finding a company that provides foam trays for the miniatures, Outrider Hobbies, I have been thinking about setting aside some time for this project.  It might ease me into tackling my Space Wolves once that is done.

When I was considering this years ago, I was introduced to a product I have since some to regard as one of the best things to happen to those of us that are artistically challenged.  The Army Painter makes a line of spray paint that doubles as a base coat, as well as a line of 'dips' that shade a miniature for you.  Its not an ideal paint job, but its much better than anything I have been able to do on my own so far, and cuts the time down by a big margin.  To that end, I picked up the last can of "Blood Red" Citadel spray paint I have ever seen, primed a random Space Marine model I had with it, slopped on a few details, and dipped it.  This was the result:

I literally painted this miniature in 10-15 minutes (not counting dry times).  On an assembly line, I could whip out a squad of Space Marines like this in an hour.  Now, for the nicer figures in the Space Hulk set, that wont happen like that, though I might go that route for the Gene Stealers.

Is it as nice a paint job as the one from GW?  Not at all.  But, given that I did it on a whim and it came out looking pretty good, it gives me a fair amount of hope that when I do get started on this project, it will turn out well.