tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75084766997845282122024-03-14T05:37:58.520-05:00Basement Gaming BunkerBasement Gaming Bunkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10911750626360724788noreply@blogger.comBlogger89125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508476699784528212.post-50212999733851054862012-03-22T23:28:00.000-05:002012-03-22T23:28:30.445-05:00The Cure for Burnout - Funky Old Aliens on Dinosaurs!Planning ahead just isn't my style.<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I was on a major roll in January and February. Painted tons and tons of figures, played a couple of really fun solo games/mini campaigns... figured this would be a great year for me! So I tried to take it a step further in March... not only would I keep to my goal of "one painted combat unit per week," but I tried to plan which units I'd paint and buy this month. Yeah, didn't work... I lost interest in those forces. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So, after some fairly uneventful evenings <i>(seriously... two <b>Micropanzer </b>gun drones are a pitiful tally for three nights' painting),</i> I decided to throw out the schedule. In fact, I ignored every army in my force and every bit of universe development in my notes. When in doubt - do something completely different. So, digging through the lead pile, here's what I found:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HdWDtUdeJ9g/T2vo0jn-92I/AAAAAAAACFk/OQhexMPFKQs/s1600/Ort_Tests.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HdWDtUdeJ9g/T2vo0jn-92I/AAAAAAAACFk/OQhexMPFKQs/s400/Ort_Tests.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
These are Orts from the old <b>Asgard</b> range (now sold by <b>15mm.Co.Uk</b>). Whenever I order from 15mm.Co.Uk, I make it a point to grab something completely random and different along with my "planned" figures. No plans for them, no idea how to game with them... just paint them and see what happens. But it brought my mojo back! Two short evenings painting yielded a complete skirmish force.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cwHKKd-1DG4/T2vo0nfKZwI/AAAAAAAACFk/oUkasX7S8Xg/s1600/Ort_Skirmish_Force.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cwHKKd-1DG4/T2vo0nfKZwI/AAAAAAAACFk/oUkasX7S8Xg/s400/Ort_Skirmish_Force.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As with most old ranges - they're great poses and castings, but are a bit lacking in variety . So... what to do with these weird little guys? The large (and protected) craniums and robes seem to imply an advanced, possibly psychic, race with limited numbers. It's a fun contrast with the dinosaur mounts. I'm thinking they would work as the command teams for a horde of primitives. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After poking around a few 15mm fantasy ranges, I found these <b>Eureka </b>Man-Orcs with Crossbows. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg2ccrwCNSs5YU3OV2ml9rlEqtXPM9-5wqN3Sn0glQhX7molDMeAwGBAYja32SGx8Xbmyd14GdjHWIKtirNFcSfqj2OHqiWbKyf2G2AGROpmMvsuzCtSNthWaZfp4xaklvfWXmmNCFxPI/s1600/EurekaManOrcCrossbow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg2ccrwCNSs5YU3OV2ml9rlEqtXPM9-5wqN3Sn0glQhX7molDMeAwGBAYja32SGx8Xbmyd14GdjHWIKtirNFcSfqj2OHqiWbKyf2G2AGROpmMvsuzCtSNthWaZfp4xaklvfWXmmNCFxPI/s320/EurekaManOrcCrossbow.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The helmet has the same general shape, and now they kinda remind me of the Mouth Of Sauron from Peter Jackson's <i>Return Of The King</i>. And the crossbows could easily be modified into some type of arquebus or musket, or even a simple blaster rifle. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now it's time to develop their story. I wonder if these can be worked into an existing storyline, or if I'll just come up with something new for them? </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: red;">Cheers,</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: red;">Chris</span></i></b></div>Chris K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03776262540828047947noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508476699784528212.post-34260823400967319092012-03-16T09:02:00.005-05:002012-03-16T09:02:57.668-05:00Review: Brigade Models Athena VTOL<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here's another one of those models that has been around for quite some time, but doesn't seem to get the attention it deserves.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I picked up a <b>Brigade Models</b> <u><a href="http://www.brigademodels.co.uk/15mmSF/British/SF15-111.html" target="_blank">Athena VTOL</a></u> during their December sale. It's nice to see this model is available again - it had been unavailable for some time (probably because the thin parts are quite difficult to cast). But I'm glad <b>Brigade</b> decided to return it to the lineup, because it is my new favorite 15mm dropship/transport craft. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The main kit consists of 8 parts: the main fuselage, the main wing, two thrusters, tailpiece, rear hatch, and 3x landing struts. The parts were cast very cleanly. No air bubbles on anything, just a little bit of mold lines along the edges of the main wing section. And there was some slight warpage with one of the vertical tail fins, but it easily bent back to shape under hot water. I also ordered two different weapon kits: the rocket and gun pods. Since I couldn't choose between the two, I decided to add one of each to my Athena.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is the largest 15mm aerospace vehicle in my collection. I decided to use the landing gear because, on my 2' x 2' tabletops, the Athena won't be anything more than terrain or an objective. If this was to be a game piece on a much larger table, I wouldn't use anything outside of a <b>CorSec</b> <b>Engineering</b> <a href="http://corseceng.com/omni-stand" target="_blank">Omni-Stand</a> to safely hold it. Even though the big parts are resin, this is still a very heavy model. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Assembly and painting were a breeze. Everything went together with superglue, and it took spray primer without any problems. Then I sprayed the entire ship with <b>Model Master</b> Euro Gray and used the same color in brush-on to touch up a few missed spots. I painted the engine components and windows with <b>Vallejo</b> Boltgun, then washed with a coat of <b>Secret Weapon</b> Armor Wash and <b>Secret Weapon</b> Blue Wash respectively. Then I picked out a few other details in <b>Vallejo</b> Heavy Bluegray, painted the weapons with <b>Vallejo</b> Heavy Brown, and finished and sealed the mini with <b>Wonder Wash </b>Black.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6pRa8el37kk/T1_shsfM7_I/AAAAAAAACBo/DMyQU6ySpZc/s1600/AthenaWithEarthforceAndLaserburnScouts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6pRa8el37kk/T1_shsfM7_I/AAAAAAAACBo/DMyQU6ySpZc/s400/AthenaWithEarthforceAndLaserburnScouts.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The palette is identical to my <b>Rebel Minis</b> Homeguard (including the<b> Rebel</b> HAMR suits I painted to support them), and a close match for my <b>Laserburn</b> Imperial Scouts. This, of course, was deliberate. But it also became apparent that this color scheme was nice and generic - it could work alongside any human force in my collection:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ALv0MY0Gqto/T1_sh4VGq5I/AAAAAAAACBw/SF6GfB-wIkY/s1600/AthenaVTOLWithOtherMinis.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ALv0MY0Gqto/T1_sh4VGq5I/AAAAAAAACBw/SF6GfB-wIkY/s400/AthenaVTOLWithOtherMinis.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So now I have a good transport ship/shuttle to use in all kinds of games. I tested it out using the <b><i>USE ME </i></b> Terminus: Planetfall scenario <u><a href="http://www.barkingirons.co.uk/j/game-systems/use-me/adventures/341-terminus-planet-fall" target="_blank">on Barking Irons</a></u>. I'll post that battle report soon on <i>Dropship Horizon.</i></div>
<i><br /></i><br />
<i><b><span style="color: red;">Cheers,</span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="color: red;">Chris</span></b></i>Chris K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03776262540828047947noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508476699784528212.post-35292948873270819472012-03-13T20:11:00.003-05:002012-03-13T20:11:26.963-05:00Electrical Box Buildings from Micropanzer<div style="text-align: justify;">
In addition to his great range of 15mm figures, Jason over at <b>Micropanzer Wargame Studio</b> has been selling painted buildings made from plastic electrical boxes. You can see what's available <u><a href="http://www.micropanzer.com/mws-2012_005.htm" target="_blank">on this page</a></u>. I had my eye on his first few sets, but none of them really "jumped" out at me. On his next update, I saw a set of four buildings painted in a dark red color.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dYxd6A_SG6I/T02miP9bgkI/AAAAAAAACAQ/M_oFd7O1Ziw/s1600/ElectricalBoxBuildings_RedPlanet1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dYxd6A_SG6I/T02miP9bgkI/AAAAAAAACAQ/M_oFd7O1Ziw/s400/ElectricalBoxBuildings_RedPlanet1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I couldn't resist! I thought they'd look great on my Red Planet terrain table, and this set didn't disappoint me. These single-story buildings look like part of an established colony - these are permanent structures rather than early shanties or pre-fabs, but they haven't developed into a complete city just yet. So they are perfect settlements for disputed territories on colonized worlds, or even for a bustling small-skirmish spaceport or lab complex.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v2atLfgtdWk/T02mikRy47I/AAAAAAAACAY/jPd5gBL5Az4/s1600/ElectricalBoxBuildings_RedPlanet2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v2atLfgtdWk/T02mikRy47I/AAAAAAAACAY/jPd5gBL5Az4/s400/ElectricalBoxBuildings_RedPlanet2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And, just for the sake of curiosity, I wondered how these would look on my other gaming tables. They didn't offer much for my desert table (especially since I have a full set of <b>The Scene</b> desert buildings), but they are very nice with my snow terrain.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sWP7tIIp7Wo/T02jEbiF9_I/AAAAAAAAB_0/vfUXiec0mmE/s1600/2012-02-28+21.58.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sWP7tIIp7Wo/T02jEbiF9_I/AAAAAAAAB_0/vfUXiec0mmE/s400/2012-02-28+21.58.58.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The snow terrain hasn't seen much play, simply because I never managed to finish painting my <b>Critical Mass Games</b> ARC Fleet refinery set. These will get me by for now. I may even buy some of his gray-colored buildings for the snow table, or just to add some variety to the settlement.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: red;">Cheers,</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: red;">Chris</span></i></b></div>Chris K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03776262540828047947noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508476699784528212.post-4179419140372043052012-02-29T13:27:00.001-06:002012-02-29T13:27:36.635-06:00February Wrap-Up and Looking AheadAnother successful month at the Bunker! My stated goal for the year has been "one combat unit painted every week." I exceeded the goal in January, and had no problem meeting it in February. And I managed to finish a few new terrain projects, just to help move things along. <br />
<br />
The completed list for February 2012:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Two more of my resin modular buildings painted to match my <b>Rebel Minis</b> Droptroopers. </li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PcF5Zt1e1BA/T05gBBwr1NI/AAAAAAAACBQ/pWcF_tKbqKI/s1600/GreenBuildings.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PcF5Zt1e1BA/T05gBBwr1NI/AAAAAAAACBQ/pWcF_tKbqKI/s400/GreenBuildings.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>A j<u><a href="http://dropshiphorizon.blogspot.com/2012/02/more-junk-building-comms-transceiver.html" target="_blank">unk-built communications transceiver</a></u> for those buildings.</li>
<li>72" of 3" wide hardboard road sections (6" and 12" lengths)</li>
<li>Two more <b>Rebel Minis</b> Titan HAMR suits.</li>
<li>Another unit of four <b>Rebel Minis</b> Droptroopers and a Wild CAT 'bot for my <i><u><a href="http://dropshiphorizon.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-war-invasion-of-laurentia.html" target="_blank">Christmas War</a></u></i> campaign.</li>
<li>Three <b>GZG</b> Cyclops Battlesuits - <u><a href="http://basementgamingbunker.blogspot.com/2012/02/youve-been-reassigned.html" target="_blank">repainted</a></u> to match my <b>Eureka</b> Ventaurans.</li>
<li>Two <b>Rebel </b>VIPER Walkers. A <u><a href="http://basementgamingbunker.blogspot.com/2012/02/cautionary-tale-of-heavy-black-wash.html" target="_blank">third</a></u> was stripped and needs to be repainted.</li>
<li>A paint test figure of <b>RAFM </b>Planetary Militia. </li>
<li>Six <b>Critical Mass Games</b> Kaamados Dominion Vivipara infantry.</li>
<li>One<b> Critical Mass Games</b> Kaamados Dominion Draco Aganath Imperator battlesuit.</li>
<li>And finally, three more <b>Rebel Minis</b> Earthforce HAMR suits. My first mecha army is ready for some test games!</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bdv48Rgo87s/T0vZIJuRA3I/AAAAAAAAB_M/BtJr0pe-D0M/s1600/RedMecha.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bdv48Rgo87s/T0vZIJuRA3I/AAAAAAAAB_M/BtJr0pe-D0M/s400/RedMecha.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here's my tentative painting agenda for March:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><b>Proxie Models</b> buildings. I have about a dozen ready to be assembled, based, and drybrushed. That will give me the <u><a href="http://basementgamingbunker.blogspot.com/2011/11/15mm-urban-battlefield-for-mecha-games.html" target="_blank">ruined urban battlefield</a></u> desired for my mecha games.</li>
<li>Paint two light walkers and one heavy walker for my <b>GZG </b>Crusties.</li>
<li>Paint another <b>Ravenstar</b> Silverback mech.</li>
<li>Start work on my next mecha-based army:</li>
<ul>
<li>A unit of <b>Micropanzer</b> Russian Walkers</li>
<li><b>RAFM</b> "Buckethead" Infantry with <b>Micropanzer</b> Remote Gun Drones</li>
<li><b>Brigade Models </b>South African Wheeled MBT</li>
<li><b>Matchbox</b> Armored Transports as APCs</li>
</ul>
<li>Repaint my other three <b>GZG</b> Cyclops Battlesuits to match my <b>Eureka </b>Ventaurans.</li>
</ul>
<div>
And the high priority items on my shopping and wish list:</div>
<ul>
<li><b>GZG </b>Colonial Militia to support <b>Blue Moon </b>Orion Republic troopers for my <i><u><a href="http://dropshiphorizon.blogspot.com/2012/02/15mm-not-invid-invasion-concept-to.html" target="_blank">Dominion Invasion</a></u></i> game setting.</li>
<li>More <b>Critical Mass</b> Kaamados Vivipara and Draco Agonath suits (for the same setting)</li>
<li><b>ArtCrime Productions</b> Assault Valkyries and Nationalist Infantry. The Assault Valkyries will be for the <i>Dominion Invasion</i> setting, and the Nationalist Infantry are going to be multi-based to support the above <b>Rebel </b>HAMRs and <b>Ravenstar </b>Thunderfoot.</li>
<li>More <b>Rebel Minis</b> VIPER walkers and Drop Trooper Heavy Weapons (when released).</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<b><i><span style="color: red;">Cheers,</span></i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><span style="color: red;">Chris</span></i></b></div>Chris K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03776262540828047947noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508476699784528212.post-38666766550399625122012-02-27T14:00:00.000-06:002012-02-27T14:00:00.391-06:00The Cautionary Tale of the Heavy Black Wash<div style="text-align: justify;">
I painted my first three <b>Rebel Minis</b> VIPER Mecha this past week. Well, almost. Sometimes I'm quite successful when I try new paint techniques. Other times the results are disastrous. This was one of those times.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The VIPERS were purchased to support my existing <u><a href="http://basementgamingbunker.blogspot.com/2011/08/rebs-robot-enhanced-battle-squads.html" target="_blank"><b>Rebel</b> Drop Troopers and CAT 'Bots</a></u>. Those were painted with the famous green-wash-over-bare-metal technique, producing a metallic green finish:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zvh0Ar0ZkXE/TjbPBKtrB0I/AAAAAAAAAp4/01gN7jd3WoE/s1600/RebelCATsAndDroptroopers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zvh0Ar0ZkXE/TjbPBKtrB0I/AAAAAAAAAp4/01gN7jd3WoE/s400/RebelCATsAndDroptroopers.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The plan for the VIPERs was to use the same technique. But Rebel Mike did something I wasn't anticipating - he released them in resin! On the plus side, the VIPERs are the least expensive 1/100 mecha available, and come with a huge variety of really nice weapons. On the down side - I needed to find a way to match these resin mecha to my existing figures.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've had some luck using wash over metallic silver paint (like these GZG Cyclops Suits). It produces roughly the same effect as bare metal - maybe a little cleaner in appearance. But the VIPERs are larger minis. Would that same technique work? I've had zero luck using that same technique on larger models like terrain pieces. So, a trip to the friendly local hobby store was in order.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My four-year-old actually found it before I did - <a href="http://www.testors.com/products/136723" target="_blank"><b>Model Master </b>Dark Green Pearl</a>. It looked just fine in the bottle, but that's never a good indication. So I tried a little bit on one corner of a VIPER suit. It was pretty transparent. I ended up putting two coats over the whole thing, then started picking out the other details with the same <b>Vallejo</b> Heavy Bluegray and Gold paints as the infantry. It still didn't look right to me. So, instead of the nice and thin <b>Wonder Wash</b> that I used on the infantry, I tried to use <b>Secret Weapon </b>Heavy Black Wash.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Big mistake. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The <b>Secret Weapon</b> wash was far too heavy for this application. The green finish was bad, and it pretty much blacked out the bluegray on the weapons. I also noticed that the gold on the canopy was too thick - it had actually created "chunks" of paint on the panels. Then I took a closer look at the <b>Model Master </b>Green bottle, and noticed one of the problems. All the metal flake had settled to the bottom. No wonder it had seemed so translucent! I scraped the bottom of the bottle with a popsicle stick, shook the hell out of it, and then applied a single coat to a second VIPER. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It worked much better that time. I finished that second VIPER using the same techniques as the infantry and 'Bots - bluegray weapons, gold (thinned this time) on the canopy, and Wonder Wash black over the whole model.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here's the comparison:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N9Yoi4dG4LQ/T0vZKgxk52I/AAAAAAAAB_U/gmFHBcdlxKk/s1600/GreenMecha.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N9Yoi4dG4LQ/T0vZKgxk52I/AAAAAAAAB_U/gmFHBcdlxKk/s400/GreenMecha.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The difference isn't an effect of shadow or camera placement. This is pretty close to how they each look in person. Suffice it to say - the left VIPER is currently sitting in a bath of Simple Green cleaner and waiting to be stripped. The second one, on the other hand, is a very good fit with the existing figures:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G-GG6BawZak/T0Mq0MOezwI/AAAAAAAAB8E/rJC3vH97R-s/s1600/ShinyGreenGuys.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G-GG6BawZak/T0Mq0MOezwI/AAAAAAAAB8E/rJC3vH97R-s/s400/ShinyGreenGuys.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Not perfect, but good enough for my game table. And the best news? Painting that second VIPER only took about 30 minutes. I'll easily get the third one finished, and then order another set or two from <b>Rebel Minis</b>. They are very nice mecha, and the price is just unbeatable!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: red;">Cheers,</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: red;">Chris</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>Chris K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03776262540828047947noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508476699784528212.post-30308445733177142132012-02-20T23:59:00.002-06:002012-02-20T23:59:46.266-06:00You've been reassigned!<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm revisiting some of the first 15mm minis I ever painted this week: three packs of <b>GZG</b> Cyclops Battlesuits to go with my <b>Rebel Minis</b> Titan Marines.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gcfggbazIFo/T0Mr9I2--9I/AAAAAAAAB8Y/QULbnpj2S-k/s1600/CDC_Battlesuits.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gcfggbazIFo/T0Mr9I2--9I/AAAAAAAAB8Y/QULbnpj2S-k/s320/CDC_Battlesuits.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
They fit well in my original vision for that army <i>(Conquest Development Center corporate research/security forces). </i>But that army has evolved in different directions now - the role of the Cyclops battlesuits has now been divided among <b>Kremlin</b> Red Banner MANITOU power armor and <b>Rebel Minis</b> Earthforce HAMR suits as heavy support mecha. Next thing I know... the Cyclops suits, which I really think are great minis, haven't been touched in well over a year.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Time to find them a new home.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've been slowly building up forces to play 15mm mecha games. The rules I've been knocking together for those games (more on this later) center around multi-based infantry supporting formations of mecha. My <b>Eureka</b> Ventaurans are already based for just that type of game:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OZNpPTtlRzQ/TnNJUUujO-I/AAAAAAAAA1k/bVuXa79d3oo/s1600/IMAG0678-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OZNpPTtlRzQ/TnNJUUujO-I/AAAAAAAAA1k/bVuXa79d3oo/s200/IMAG0678-1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But don't yet have any mecha units. I ordered a <b>Micropanzer</b> Valkyur mecha last week as a trial, and later realized that the <b>GZG</b> Cyclops Suits would be a great match. So I popped one off its old base, mounted it to a 1.25" fendeer washer, painted over the entire thing with <b>Vallejo </b>Boltgun, and gave it the same purple wash/blue-gray and gold details as my Ventaurans.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KRNPEbT3hKQ/T0MqyIvoY9I/AAAAAAAAB78/K8vqR1zwbYM/s1600/CyclopsVentaurans.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KRNPEbT3hKQ/T0MqyIvoY9I/AAAAAAAAB78/K8vqR1zwbYM/s400/CyclopsVentaurans.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I like it. It won't take much time to do the other five suits. Have I mentioned that the lazy painter in me really, REALLY likes wash-over-metal paint schemes? And despite its simplicity, I still think it looks as game-worthy as the original paint job.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OS25thej-Mo/T0Mqxuz1thI/AAAAAAAAB70/juPmq8Nu_rM/s1600/CyclopsComparison.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OS25thej-Mo/T0Mqxuz1thI/AAAAAAAAB70/juPmq8Nu_rM/s320/CyclopsComparison.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: red;">Cheers,</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: red;">Chris</span></i></b></div>Chris K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03776262540828047947noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508476699784528212.post-86595025180627098422012-02-09T15:47:00.002-06:002012-02-09T15:47:31.202-06:00Tutorial: Battlefield Wrecks from Die-Cast Toys<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here's a fun little terrain piece that I worked on between some actual painting projects. I made a <u><a href="http://basementgamingbunker.blogspot.com/2011/11/15mm-sentry-tank-hot-wheels-kitbash.html" target="_blank">Cobra Hiss-inspired assault vehicle</a></u> out of a few Hot Wheels late last year. One of the toys I used was the Assault Crawler:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://images.wikia.com/hotwheels/images/c/c9/Assault_Crawler_OlvL.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="http://images.wikia.com/hotwheels/images/c/c9/Assault_Crawler_OlvL.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Specifically, I used the tracks and never touched the body. I found that hollow body recently while working on another project, and inspiration hit me. The body wouldn't look out of place on a hover or grav platform. But instead of converting or sculpting something onto it, why not turn it into a wreck?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I sliced up the body with a Dremel tool and cutting wheel. The die-cast steel is too thick to do any real damage, but a few quick slices around the driver's seat worked fine. Then I mounted the wreck to a scrap of MDF hardboard, built up the edges with sand, and hit it with a black undercoat.
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WK2D77yXSbs/Twy9uFj0IrI/AAAAAAAABpk/8fEhM1DwFkU/s1600/IMAG1097-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WK2D77yXSbs/Twy9uFj0IrI/AAAAAAAABpk/8fEhM1DwFkU/s320/IMAG1097-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I decided to use a pretty basic palette on this one. I painted the base with medium gray craft paint and drybrushed <b>Vallejo</b> Heavy Grey (actually a green-grey) onto the body. Then I drybrushed <b>Vallejo</b> gunmetal in a few "damaged" areas.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o94IQPZ4deA/TyQbj-xBiPI/AAAAAAAAB5M/QzQYJbCdJNc/s1600/IMAG1153-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o94IQPZ4deA/TyQbj-xBiPI/AAAAAAAAB5M/QzQYJbCdJNc/s320/IMAG1153-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This looked like it belonged in a ruined city, or somewhere in a dark ash waste. So I added my usual "gray gravel" blend to the base and hit the joints and Gunmetal areas with rust-colored weathering powder.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_cYgtqfIpsk/TyQcoZeKdWI/AAAAAAAAB5c/vWASl1ZbdhM/s1600/IMAG1157-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_cYgtqfIpsk/TyQcoZeKdWI/AAAAAAAAB5c/vWASl1ZbdhM/s320/IMAG1157-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Project finished! A fine bit of cover for infantry or a light walker, or possibly an objective to search for unclaimed ammunition or other parts that will be desperately needed in post-apocalyptic settings. I'll have to keep my eyes open next time I'm looking at $1 die-casts... even if I can't use the complete vehicle, I could always use more of these wrecks for my ruined battlefields.</div>
<br />
<b><i><span style="color: red;">Cheers,</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: red;">Chris</span></i></b>Chris K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03776262540828047947noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508476699784528212.post-28793701988661752082012-02-03T08:53:00.000-06:002012-02-03T08:53:22.334-06:00January wrap-up & projects for February<div style="text-align: justify;">
My goal for the year was to paint at least one combat unit (infantry squad or vehicle) per week. If I can keep January's pace going, I should exceed my goal. </div>
<br />
Completed in January:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://basementgamingbunker.blogspot.com/2012/01/rebel-minis-hamr-converted-and-painted.html" target="_blank"><b>Rebel Minis </b>Earthforce HAMR</a> (1)</li>
<li><a href="http://basementgamingbunker.blogspot.com/2012/01/growing-skirmish-force-into-full-army.html" target="_blank"><b>GZG</b> Islamic Federation Infantry</a> (16)</li>
<li><a href="http://basementgamingbunker.blogspot.com/2012/01/gonna-need-more-cocktail-sauce.html" target="_blank"><b>GZG</b> Crusties Power Armor</a> (6)</li>
<li><a href="http://basementgamingbunker.blogspot.com/2012/01/growing-skirmish-force-into-full-army.html" target="_blank"><b>Ravenstar</b> Studios Stalker Walker Tank</a> (1)</li>
<li><b>Ravenstar</b> Studios Coyote Jeep (2; 1 for Law Officers, 1 generic civilian)</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lquiReIjFOs/Twy96AazuoI/AAAAAAAABp0/5-TLTOSALuU/s1600/IMAG1095-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lquiReIjFOs/Twy96AazuoI/AAAAAAAABp0/5-TLTOSALuU/s320/IMAG1095-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://dropshiphorizon.blogspot.com/2012/01/review-ravenstar-studios-thunderfoot.html" target="_blank"><b>Ravenstar</b> Studios Silverback</a> (1)</li>
<li><a href="http://dropshiphorizon.blogspot.com/2012/01/review-ravenstar-studios-thunderfoot.html" target="_blank"><b>Ravenstar</b> Studios Thunderfoot Mark 3</a> (1)</li>
<li><a href="http://basementgamingbunker.blogspot.com/2012/01/instant-special-forces-patrol.html" target="_blank"><b>Laserburn</b> Imperial Scout Bikes</a> (2)</li>
<li><a href="http://basementgamingbunker.blogspot.com/2012/01/instant-special-forces-patrol.html" target="_blank"><b>Laserburn</b> Imperial Scouts</a> (8)</li>
<li><a href="http://basementgamingbunker.blogspot.com/2012/01/painting-tutorial-khurasan-space-demons.html" target="_blank"><b>Khurasan</b> Space Demon Assault Warriors</a> (12)</li>
<li><a href="http://basementgamingbunker.blogspot.com/2012/01/painting-tutorial-khurasan-space-demons.html" target="_blank"><b>Khurasan</b> Space Demon Nymphs</a> (8)</li>
<li><a href="http://basementgamingbunker.blogspot.com/2012/01/painting-tutorial-khurasan-space-demons.html" target="_blank"><b>Khurasan</b> Space Demon Colossus</a> (1)</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I plan to focus most of my February painting (and gaming, hopefully) on mecha-centric battles. I have four more mecha basecoated now - two each <b>Rebel Minis</b> Earthforce and Titan HAMR suits. Those should be finished early next week. I have an order of <b>Rebel Minis</b> VIPR suits on the way, and I plan to take advantage of the <u><a href="http://ravenstarstudios.blogspot.com/2012/02/sale-time-need-to-pay-bills.html" target="_blank"><b>Ravenstar Studios</b> 25% Off Sale</a></u> and pick up a couple more Land Core Silverbacks.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The urban battlefield I mentioned before is also on the February project list. I ordered an assortment of nine buildings from <b>Proxie Models</b> last night, and I cut 6' worth of hardboard road sections to set up the battlefield. I just need to come up with some urban terrain pieces that aren't buildings <i>(maybe a power plant?) </i>to complete my mecha battlefield. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: red;">Cheers,</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: red;">Chris</span></i></b></div>
<br />Chris K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03776262540828047947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508476699784528212.post-22731640644874478262012-01-28T18:02:00.001-06:002012-01-28T18:02:49.646-06:00Rebel Minis HAMR - converted and painted<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
My 15mm Mecha Battles project is starting to come together. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
After it sat on my shelf for months, I finally completed this <b>Rebel Minis</b> Earthforce HAMR Support Suit: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ogthrQH612w/TyQbKnqWM8I/AAAAAAAAB5E/YGJhkaFHfIE/s1600/IMAG1158-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ogthrQH612w/TyQbKnqWM8I/AAAAAAAAB5E/YGJhkaFHfIE/s400/IMAG1158-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This one had just the slightest bit of conversion work before I painted. I ended up cutting the barrels off the included gatling guns... they worked well on the Earthforce aircraft, but I wanted something a little heavier on this mech. I looked at a few <b>Combat Wombat</b> brass barrels, but ended up using the barrels from some spare <b>Rebel </b>Titan HAMR support guns. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W-n-DGPanZI/TyR_lx5rDbI/AAAAAAAAB5o/lodzDKsnTa4/s1600/IMAG1160-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W-n-DGPanZI/TyR_lx5rDbI/AAAAAAAAB5o/lodzDKsnTa4/s320/IMAG1160-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I think this mech works really well alongside my <b>Ravenstar Studios</b> Thunderfoot (and <b>Rebel Titan</b> Marines and <b>Kremlin</b> MANITOU suits). The HAMR is going to be the support option in a three-mecha platoon. Work has begun on the other two - they are going to use the more conventional arms and rifles off the Earthforce Recon HAMR sprue. That will give me two core combat units for my first mecha army: the platoon of HAMR suits, and the Thunderfoot - which is a mecha platoon in itself. <br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="color: red;">Cheers,</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: red;">Chris</span></i></b>Chris K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03776262540828047947noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508476699784528212.post-16946649996715233232012-01-27T11:49:00.001-06:002012-01-27T11:50:00.839-06:00Growing a Skirmish Force into a Full ArmyOne of the greatest strengths in 15mm Sci Fi: it can be used for games of every size.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At its heart, 15mm is still a battle scale. But in the last few years, it has grown by leaps and bounds as an option for small <i>(5-10 figures per side)</i> narrative skirmishes. For awhile, I tried to separate my "skirmish" forces from my "armies." I've realized this just isn't necessary - a skirmish team might be a great elite unit in a larger force. So I started matching character figures and elite units to my larger armies. This month I did just the opposite - took a skirmish force and expanded it into a full-sized army.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tnFAyyWb4eI/TsMvwMI8tVI/AAAAAAAABYU/xESntreSm_s/s1600/IMAG0847-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tnFAyyWb4eI/TsMvwMI8tVI/AAAAAAAABYU/xESntreSm_s/s400/IMAG0847-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
These <b><i>Laserburn</i></b> Redemptionists were my first few Shadow World figures - featured in the <b><i>Blasters & Bulkheads</i></b> article <u><a href="http://dropshiphorizon.blogspot.com/2011/11/blasters-bulkheads-part-two-shootout-at.html" target="_blank">series on <i>Dropship Horizon</i></a></u>. In the still-unfinished background, these represent the elite semi-religious warriors from the Shadow Worlds - a distant region of the galaxy feared for its study and use of mysterious alien artifacts. I envisioned these figures to be part of an elite inner circle - basically taking the role of the Sith of my unnamed space opera setting. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A few months went by. I picked up a ton of goodies from <b>Ravenstar Studios'</b> new Land Core 15mm range. I was mainly interested in the mecha, but the Stalker walker tank really grew on me. I was lost for a paint scheme until I saw the Shadow Worlders sitting on my shelf. Then it hit me... if these guys are the "not-Galactic Empire" in my own universe, why not give them a "not AT-AT" for their vehicles? In <i>Star Wars</i>, the AT-AT is as much a weapon of terror as it is an armored tank/transport. The Stalker looked very intimidating when sitting next to my <b>Old Crow</b>, <b>Rebel</b>, and <b>Combat Wombat</b> tanks. Not a proxy AT-AT, but something that fills the same role and creatively uses the same core idea. So I tried giving it a similar paint scheme to my earlier figures.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QA6g1p0ZxIQ/TyLajvs4HMI/AAAAAAAAB3E/615jHTjaRUM/s1600/IMAG1111-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QA6g1p0ZxIQ/TyLajvs4HMI/AAAAAAAAB3E/615jHTjaRUM/s400/IMAG1111-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The results? Well, the colors are bit over-the-top, even by my standards. The two tone look is pretty cheesy - it might have worked better with just the purple or just the blue-gray. Or maybe I should have used a camo pattern that incorporated both colors. But you know what? It grew on me after a few days, so I decided to develop the army further and see what happened. The next step, now that I had chosen my vehicles, was to get more boots on the ground.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I still had plenty of unpainted Redemptionist figures... but I really like using them in the role of the elite inner guard. So what should I use for the Shadow Worlds' rank-and-file infantry? A look through the lead pile (which had grown after my <b>GZG</b> Christmas order arrived) presented a pretty good option: Islamic Federation infantry with helmets. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TCYKgCenPpE/Tx5LIGCBTPI/AAAAAAAABzI/huO5BUhv1VU/s1600/IMAG1141-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TCYKgCenPpE/Tx5LIGCBTPI/AAAAAAAABzI/huO5BUhv1VU/s400/IMAG1141-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
These are great old figures. Their helmet and weapons work anywhere from near-future to retro pulp to space opera. And they are ideal cannon fodder for the Redemptionists - very little armor and not a lot of special equipment. I thought they mixed together quite nicely.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cd4hEdP_FS4/Tx5K8rzEvBI/AAAAAAAABzA/puioMmhr4jU/s1600/IMAG1143-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cd4hEdP_FS4/Tx5K8rzEvBI/AAAAAAAABzA/puioMmhr4jU/s400/IMAG1143-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I painted two packs of Islamic Federation infantry. I'll organize them into teams of eight (just as they came), which can break down into teams of four (the squad support weapon in one team, the heavy weapon in the other). Combined with the Redemptionists and the Stalker tank, I now have a core army to use in larger one-off games. Or blend both types of games in a campaign - use the Redemptionists alone in special missions, and then the full army for direct conflicts. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b_jNcVPUmb0/Tx5LcSjEuWI/AAAAAAAABzQ/TO4ovaqhuf8/s1600/IMAG1137-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b_jNcVPUmb0/Tx5LcSjEuWI/AAAAAAAABzQ/TO4ovaqhuf8/s400/IMAG1137-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is pretty much all the figures I'll need, though a third pack of Islamic Federation isn't out of the question. But a higher priority is adding a second Stalker tank, and then grabbing three Stalker-variant APCs once <b>Ravenstar </b>makes them available. I just need to decide if I'm going to pain that second Stalker in the same color scheme as the first, or try something a bit less... extravagant. </div>
<br />
<b><i><span style="color: red;">Cheers,</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: red;">Chris</span></i></b>Chris K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03776262540828047947noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508476699784528212.post-90952557880571816612012-01-19T13:33:00.000-06:002012-01-19T13:33:12.298-06:00Gonna need more cocktail sauce...Thanks to my big <b>Ground Zero Games</b> Christmas order, I now have some much-needed reinforcements for my Crusties army. I grabbed one of the heavy walker, a two-pack of the light walkers, and a pack of the new armored infantry. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://shop.groundzerogames.net/images/uploads/15mm/Crusty/SG15-X14%20Crusty%20Heav.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://shop.groundzerogames.net/images/uploads/15mm/Crusty/SG15-X14%20Crusty%20Heav.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I went back and forth a few times about how to paint them. I used <b>P3</b> Cryx Bane Highlight as the main weapon color for my previous Crusties, with the occasional <b>Vallejo </b>Heavy Red detail. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dn0K8TVPvp4/TdBpmBKsa9I/AAAAAAAAAMI/W4EMfJelipw/s1600/CrustiesHeavies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dn0K8TVPvp4/TdBpmBKsa9I/AAAAAAAAAMI/W4EMfJelipw/s400/CrustiesHeavies.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Since the armored Crusties didn't seem to have any skin (shell?) exposed, the gray and dark red seemed like the obvious color choices. But then I was afraid they'd be too close of a match for a recently-painted Ravenstar Silverback mecha, which are <b>Vallejo</b> Gory Red with a few <b>P3</b> Cryx Bane Highlight details. I second guessed my colors even more after I saw (and fell in love with) the <u><a href="http://gunnerswargamming.blogspot.com/2012/01/15mm-crusty-power-armor-finished.html" target="_blank">bright orange scheme featured on Gunner's Wargaming</a></u>. But ultimately I decided to go with the Cryx Bane as a base color and limit the Heavy Red to the weapons and backpacks. It wasn't bad, but needed another color. I ended up using <b>Vallejo </b>Goblin Green on the weapon "fins," some small details on the backpacks, and on the helmet lenses. A quick touch of black <b>Wonder Wash</b> and some base texture completed the figures.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FgOJXPLcxsA/TxeC4oj2TjI/AAAAAAAABxg/62u-TESImnk/s1600/IMAG1131-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FgOJXPLcxsA/TxeC4oj2TjI/AAAAAAAABxg/62u-TESImnk/s400/IMAG1131-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm not convinced the green details are bright enough. I might get something brighter (<b>Vallejo</b> Fluorescent Green maybe) and touch them up later. But they are ready for the game table, and match pretty well with my earlier Crusty infantry.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Po_U7JwpqNw/Txgv4h1QOAI/AAAAAAAAByA/AaRljYFd8bI/s1600/15mmSciFiCrustiesInfantryComparison.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Po_U7JwpqNw/Txgv4h1QOAI/AAAAAAAAByA/AaRljYFd8bI/s400/15mmSciFiCrustiesInfantryComparison.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
More importantly, this palette should work fine on the Crusty walkers. But I swear... Next time I make a new army - I really need to make sure I stop using the same few base colors. :)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: red;">Cheers,</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: red;">Chris</span></i></b></div>Chris K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03776262540828047947noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508476699784528212.post-18868773178555218692012-01-15T18:15:00.000-06:002012-01-17T13:11:48.392-06:002012 Painting Log - mid-January update<div style="text-align: justify;">
As a way to keep focused on my "one finished combat unit per week" goal for 2012, I'm going to try to update my painting progress a couple times per month. Since the first of the year, I've finished:</div>
<br />
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b>Khurasan </b><u><a href="http://basementgamingbunker.blogspot.com/2012/01/painting-tutorial-khurasan-space-demons.html" target="_blank">Space Demons</a></u> - a pack of Warriors, a pack of Nymphs, and a Colossus.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b>Laserburn</b> Scouts - two Bikes and eight Scout figures</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Assorted <b>Ravenstar </b>Land-Core goodies - a Thunderfoot and a Silverback mecha <i>(painted for the <u><a href="http://dropshiphorizon.blogspot.com/2012/01/review-ravenstar-studios-thunderfoot.html" target="_blank">review article</a></u> on <b>Dropship Horizon</b>)</i>, a Coyote jeep, and a Stalker walker tank. Here's a teaser pic of the mecha:</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6sqHCjmY_wc/Twy-HegAJII/AAAAAAAABqs/TGzT9mAa4mE/s640/IMAG1085-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6sqHCjmY_wc/Twy-HegAJII/AAAAAAAABqs/TGzT9mAa4mE/s320/IMAG1085-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Not a bad start to the year - I'm ahead of my goal. But I did have some time off work around the holidays, so a head start isn't going to hurt anything. Looking ahead... my Christmas order from <b>Ground Zero Games</b> arrived on Friday. Here's what's on the table from that shipment:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">A pack of <b><i>Hammer's Slammers</i></b> infantry. I'm going to ignore the buzzbomb-launcher figure for now and focus on the other sculpts. I intend to use these as bailed-out vehicle crews for my <u><a href="http://basementgamingbunker.blogspot.com/2011/05/micropanzer-sas-with-gzg-weapons.html" target="_blank">Aurora Group</a></u> corporate security forces.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Two packs of Islamic Federation infantry. My plan is to use these as the core of a new army - one based upon my <u><a href="http://dropshiphorizon.blogspot.com/2011/11/blasters-bulkheads-part-one-force.html" target="_blank">Shadow Worlder</a></u> <b><i>Blasters & Bulkheads</i></b> skirmish force. The skirmish unit (made of <b>Laserburn</b> Redemptionists) will be the elite inner circle of Shadow World armies - these Islamic Federation troopers will be the rank and file. I'll use <b>Ravenstar Studios'</b> quad-walkers as the vehicles in this new army.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">A pack of Armored Crusties. For my <u><a href="http://basementgamingbunker.blogspot.com/2011/05/crusty-infantry-platoon-completed.html" target="_blank">Crusties</a></u>, obviously. :)</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Four packs of New Israeli infantry. No fancy plans here - I'm just going to turn them into red Spartans to rival for my green <u><a href="http://basementgamingbunker.blogspot.com/2011/08/rebs-robot-enhanced-battle-squads.html" target="_blank"><b>Rebel</b> Droptroopers</a></u>.</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'll splash in a few terrain projects along the way, just to keep things interesting. And the odd civilian and mercenary figure to flesh out my small skirmish games. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: red;">Cheers,</span></i></b></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: red;">Chris</span></i></b></div>Basement Gaming Bunkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10911750626360724788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508476699784528212.post-7967815167764364442012-01-12T21:10:00.000-06:002012-01-12T21:13:32.527-06:00Painting Tutorial - Khurasan Space Demons using Metallic Sprays<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">One of this year's stocking stuffers from my wife was a small order from <b><a href="http://khurasanminiatures.tripod.com/15mmscifi.html" target="_blank">Khurasan Minis</a></b>. There were a few new items inside (including some Control Battalion that I'm dying to paint), but mostly it was reinforcements for <a href="http://basementgamingbunker.blogspot.com/2010/12/review-and-showcase-khurasan-space.html" target="_blank">my Space Demon army</a>. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I already had two packs of Assault Warriors, one pack of Hammerheads, and a Queen. This order gave me a pack of the second-pose Assault Warriors, a pack of Nymphs, and for my larger games, my first Colossus.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TuxzWtJ_rG8/Tw-SoW2UBmI/AAAAAAAABvs/He6cacUgxf8/s1600/IMAG1104-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TuxzWtJ_rG8/Tw-SoW2UBmI/AAAAAAAABvs/He6cacUgxf8/s400/IMAG1104-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Since we're having a very warm winter here in Iowa, I broke out the <b>Testors</b> Metallic sprays and got my new bugs onto the battlefield. Just like my previous Space Demons, I'm using the ultra-quick paint scheme pioneered by <u><a href="http://theminiaturespage.com/boards/msg.mv?id=166934" target="_blank">Cacique Caribe over on TMP</a></u>. Here's a breakdown of the process.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Step One - File, Assemble, and Base</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o21zHvAFIkE/TwzEJS_siJI/AAAAAAAABs4/azoGreRkO7E/s1600/IMAG1000-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o21zHvAFIkE/TwzEJS_siJI/AAAAAAAABs4/azoGreRkO7E/s1600/IMAG1000-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o21zHvAFIkE/TwzEJS_siJI/AAAAAAAABs4/azoGreRkO7E/s320/IMAG1000-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As usual, <b>Khurasan's </b>minis require very little cleanup. The Nymphs just needed a bit of filing on the bottom, and the Colossus went together quickly. I spent a bit more time on the Assault Warriors. One of the poses has a cast base which is larger than my 3/4" fender washers, so it needed a bit of trimming. I also took a little time to make sure the heads went on at a few different angles, and I reposed the soft tails to add some variety.</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Step Two - Undercoat</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hwzMzZ1UxkI/TwzELD8aEmI/AAAAAAAABtA/E7mEcPszkVw/s1600/IMAG1005-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="166" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hwzMzZ1UxkI/TwzELD8aEmI/AAAAAAAABtA/E7mEcPszkVw/s320/IMAG1005-1.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Honestly, this step is optional. But I've found that it does help to get an even coat out of the metallic sprays, so I used my white Armory Primer on the figures. It also helps me to find any small bits of flash or mold lines that I missed the first time around (in this case, there was just a little bit of flash in the armpits of a few Assault Warriors). It also helped to seal the Colossus together - my superglue was old, and the legs kept falling off when I first assembled it.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Step Three - Metallics</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0iY7qnBtNlM/TwzENKRrTrI/AAAAAAAABtI/sKL4BtLxX6w/s1600/IMAG1007-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="233" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0iY7qnBtNlM/TwzENKRrTrI/AAAAAAAABtI/sKL4BtLxX6w/s320/IMAG1007-1.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The fun part - giving some life and distinction to the Space Demons without any real effort. When I painted my last batch, I used <b>Testors</b> Arctic Blue for the Hammerheads, Burgundy Red for the Queen, and Turquoise for the Assault Warriors. I wanted the Nymphs to be "extensions" of the Queen herself, so they received the burgundy paint. The Colossus has some little recesses in the shoulder that could be some type of acid spray, so I tied it together with the Hammerheads. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A note on the metallics: I learned that they have a much longer drying time than other Testors or Tamiya sprays.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Step Four - Wash</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xQQT0qL82Qk/TwzEuwYwq2I/AAAAAAAABtQ/qLmEMHaBmKE/s1600/IMAG1008-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="155" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xQQT0qL82Qk/TwzEuwYwq2I/AAAAAAAABtQ/qLmEMHaBmKE/s320/IMAG1008-1.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Once the sprays were dry, I set the figures out on some Universal Painting Trays (those mockup credit cards that keep showing up in my mailbox) and, working in groups of six, brushed an undiluted wash over the entire figure. I used <b>GW</b> Badab Black on my earlier models, but this time I used <b>Secret Weapon </b>Heavy Body Black. The <b>Secret Weapon</b> washes are very good for this sort of work, as long as you remember to keep shaking them. The Heavy Black is also a bit stronger than the GW wash - it only took a single coat to finish the Nymphs and Assault Warriors. The Colossus took a few coats to get all the recesses on the belly, so I worked on the Nymph and Warrior bases while the larger model was drying. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Step Five - Base and Seal</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3guiwfeTnDc/TwzFR4qdTFI/AAAAAAAABtg/wuS69MxwSOo/s1600/IMAG1036-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="218" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3guiwfeTnDc/TwzFR4qdTFI/AAAAAAAABtg/wuS69MxwSOo/s320/IMAG1036-1.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Nothing fancy on the bases - painted <b>Model Master</b> Euro Gray onto the bases, flocked them with dark gray gravel, sealed with thinned Elmer's glue, and drybrushed with <b>Vallejo</b> Heavy Bluegray. The figures themselves were sealed with <b>Wonder Wash</b> Black, which gave them a nice and glossy finish. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">That's it - a quick, painless, and fairly inexpensive way to make a Space Demon army. There are plenty of colored metallics on the Model Master brush-on range, if you don't want to spent the extra cash on spray paints. And the army would work just fine with a single color - I just like seeing the difference between an Assault Warrior and a Hammerhead from tabletop distance. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Play a game already!</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I've played a couple quick <b><i>FUBAR </i></b>games with the Nymphs and Assault Warriors since painting these. But I still haven't used the Colossus in a game. I plan to run a scenario where a Colossus is hiding underground and ambushes a passing convoy. When the convoy is stopped, other Space Demons will converge on the damaged vehicles, and the convoy personnel must hold out for extraction.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xSm3GlV0pMc/TwzFA3Z0ugI/AAAAAAAABtY/4KtXQL9K_Lc/s1600/IMAG1035-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So what's next for my Space Demons? Well, I really like the Nymphs - perfect little swarming bugs. I thought about mounting three per 1.25" base, but singles on 3/4" washers will work better on my <u><a href="http://basementgamingbunker.blogspot.com/2010/10/review-paper-make-it-space-base.html" target="_blank">Space Base tiles</a></u>. I might try to add one to my Queen's base, just for decoration. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xSm3GlV0pMc/TwzFA3Z0ugI/AAAAAAAABtY/4KtXQL9K_Lc/s1600/IMAG1035-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xSm3GlV0pMc/TwzFA3Z0ugI/AAAAAAAABtY/4KtXQL9K_Lc/s400/IMAG1035-1.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Colossus is a terrific mini. A second one would make my Space Demons into a pretty formidable opponent, even against tanks and mecha. </span></div>Chris K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03776262540828047947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508476699784528212.post-60636986531475345262012-01-04T00:39:00.000-06:002012-01-04T08:48:23.765-06:00An "instant" Special Forces patrolI have a simple hobby goal for 2012: paint one unit per week. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Okay... Obviously I have more goals than that. But we all have to start somewhere. Especially when the lead pile is already taller than I'd like, and I still have three Christmas orders that haven't arrived. Hopefully this goal will help me get through the pile just a little bit quicker.<br />
<br />
My lead pile featuers tons of small potential forces (1-2 squads at the most), mostly because I like buying a pack or two at a time to see how much I like the sculpts. In one corner of my storage container, I noticed some of the old <a href="http://www.15mm.co.uk/Imperial_Troopers.htm" target="_blank">Laserburn Imperial Scouts</a> from <b>15mm.Co.Uk. </b>They are pretty detailed, but I went with the ol' "wash over bare metal" approach. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hfKT_B1OzqY/TwPr_X5OCuI/AAAAAAAABnI/46GYBjrKkvA/s1600/IMAG1065-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hfKT_B1OzqY/TwPr_X5OCuI/AAAAAAAABnI/46GYBjrKkvA/s400/IMAG1065-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Works for me! Now that they are painted, I see these are really great old minis. Too bad there aren't more poses available. But this still works for just a couple odd fire teams, or would be fine if they were based 2-3 per stand for <b><i>Alien Squad Leader</i></b> or <i><b>Valkyrie. </b> </i>The recipe for painting them was pretty straightforward:<br />
<ol>
<li>Two coats of <b>Secret Weapon</b> Blue Wash</li>
<li><b>Vallejo</b> Heavy Bluegrey on the weapons and backpacks</li>
<li><b>Vallejo</b> Bronze over the visors</li>
<li><b>Model Master</b> Euro Gray base with two colors of railroad ballast</li>
</ol>
<div>
When I bought these minis, I ended up with four of the standard Scout (which, I believe, is armed with what <b><i>Laserburn</i></b> calls a Heavy Laser Rifle?), two with Launchers, and two with Conversion Beamers. The visual difference between the launcher and rifle is pretty limited, so I painted them the same color. I may not even give them different stats in a larger game. I ended up repainting the Conversion Beamers with <b>Vallejo</b> Heavy Brown to make them stand out a bit. I could easily do the same with the launchers, if I end up wanting them to have different stats in the majority of my games.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y9-9lk-OjfI/TwPreCjo94I/AAAAAAAABm4/Tp54VtlEk6c/s1600/IMAG1066-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="90" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y9-9lk-OjfI/TwPreCjo94I/AAAAAAAABm4/Tp54VtlEk6c/s400/IMAG1066-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I also picked up two of the Scout Bikers with the order. I really like these - and they would also be ideal as Light Vehicles in <b><i>Alien Squad Leader</i></b>, or as an alternative to the Bulldog Jetbikes in <b><i>Valkyrie</i></b>. I also noticed that these are clearly what inspired the old plastic <b><i>Epic</i></b> Imperial bikes. <b>15mm.Co.Uk</b> does offer a version of the bike without the rider. It would be pretty cool to have eight complete Bikes, and eight riderless ones to go with my eight dismounted Scouts. I'll definitely add more bikes to my next order.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1yp1YxpYT9s/TwPryT7sA6I/AAAAAAAABnA/TVMqOqpVk8U/s1600/IMAG1064-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1yp1YxpYT9s/TwPryT7sA6I/AAAAAAAABnA/TVMqOqpVk8U/s400/IMAG1064-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The bikes are basecoated with the same <b>Model Master</b> Euro Gray as the bases. I may go back over the bikes with solid black, then lightly drybrush with the gray and repaint the lighter details. Or I may try a brownish wash (something like <b>Secret Weapon</b> Sewer Water) over the base to see if that adds some contrast. <br />
<br />
Either way, a few hours' work provided some nice upper-tech troops. These could be used on their own in a small skirmish game, or be added to a lower tech force as special operators. I deliberately painted them in colors that will match my <b>Rebel Minis</b> Homeguard and HAMR suits, just to add a bit of flexibility.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OVLOu0tMo8M/TwPtttjFeGI/AAAAAAAABnY/FDWeVvEE4a0/s1600/IMAG1068-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OVLOu0tMo8M/TwPtttjFeGI/AAAAAAAABnY/FDWeVvEE4a0/s400/IMAG1068-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><i><span style="color: red;">Cheers,</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: red;">Chris</span></i></b></div>
</div>Chris K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03776262540828047947noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508476699784528212.post-8785696601485613842011-12-26T21:19:00.003-06:002011-12-26T21:19:59.284-06:00Christmas at the BunkerMerry belated Christmas, everyone!<br />
<br />
I was lucky enough to get a few hobby-related goodies for Christmas this year. My wife, a sci-horror writer and Giger fan, ordered a few reinforcements to my <b><a href="http://khurasanminiatures.tripod.com/15mmscifi.html" target="_blank">Khurasan</a></b> Space Demon forces. She also bought me a pack each Sepulvedan Control Battalion Riflethings and Heavy Weaponsthings - which I've been wanting to paint ever since I saw them. <br />
<br />
Santa also brought us an IKEA gift card. We picked up a bunch of small things for the house, including a couple of these <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80169636/" target="_blank">JANSJO Clamp Spotlights</a>. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/images/products/jansjo-clamp-spotlight__0098924_PE240309_S4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/images/products/jansjo-clamp-spotlight__0098924_PE240309_S4.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
I've been having major problems taking detailed pictures of my minis. For some reason my digital camera (by which I mean my HTC Incredible smartphone) has a hard time balancing a white background under CFL bulbs. But for some reason, it seems to do well with the LEDs in the new lamps:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wp_tGToGgXg/Tvk3j4SpJQI/AAAAAAAABlc/IUGwHebtVk4/s1600/LightBoxComparison.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wp_tGToGgXg/Tvk3j4SpJQI/AAAAAAAABlc/IUGwHebtVk4/s320/LightBoxComparison.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
That's the same piece of bright white cardstock in the background, so this is definitely an improvement. I was planning to spend most of my vacation time this week getting my <b><a href="http://dropshiphorizon.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-war-15mm-sci-fi-campaign.html" target="_blank">Christmas War</a></b> campaign started (especially since I hammered out my <a href="http://dropshiphorizon.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-war-invasion-of-laurentia.html" target="_blank">campaign background</a>). But now that I have these new lamps, I may also take some time to update my <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/105346089281431598474/15mmSciFiCloseupsLightBox" target="_blank">close-up gallery</a>.<br />
<br />
Did anyone else get any hobby-related goodness this year?<br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="color: red;">Cheers,</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: red;">Chris</span></i></b>Chris K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03776262540828047947noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508476699784528212.post-31786130174165351122011-12-22T07:30:00.000-06:002011-12-22T07:30:01.435-06:00"You are two UGLY mother..."I had all kinds of plans to start working on my <b>Critical Mass Games</b> Kaamados Dominion figures this week. But, of course, I was one paint color short. In the meantime, I decided it was a good time to paint my <b>Khurasan Miniatures</b> <a href="http://khurasanminiatures.tripod.com/planet15.html">Vacation Aliens</a>. <div>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--9xgwkOsC0w/TvFqs54y8TI/AAAAAAAABkU/CjuG_UmU_hE/s1600/IMAG0982-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--9xgwkOsC0w/TvFqs54y8TI/AAAAAAAABkU/CjuG_UmU_hE/s400/IMAG0982-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>"If it bleeds, we can kill it.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It only took a few hours to do both. They definitely look better in the flesh... I tried a dozen camera settings and this was the best that came out. The paint scheme:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><b>Vallejo</b> Heavy Khaki on the exposed skin</li>
<li><b>Secret Weapon</b> Green-Black Wash over the Heavy Khaki</li>
<li><b>P3</b> Cryx Bane Base over boots, straps, armor bits, weapons, and helmets.</li>
<li><b>Vallejo</b> Gunmetal drybrushed over most of the Cryx Bane. I was only going to use this on the armor and helmet, but it ended up working okay on all of the straps and pouches. I remember the medical kit in the first movie had some pretty crude elements to it. I figured using metal strapping instead of fabric webs would be equally crude.</li>
<li><b>Vallejo</b> Blood Red on the eyes, and the targeting lens on the left mini. </li>
<li><b>Secret Weapon</b> Armor Wash over the shoulder weapons (just to give them a slightly different tone).</li>
<li><b>Wonder Wash</b> Black over the entire mini.</li>
</ol>
<div>
Now I need to figure out exactly how to use these in my own settings. I've never been a fan of replaying scenarios from movies or shows. Instead, I think these will be some type of bounty hunting team, or possibly master-race enslavers for something like <b>GZG</b> Crusties. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><i><span style="color: red;">Cheers,</span></i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><span style="color: red;">Chris</span></i></b></div>
</div>Chris K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03776262540828047947noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508476699784528212.post-15732777579049757642011-12-20T19:24:00.000-06:002011-12-20T20:56:00.991-06:00Reinforcements for the Cult of the Crimson RobeSorry about the hiatus here, folks... sometimes I neglect this blog when I'm writing for <i>Dropship Horizon</i>. :) Still, I've managed to work on a few of my own forces. I painted these <b>15mm.Co.Uk</b> <a href="http://15mm.co.uk/Cultists.htm">HOF Cultists</a> back in October.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QNqVGl91cSw/TquJzeasvrI/AAAAAAAABO8/pNREVSlp4ts/s1600/IMAG0821-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QNqVGl91cSw/TquJzeasvrI/AAAAAAAABO8/pNREVSlp4ts/s320/IMAG0821-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
These were pretty much demo pieces when I painted them. I wanted to see how they would look alongside this <b>Kremlin Miniatures</b> <a href="http://kremlinminiatures.co.uk/cdc1_picpage.htm">Commander Vortan</a> figure.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kV0d2bH-iNE/TnPaN8BAaYI/AAAAAAAAA4s/JMrEQ0hnjqU/s1600/IMAG0688-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kV0d2bH-iNE/TnPaN8BAaYI/AAAAAAAAA4s/JMrEQ0hnjqU/s200/IMAG0688-1.jpg" width="146" /></a></div>
<br />
I had originally painted Vortan to use in a 15mm Inquisitorial Retinue for In the Emperor's Name... this was a way to get some additional mileage out of the same figure. Obviously the figures work great together, as the basis for some kind of fanatical cult force. Also, 15mm.Co.Uk added some heavy weapon figures to their Cultists range. There was no longer any doubt in my mind that this cult could become a full army.<br />
<br />
I still had seven Cultists from my first pack. I painted four more of them this week. Bear with me on the pictures - I'm trying out a new photo box and haven't worked out all the kinks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C7AX1YOfkzA/TvEuIMmBrFI/AAAAAAAABjw/ZsUi8qrVZSI/s1600/IMAG0966-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C7AX1YOfkzA/TvEuIMmBrFI/AAAAAAAABjw/ZsUi8qrVZSI/s400/IMAG0966-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
These figures are nice and quick to paint. I'll have to pick up another pack of the troopers, a pack of heavy weapons, and then I should be good to go for cult infantry. But what about vehicles? I don't have much left unused in my collection outside of a couple of <b>Old Crow</b> <a href="http://www.oldcrowmodels.co.uk/15gecko.htm">Gecko pickups</a> and a <a href="http://www.oldcrowmodels.co.uk/15goanna.htm">Goanna transport</a>. The Gecko would be a great technical truck... I even have some <b>GZG</b> <a href="http://shop.groundzerogames.net/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=711">freestanding autocannons</a> to mount in the back of the truck. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RLcMrTFZf1Q/TvEwuqA1OGI/AAAAAAAABkE/MD49Jh_r36k/s1600/IMAG0968-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RLcMrTFZf1Q/TvEwuqA1OGI/AAAAAAAABkE/MD49Jh_r36k/s400/IMAG0968-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And the gunner? Well, there's a reason I didn't paint those last three Cultist troopers. Inspired by Matt's <a href="http://dropshiphorizon.blogspot.com/2011/12/15mm-sci-fi-conversions.html">conversion article</a> on <i>Dropship Horizon</i>, I'm going to try to turn a couple of these Cultist troopers into standing gunners. It should be as simple as cutting and filing out the arms and gun, filing down the thick cast base on the figure, and making a couple of new arms out of grey stuff. I don't have much experience with sculpting putty, and this looks like a very forgiving project to get my feet wet. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On the other hand... is this the direction I want to take my cultists? The end result would be pretty similar to the Desert Radicals that I've already been playing with.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qfMHuwfj-Rc/TquHfo2hgxI/AAAAAAAABOk/1xsE7VWnOL0/s1600/IMAG0818-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qfMHuwfj-Rc/TquHfo2hgxI/AAAAAAAABOk/1xsE7VWnOL0/s400/IMAG0818-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
And, because wealth seems to flow to people of questionable sanity, many of the fanatical cults we see in the real world have pretty substantial funding. Maybe something along the lines of the <b>Combat Wombat</b> <a href="http://www.combatwombatminiatures.com/APCcamo.jpg">Pitbull</a>, <b>GZG</b> <a href="http://shop.groundzerogames.net/index.php?_a=viewCat&catId=76">Bulldog</a>, or the <b>Khurasan</b> <a href="http://khurasanminiatures.tripod.com/ttc2015.jpg">Atlas</a> would better serve this cult. Either way, I now have enough figures to run them in a small game of <b><i>ItEN</i></b> or <b><i>Blasters & Bulkheads</i></b>. I'll figure out the vehicles after I finish some more infantry.<br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="color: red;">Cheers,</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: red;">Chris</span></i></b>Basement Gaming Bunkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10911750626360724788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508476699784528212.post-23837372030886909392011-11-29T13:10:00.001-06:002011-11-29T15:27:15.984-06:0015mm Urban Ruins - Proxie Models Test BuildingAfter the last post, I decided to put together the one <b>Proxie Models</b> building I have right now, and worry about the rest of my Urban Table project later. This is pretty much the same technique I used long ago with my <b>GW</b> <i>Cities Of Death</i> buildings.<br />
<br />
Raw materials: one <b>Proxie Models</b> ruined building set, a 6" x 6" square of 1/8" MDF hardboard, and a length of styrene corner stock I found in a drawer. The <b>Proxie</b> walls don't really have finished edges, so I thought the styrene would be a good option for building corners. It also gives me a way to quickly change building styles with the <b>Proxie</b> sprues... I'll just use square corners on some, rounded corners on others. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fcZBAgoVouc/TtUG6E3sRfI/AAAAAAAABfc/jYmglSXk1ms/s1600/RawMaterials.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fcZBAgoVouc/TtUG6E3sRfI/AAAAAAAABfc/jYmglSXk1ms/s320/RawMaterials.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I used an X-Acto hobby-sized miter box and saw to cut the corners and went to work. Assembly was pretty simple - Tacky Glue held everything together and set quickly. Gorilla Glue would have been another option.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mxoxndszhiE/TtUG6aMhxMI/AAAAAAAABfk/LHVe2L1zdxw/s1600/Assembled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mxoxndszhiE/TtUG6aMhxMI/AAAAAAAABfk/LHVe2L1zdxw/s320/Assembled.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Then I decided the building needed a floor of some kind. I cut 1" x 1" squares from an old blister card. I try to save small bits of packaging that are on really nice glossy stock - they come in handy. I meant to go back and score these so there would be fore tiles per piece, but I got lazy. I did cut a few tiles up by the most damaged portion of the building, just to give a broken effect:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nnkFmsexB3U/TtUG5y9B95I/AAAAAAAABfY/YGB_xxvZ38w/s1600/Floor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nnkFmsexB3U/TtUG5y9B95I/AAAAAAAABfY/YGB_xxvZ38w/s320/Floor.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And for the rubble - plain old sand that I liberated from a local park. I piled it up along the foundation, with a few thicker piles over the damaged sections. It's not a super realistic effect, especially if you go back and look at pictures of WWII Stalingrad and the like. But realistic rubble would pretty much fill the building - not useful for maneuvering figures! I think this is a good compromise between realistic rubble and plain ruins sticking out of the ground.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hvaIW2KcGWw/TtUG6pzVeUI/AAAAAAAABfs/Jf7xoHeE8w4/s1600/Rubble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hvaIW2KcGWw/TtUG6pzVeUI/AAAAAAAABfs/Jf7xoHeE8w4/s320/Rubble.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I think this is good enough for my test piece. I might mix in some larger bits of rubble next time, but this will be a decent start for my war-torn cityscape. I'll get it painted as soon as there's another day warm enough to spray primer onto it.<br />
<br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Cheers,</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Chris</span></i></b>Chris K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03776262540828047947noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508476699784528212.post-1662520431851716392011-11-23T19:01:00.001-06:002011-11-23T19:48:45.268-06:00A 15mm Urban Battlefield for Mecha Games?There are half-finished <i>Mecha</i> sitting on my shelf, taunting me.<br />
<br />
I have three <b>Rebel Minis</b> Titan HAMR suits, an Earthforce suit, and a <b>Critical Mass Games</b> ARC Fleet Walker, all waiting to be assembled and painted. Other projects keep taking me away from them. But I can't help but wonder how much fun a mecha-centric game would be in 15mm. <br />
<br />
I've gone back and forth on how many vehicles I want to use in my 15mm <b><i>FUBAR</i></b> games. While I have a few <b>Old Crow</b> and <b>GZG</b> tanks finished, I've simply found them to be impractical on 2' x 2' tables. There's enough room to maneuver just a one or two small vehicles, not enough to run fully mechanized platoons with MBT support on each side. That's left me playing infantry-oriented games. Such a waste - there are too many good 15mm vehicles to limit my options.<br />
<br />
Mecha might be the answer for those smaller games. They tend to move around the same speeds and maneuver the same way as infantry, but make louder and more satisfying explosions in sci-fi settings. But what's the best terrain to give mecha some cover and concealment? My desert and snow tables currently lack terrain features taller than 2". Even my Red Planet table only has a few spires and buildings at that height. And besides... when you picture a mecha battle, do you envision an open desert valley? No. You picture two armored giants fighting it out in a cityscape.<br />
<br />
It's time for a new table.<br />
<br />
This will be another 2' x 2' battlefield - which I still think is the perfect size for solo 15mm games. I'm thinking this one will be covered with a mix of fine light gray, dark gray, and dark brown flock. The buildings will be mounted onto tiles - those tiles will use very fine flock to achieve a poured-concrete appearance. And the buildings themselves? I have my eyes on <b>Proxie Models'</b> <a href="http://proxiemodels.com/gothicbuilding.aspx">Gothic Building</a>:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://proxiemodels.com/images/products/detail/IMG_0733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://proxiemodels.com/images/products/detail/IMG_0733.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
If there's one aspect of Warhammer 40,000 I sometimes miss - it's the sight of a proper Cityfight table. Ken's Gothic Building is about as close as we can get in 15mm (other than a few HO-scale churches that could be chopped up). And the price is unbeatable - two sprues for $4. I already have one of his <a href="http://proxiemodels.com/ruined15mmbrickbuilding.aspx">brick buildings</a>, so I know the quality is good and they can easily be chopped up and modified. So if I include that brick building, here's what I can make with $32 worth of Gothic buildings:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwr6KHuBay4u8U4OCdoZ7NucV3lULVvl-uWDYKVjUzmOXSLjqnK0ZCumTbg1V5_oUSOhwkDUd2YI7ZQyAOOg-SLWY4G2hulB4H-4qnHkXn2YwFZLSy6KqrRFkO9H8_qdxnzwu4c2-aVpXL/s1600/City+Layout.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwr6KHuBay4u8U4OCdoZ7NucV3lULVvl-uWDYKVjUzmOXSLjqnK0ZCumTbg1V5_oUSOhwkDUd2YI7ZQyAOOg-SLWY4G2hulB4H-4qnHkXn2YwFZLSy6KqrRFkO9H8_qdxnzwu4c2-aVpXL/s320/City+Layout.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
So my shopping list for this project will be:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>2' x 2' x 1/2" sanded plywood for the table itself</li>
<li>2' x 2' x 1/4" MDF hardboard for the building bases </li>
<li>Extra fine grey flock for the building bases</li>
<li>Fine brown flock to mix with my existing grays for the table itself.</li>
<li>Cheap gray primer for the tabletop</li>
<li>8x <b>Proxie Models</b> Gothic Buildings.</li>
</ul>
<div>
This entire set should only cost around $50-$60 to make, and could easily be finished in a week. I can always go back and add fancier buildings, street furniture, and other random items later. But this would be enough to start - and give me an excuse to add some bigger mecha to my collection:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbvCXHc-d9gHtV8V-gHAwo74QDcDO4hCdijHtE0Bqiz_2a-_z25oZoKcKrhKkoLzU3OTcy7ZEnCkvAkEbcUtOAjP8DjOKUUcFqtKMwUTLfhPGndrcsMiFildUS8QPQA7hTNyNQd6cIQg/s1600/thunderfoot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbvCXHc-d9gHtV8V-gHAwo74QDcDO4hCdijHtE0Bqiz_2a-_z25oZoKcKrhKkoLzU3OTcy7ZEnCkvAkEbcUtOAjP8DjOKUUcFqtKMwUTLfhPGndrcsMiFildUS8QPQA7hTNyNQd6cIQg/s320/thunderfoot.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>From <a href="http://ravenstarstudios.blogspot.com/">Ravenstar Studios</a> - love that MK3!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqQgF5zS5afImmqxLF_JixKFaNFdoc5zht4RHrhZm0k75IbwRiJ9l5AZeMC2FVL7VE13VVKGbmnLX8MTud1B6w-j0FVSTvSpT4lYPe-sIazOqFqCDAw5uBJH9e5SWdzw59LHCgiXPssaA/s1600/imp03.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqQgF5zS5afImmqxLF_JixKFaNFdoc5zht4RHrhZm0k75IbwRiJ9l5AZeMC2FVL7VE13VVKGbmnLX8MTud1B6w-j0FVSTvSpT4lYPe-sIazOqFqCDAw5uBJH9e5SWdzw59LHCgiXPssaA/s320/imp03.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.gruntz.biz/" target="_blank">Gruntz</a> Imperator</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
I think this is just the setup I'll need to run small 15mm mecha games... maybe three HAMR suits on one side, with one or two bigger <i>Imperators</i> or <i>Thunderfoots (er, Thunderfeet?)</i> on the other. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Cheers,</span></i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Chris K.</span></i></b></div>Basement Gaming Bunkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10911750626360724788noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508476699784528212.post-83898941262565809882011-11-16T12:31:00.001-06:002011-11-16T13:08:57.719-06:00In The Emperor's Name - 15mm Enemies of Man retinue<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This week has been all about finishing old projects. First I completed that old <a href="http://basementgamingbunker.blogspot.com/2011/11/15mm-sentry-tank-hot-wheels-kitbash.html">Hot Wheels Sentry Tank conversion</a>, and now I've finally finished painting my Enemies Of Man retinue for <b><i>In the Emperor's Name</i></b>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tnFAyyWb4eI/TsMvwMI8tVI/AAAAAAAABYU/xESntreSm_s/s1600/IMAG0847-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tnFAyyWb4eI/TsMvwMI8tVI/AAAAAAAABYU/xESntreSm_s/s400/IMAG0847-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've been using these minis for months, ever since playtesting of <b><i>ItEN</i></b> began at the Forge of War development group. But, unlike the rest of my collection, I had been using these unpainted. Now that <b style="font-style: italic;">Blasters & Bulkheads </b>is out, I decided it was time to finish them and use them the right way.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rzdFtMrePms/TsNX6biyiPI/AAAAAAAABYo/LWGzEUYuvVU/s1600/IMAG0849-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rzdFtMrePms/TsNX6biyiPI/AAAAAAAABYo/LWGzEUYuvVU/s400/IMAG0849-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
These minis are, of course, old <a href="http://www.15mm.co.uk/Redemptionist_Forces.htm"><i><b>Laserburn</b></i> Redemptionists</a> from <b>15mm.Co.Uk</b>. I think these sculpts have really stood the test of time - they have a great Space Opera feel to them. And to all you 28mm gamers who think 15mm doesn't work for small skirmish - get back to me when your entire force costs £2.60 and can be painted in one evening. :) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'll admit the paint job isn't one of my best - all seven minis were finished in one setting. But this isn't one of my primary gaming forces, so I was willing to sacrifice a precision to get them onto the table. I used white Armory primer, Coat D'Arms Lupin Gray (long ago known as Citadel Space Wolves Gray) for the carapace armor, P3 Beaten Purple (looks lighter in person than in the photo) on the power armor and cloaks, Vallejo gold for detail work, and Vallejo heavy grey (actually a green-gray) for the weapons. Then I gave the each mini a coat of Wonder Wash Black for some quick shading, finished the bases with my urban/asphalt blend, and called it a night. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4nhpErLbIFs/TsNYWkWBQtI/AAAAAAAABYw/N4_QEFQrMJA/s1600/IMAG0853-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="117" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4nhpErLbIFs/TsNYWkWBQtI/AAAAAAAABYw/N4_QEFQrMJA/s400/IMAG0853-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here are the cards I've been using for <b><i>ItEN</i></b> (updated with the new photos). I've tried everything from large roster sheets to tablet-screen reference pages now, and I've found that individual "playing cards" are what works best for me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43hOsJDNqG4w5a1lUyzjhJvcsW-namhEqUcj71fj9xR2gSKnOm2y_3DdayU4NGZ0ZWJfekC_wYaWLSCRMhsFcWvYaJbezHXm9S3ufdi3lwUEdGAtnzl9HjaDyx3PfsOVGk5dbJohCvZs/s1600/15mmEnemiesCardsITEN.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43hOsJDNqG4w5a1lUyzjhJvcsW-namhEqUcj71fj9xR2gSKnOm2y_3DdayU4NGZ0ZWJfekC_wYaWLSCRMhsFcWvYaJbezHXm9S3ufdi3lwUEdGAtnzl9HjaDyx3PfsOVGk5dbJohCvZs/s400/15mmEnemiesCardsITEN.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Now I feel like I can properly use these minis. I'll run a few <b><i>ItEN</i></b> scenarios to give them a proper christening, then I'll start looking at how to use them in <i style="font-weight: bold;">Blasters & Bulkheads. </i><br />
<i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i><br />
<i style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Cheers,</span></i><br />
<i style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Chris</span></i>Chris K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03776262540828047947noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508476699784528212.post-4193183382726008112011-11-12T19:04:00.001-06:002011-11-12T19:24:21.703-06:0015mm Sentry Tank - a Hot Wheels kitbashI painted these <b>Rebel Minis</b> Earth Force Marines <a href="http://basementgamingbunker.blogspot.com/2011/07/ruthless-terrorist-organization.html">a few months back</a>:<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHC79zytyDVEOL3asObyEY0YIxp6t_J9z0yFT7NSsKqRafgZM78o12SjHx457zRbw9PNIeOkdnXbWYki9MTZMSwMPsGlqJtPqoxtrl5A7xgegGtwNioObCOhjCwjcf_a8a9z3hQlq6aPn/s1600/RebelEarthforceAsCobraVipers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHC79zytyDVEOL3asObyEY0YIxp6t_J9z0yFT7NSsKqRafgZM78o12SjHx457zRbw9PNIeOkdnXbWYki9MTZMSwMPsGlqJtPqoxtrl5A7xgegGtwNioObCOhjCwjcf_a8a9z3hQlq6aPn/s400/RebelEarthforceAsCobraVipers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I decided to play up the similarity of their armor and equipment to <b>Cobra Vipers </b>a bit. I wasn't intending to play G.I.Joe in 15mm... just thought it was fun color scheme. I also kitbashed a couple of Hot Wheels (a Space Van and an Assault Crawler) to make this not-<b>Cobra HISS </b>Tank:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTiQiCxRNc5xmp2X76ZmCqEp79PaSgMM1phyphenhyphenjctT3Qai3P91lFX7HPIC6vSQASgz2LnlYSoBtC3SRNdgSuO0GVdXXgAxZT6q3-PW0krnHyBxL2VG12Tub5NL2Dwjhj3g4rRxgYUh0WiruJ/s1600/HotWheelsKitbash.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTiQiCxRNc5xmp2X76ZmCqEp79PaSgMM1phyphenhyphenjctT3Qai3P91lFX7HPIC6vSQASgz2LnlYSoBtC3SRNdgSuO0GVdXXgAxZT6q3-PW0krnHyBxL2VG12Tub5NL2Dwjhj3g4rRxgYUh0WiruJ/s400/HotWheelsKitbash.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Other than that, I painted a <b>Laserburn</b> character in their color scheme and moved on to other projects. For some reason, I never got around to using these guys in any games. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yvF2vmQnkag/TnPd39JMDZI/AAAAAAAAA60/Qm9vEsIKGI4/s1600/IMAG0694-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yvF2vmQnkag/TnPd39JMDZI/AAAAAAAAA60/Qm9vEsIKGI4/s400/IMAG0694-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
While working on another project this week, I noticed a spare <b>Critical Mass</b> ARC Walker chin turret. Bingo - just the weapon I needed to finish my Sentry Tank. I clipped off the little connector post, found a small steel washer to use for the turret ring, and broke out the paintbrush:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qS3rrlKZlV4/Tr03LrH1RfI/AAAAAAAABXs/0MPr4soDHcE/s1600/IMAG0842-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qS3rrlKZlV4/Tr03LrH1RfI/AAAAAAAABXs/0MPr4soDHcE/s400/IMAG0842-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'd still like to add some kind of identification badge or unit marking. But I think this is turning into a nice Space Opera army... a commander, this vehicle, and around 20 infantry would be great for a <b><i>Forge of War</i></b> or <b><i>USE ME</i></b> force. And that Laserburn character will make a fine Baron of an outlying Imperial system. He can't afford to equip his personal army with the fine grav armor like his wealthier peers, but he can still protect his own citizens and fulfill the Emperor's levy if called to war. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Cheers,</span></i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Chris</span></i></b></div>Chris K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03776262540828047947noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508476699784528212.post-38151181751172705432011-11-03T22:52:00.001-05:002011-11-03T22:52:57.552-05:00Could it be? An inexpensive source of 15mm buildings?<b>GameCraft Miniatures</b> recently launched a range of <a href="http://store.gcmshop.com/category/114-mdf-series.aspx?pageindex=4">laser-cut MDF buildings</a>. These are designed for 15mm modern warfare - other than a few large western ruins, this growing range consists of middle-eastern and central-Asian houses, schools, etc. It doesn't appear to be anything that the historical/modern crowd hasn't seen before - except they are far cheaper, and the MDF is very easy to modify. For the price of 2 or 3 JR Miniatures resin buildings, one could make an entire city from these GameCraft kits.<br />
<br />
They reminded me of the <b>CNC Scenery Australia </b>stuff I bought back in my <b><i>40K</i></b> days. I had nothing but good experiences with those items, other than the time it took to cut and sand the building pieces. GameCraft says they do all the cutting on these, so that would greatly cut down the build time. My initial reaction to these was "<i>hey, that's great for the modern gamers. Now we'll just have to wait and see if they release any sci-fi buildings</i>." I thought this because, other than making old-school adobe Space Ork structures, I didn't see much use for these products. <br />
<br />
Today's release of their Afghan-style hovels convinced me to take another look. Here's a few shots of what they have <i>(shamelessly stolen from their webstore)</i>:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://store.gcmshop.com/images/thumbs/0002837_300.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://store.gcmshop.com/images/thumbs/0002837_300.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Afghan Hovel - $3.50</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://store.gcmshop.com/images/thumbs/0002841_300.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://store.gcmshop.com/images/thumbs/0002841_300.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Afghan Hovel - $4.50</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Nice, simple block buildings. Wouldn't these be perfect candidates for some <b>GZG</b> or <b>The Scene</b> building fixtures? Or even some bits from the <b>IMEX Hexagon</b> or <b>Platformer</b> sets? A few interesting hatches, windows, vents, and rooftop machines/sensors/radar dishes, and I might have perfectly usable sci-fi structures. I think it would be pretty simple to create a full settlement - $50 worth of these and other bits should cover my usual 2x2 tables. The results would be fairly permanent structures - great for a research station, military installation, or even buildings around a starport. <b>GZG </b>Shanties or <b>Battleworks Studios</b> Startown Slums could be placed around the outskirts of these buildings, if I want a varied look.<br />
<br />
But instead of trying a full settlement, maybe I should just start small. The middle-eastern portion of this range also offers some interesting items. What has really caught my eye is the Walled Compound models:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://store.gcmshop.com/images/thumbs/0002786_300.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://store.gcmshop.com/images/thumbs/0002786_300.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Walled Compound - $12.00</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Adding a few bits to this would create a great little structure. While this could obviously be used for my ex-<b>The Scene</b> Space Orks, it might be a good outpost for my Desert Raider skirmish force:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qfMHuwfj-Rc/TquHfo2hgxI/AAAAAAAABOk/1xsE7VWnOL0/s1600/IMAG0818-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qfMHuwfj-Rc/TquHfo2hgxI/AAAAAAAABOk/1xsE7VWnOL0/s400/IMAG0818-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Or maybe a compound for my growing force of Cultists.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QNqVGl91cSw/TquJzeasvrI/AAAAAAAABO8/pNREVSlp4ts/s1600/IMAG0821-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QNqVGl91cSw/TquJzeasvrI/AAAAAAAABO8/pNREVSlp4ts/s320/IMAG0821-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I see myself trying out a few of these items in the near future. My question to you - what approaches have you seen in "futurizing" modern structures for gaming? I'm always happy to steal others' ideas!<br />
<br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Cheers,</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Chris</span></i></b>Chris K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03776262540828047947noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508476699784528212.post-65924480604972292902011-10-29T12:29:00.000-05:002011-10-30T11:52:23.414-05:00Not a bad week...In terms of painting my minis, this has been one of the most productive weeks I can remember! <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Over the weekend I painted a 5-man squad of <b>Mad Robot's</b> excellent TMC Jump Troopers. I started with a single mini, just to get the paint scheme figured out. I used that test mini to take some comparison shots, as well as post the <a href="http://dropshiphorizon.blogspot.com/2011/10/review-tmc-jump-troops-by-mad-robot.html">review for the whole pack on Dropship Horizon</a>. I was pleased with the paint scheme, but I also realized it was going to take longer than usual to finish entire units of the jump troopers. After I got the basecoat on the remaining four "ground" poses, I needed a break from infantry.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Looking at my shelf, I noticed some nice resin desert buildings from<b> The Scene</b>, still stacked up and unpainted. So I grabbed a small building and tried an experimental, complex, and resource-intensive paint scheme. Here's all of the many steps:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Step 1. Paint the mini with Rustoleum Textured Spray.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
That's it. No primer, no details, no sealing. And guess what? It looks fine on my desert table.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JnS7TU05IFE/TqOG7LfLRvI/AAAAAAAABME/NOpp0sHAwRg/s800/15mmDesertSkirmish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JnS7TU05IFE/TqOG7LfLRvI/AAAAAAAABME/NOpp0sHAwRg/s400/15mmDesertSkirmish.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
That was enough for Saturday's painting. On Sunday I painted four more <b>The Scene</b> buildings and finished my <b>Mad Robot </b>Jump Troopers. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2btdX26DyBI/TqnMxPuXUYI/AAAAAAAABNw/B_OtGch51uw/s640/IMAG0806-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2btdX26DyBI/TqnMxPuXUYI/AAAAAAAABNw/B_OtGch51uw/s400/IMAG0806-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br />
</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I then laid out my desert table for a skirmish game (see the earlier pic). But no brilliant scenarios came to mind. I flipped through my old <i><b>Rogue Trader</b></i> rulebook for ideas, and then decided to solicit some from the TMP 15mm crowd. <a href="http://theminiaturespage.com/boards/msg.mv?id=246364">Here's that thread</a>... some great ideas from the group! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The scenario ideas led me to take a look at my collection of 15mm civilians and other small forces. Some of those scenarios would benefit from having tons of civilians on the game table. So I painted a <b>Ground Zero Games</b> hovertruck that had been sitting on my shelf... then I went on to complete an <b>Oddzial Osmy</b> journalism team. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nIVE3q0K1sE/TqnPowCv-MI/AAAAAAAABOU/C7z_ikpslOM/s640/IMAG0811-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nIVE3q0K1sE/TqnPowCv-MI/AAAAAAAABOU/C7z_ikpslOM/s400/IMAG0811-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br />
</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But what about some raiders? The best candidates were the <b>15mm.Co.Uk </b>HOF Post-Apocalyptic Warriors that I painted <a href="http://basementgamingbunker.blogspot.com/2011/05/hof-post-apocalyptic-warriors-review.html">earlier this year</a>. I added another four warriors to the collection, painted a HOF Trator as the gang leader, and converted a <b>Khurasan</b> Rockjumper by lopping the head off a GZG gunner, adding a HOF Trator head, and mounting a spare Laserburn heavy weapon onto a bit of styrene tube. I now have a leader, eight warriors with SMG-type weapons, and a "technical" truck to support them. Not a bad skirmish force at all... </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qfMHuwfj-Rc/TquHfo2hgxI/AAAAAAAABOk/1xsE7VWnOL0/s640/IMAG0818-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qfMHuwfj-Rc/TquHfo2hgxI/AAAAAAAABOk/1xsE7VWnOL0/s400/IMAG0818-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br />
</i></div>
<div>
<i><br />
</i></div>
<div>
By now I was bored with painting humans. So I decided to paint a bunch of my spare Oddzial Osmy Spaceworms... these will be used as some kind of living weapon/invasion drones. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JOfD-7Ia0qw/TquIvJ156_I/AAAAAAAABOw/SSh5HgV3cys/s640/IMAG0820-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JOfD-7Ia0qw/TquIvJ156_I/AAAAAAAABOw/SSh5HgV3cys/s400/IMAG0820-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br />
</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That gives me some mindless creatures for invader scenarios. But what about smart aliens coming to my desert colony in order to reclaim lost artifacts? My <b>Rebel Minis </b>Scourge, the <a href="http://basementgamingbunker.blogspot.com/2010/02/rebel-minis-scourge.html">first 15mm army I ever finished</a>, seemed like a good candidate for that type of game. Just for fun I decided to add a new mini to that army... one of my Heavy Battle Robots from <b>The Scene</b>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8ks1dMq3l4c/TqnO9i-MfaI/AAAAAAAABOM/VumBCQjA_Dc/s640/IMAG0810-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8ks1dMq3l4c/TqnO9i-MfaI/AAAAAAAABOM/VumBCQjA_Dc/s400/IMAG0810-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br />
</i></div>
<div>
<i><br />
</i></div>
<div>
When I was looking through my storage bin this week to find those HOF Post-Apoc Warriors and Trators, I also noticed a pack of HOF Robed Cultists. I thought about these last month when I painted my <b>Kremlin Miniatures</b> Comander Vortan, but moved on to other projects. So I finished the week by painting three Cultists to support <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/105346089281431598474/15mmSciFiCloseupsLightBox#5653101890263607682">my Vortan</a>. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QNqVGl91cSw/TquJzeasvrI/AAAAAAAABO8/pNREVSlp4ts/s640/IMAG0821-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QNqVGl91cSw/TquJzeasvrI/AAAAAAAABO8/pNREVSlp4ts/s400/IMAG0821-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br />
</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So there it is... a pretty good variety of skirmish minis, now ready for the battlefield. Not a bad week of painting!<br />
<br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Cheers,</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Chris </span></i></b></div>Basement Gaming Bunkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10911750626360724788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508476699784528212.post-39539067248400560942011-10-21T12:34:00.000-05:002011-10-21T12:36:25.153-05:00Gut Check Battle - Garn vs AstagarFollowing my last post, I broke out SpaceJacker's <b><a href="http://tinysolitarysoldiers.blogspot.com/p/gut-check-solo-skirmish-rules.html">Gut Check!</a></b> ruleset and gave it a few playtests. I had forgotten what a fun little rule system it is. It only took a couple rounds to get the hang of the mechanics once again... I spent the rest of the time tweaking unit stats to come up with something that resembled a balanced scenario. This was played using <b>Khurasan Garn</b> and <b>Critical Mass Astagar Mercenary Fighters</b>.<br />
<br />
<b>Scenario Background. </b>A Garn patrol ship entered orbit around Rishi 7. Some ancient buildings were on that planet... something the Garn had always wanted to investigate. When their scanners detected an Astagar landing ship near the ruins, they knew it was time to stake a permanent claim. Garn Huntmaster Thauro recognized the landing ship - they were the type usually crewed by five Astagar mercenary fighters (probably seeking some sort of treasure in the ruins). Thauro was a little disappointed at this finding. He had been hoping for a proper fight today, and this would amount to little more than an early morning workout. But it was better than nothing, and he certainly couldn't let the Astagar take anything of value from one of the planets in his patrol zone. Thauro ordered Hunters Bazgla and Acholk to accompany him down to the surface.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdMMC7tKauYOldyOLGQJd_P2lTgk4we3TmhZw1d5gp30xZ8ons-Fh0C_K3g9bXeao8Ize5-KmlLsCgv9pw_ahJvXi2zjCSmJ5GKPAlWp6QYFkpxyz5yF8CcD5MxLJ5gPKh5DoUmQeBaYg/s1600/Gut_Check_Garn_Roster.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdMMC7tKauYOldyOLGQJd_P2lTgk4we3TmhZw1d5gp30xZ8ons-Fh0C_K3g9bXeao8Ize5-KmlLsCgv9pw_ahJvXi2zjCSmJ5GKPAlWp6QYFkpxyz5yF8CcD5MxLJ5gPKh5DoUmQeBaYg/s320/Gut_Check_Garn_Roster.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The Astagar were already inside the buildings by the time the Garn arrived. Astagar Captain Fyip had his henchmen Sizet and Ovidu searching the larger building, while Ixe and his heavy weapon trooper Livitt looked inside the smaller. When they left their buildings, they were a bit surprised to find a Garn Hunting Party stalking toward them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxCHo3Dpn7N8Fw2CuGFiEWr3oui8rt4zE6PEeZGtPg9uU9l_DtjEynKkAiQQ73wtljltJp7XXCFqFzv-tGQmdT0gPKwP8pdmaX-OEzgH3tYnLb4eSjyB6iGmsv82wvYIrwier26mXYlY/s1600/Gut_Check_Astagar_Roster.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxCHo3Dpn7N8Fw2CuGFiEWr3oui8rt4zE6PEeZGtPg9uU9l_DtjEynKkAiQQ73wtljltJp7XXCFqFzv-tGQmdT0gPKwP8pdmaX-OEzgH3tYnLb4eSjyB6iGmsv82wvYIrwier26mXYlY/s320/Gut_Check_Astagar_Roster.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Playing The Game. </b>I didn't use any blips for this scenario - just a straight fight to "break in" these units. The Astagar were positioned in front of both buildings, while the Garn simply entered from the center of the opposite edge of my board. I played this on my 2' x 2' Red Planet table including my Critical Mass Kaamados buildings. The Garn were activated and controlled by me, while the Astagar used SpaceJacker's awesome all-in-one enemy activation counters.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4oG6AH_D44lgUb0IGk13iFY23Tj6T8mK88siqDAWNYohVqLChb9XSrBOBpyiXgWMdnflJQETmn4fFugftIAnkPGbPzkMKh0Ebo3sCiWLubMuh3_StswFl4OrAZIbGz8LnSLCt6gl6JEk/s1600/TableSetup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4oG6AH_D44lgUb0IGk13iFY23Tj6T8mK88siqDAWNYohVqLChb9XSrBOBpyiXgWMdnflJQETmn4fFugftIAnkPGbPzkMKh0Ebo3sCiWLubMuh3_StswFl4OrAZIbGz8LnSLCt6gl6JEk/s400/TableSetup.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Turn One. </b>I learned during my earlier playtests that the Garn were pretty easily slaughtered if they split up. So this time I would keep them together, and simply knock out the Astagar one mini at a time. Huntmaster Thauro began the game by using an EVADE action to move into cover (rock formations along the right side of the table). The first enemy activation counter was for Livitt - the Astagar armed with the heavy gun. He used a FOCUS FIRE action to give Bazgla a Shock counter. Using the reaction rules, Bazgla scored an Epic Pass on his Gut Check and returned fire. He hit Livitt for two Shock counters - enough to take the heavy weapon Astagar out of action. Both Garn hunters joined their Huntmaster in the EVADE action, while Ovidu failed to activate and Sizet took an EVADE to slither up the hill on the left side of the table. Ixe fired at the Garn but his shots were absorbed by their shields. The turn concluded with Captain Fyip using a RUSH action to get into battle with the wounded Bazgla. Each took a shock counter from that fight.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxrPWMQmzp5SGs902sgfR91DjXc_14NBGhyphenhyphenTebNt0dcdhGF1DRgiSuIUuvMm1gkqEYI4VqVFE0L09_lqqaY0eXve_ClnEPcrCXgyi1Ncon_gbo4giA1PyFC4iE2okREY7bhnLSuEZ-_ME/s1600/UpCloseAndPersonal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxrPWMQmzp5SGs902sgfR91DjXc_14NBGhyphenhyphenTebNt0dcdhGF1DRgiSuIUuvMm1gkqEYI4VqVFE0L09_lqqaY0eXve_ClnEPcrCXgyi1Ncon_gbo4giA1PyFC4iE2okREY7bhnLSuEZ-_ME/s400/UpCloseAndPersonal.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Turn Two. </b>The turn began with Ovidu, the Astagar with the power gauntlets, using a RUSH action to attack Garn Huntmaster Thauro. He took down the Huntmaster with a Messy Kill - forcing Bazgla and Acholk to take Gut Checks. They failed and retreated 2". The Astagar Captain used a FOCUS FIRE to stop the fleeing Garn, but his his was absorbed by Bazgla's shield. Bazgla passed a Gut Check for taking fire... I could either Ambush (charge the captain) or Fire. He fired, and all three shots missed completely. Acholk used a FOCUS FIRE action to take down the Astagar assault trooper. He scored a MESSY KILL. The Astagar captain was within 4" of the kill and was forced to take a Gut Check, but he passed and did not retreat. The wounded Bazgla removed his Shock Counter at the end of this turn, but the Astagar Captain did not.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Turn Three. </b>Captain Fyip used a FOCUS FIRE against Bazgla, scoring another two Shock Counters. Bazgla failed the ensuing Gut Check, so there was no retaliation. Acholk used a RUSH action to assault Captain Fyip, forcing him to give ground. Nobody else managed to activate during this turn... Captain Fyip removed his Shock counter, while Bazgla kept both of his. Things were not looking well for the Garn!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Turn Four. </b>Garn Acholk used an ADVANCE action to get into cover. He fired on Captain Fyip, scoring a MESSY KILL. The nearby Astagar fighter failed his Gut Check, and was Choked for the rest of the turn. Astagar Sizet, still in cover at the opposite hill, failed yet another activation. Bazgla managed to activate even with two Shock Counters... he took a FOCUS FIRE action against the choked Astagar fighter Ixe. The dice weren't kind to Ixe... he received four Shock counters, and was taken out of action. In one turn, the fight had completely turned against the Astagar.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvLQF5qMDUidKR8HtNFSSjqTqhHT4UL7N_WkUItLO3vHjIGKaXilMw6_RmmtZBdAfZ2NYPgiky7GkliSZtzGIR6076u6KpDhztVcSALS7Pm3rqdFyhVt3qQ2UyH04kWmBLoLtrZThuC0o/s1600/DeadSnakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvLQF5qMDUidKR8HtNFSSjqTqhHT4UL7N_WkUItLO3vHjIGKaXilMw6_RmmtZBdAfZ2NYPgiky7GkliSZtzGIR6076u6KpDhztVcSALS7Pm3rqdFyhVt3qQ2UyH04kWmBLoLtrZThuC0o/s400/DeadSnakes.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>More dead snakes than Springfield Whacking Day...</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Turn Five. </b>Across the table, Sizet finally passed an activation! He RUSHed into assault with Acholk. That assault ended with Sizet giving ground. Acholk then used a FOCUS FIRE to give Sizet a Shock and a Choke counter. Bazgla didn't pass his activation, but was able to remove both of his Shock counters at the end of that turn. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Turn Six. </b>Sizet, the last surviving Astagar, fell to FOCUS FIRE from Bazgla. The alien buildings were now clear of the invading Astagar treasure seekers, but the Garn had paid a terrible price with the loss of Huntmaster Thauro.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Analysis. </b>I had to tweak the Astagar stats for a few games, but I achieved a pretty good level of balance. This game really felt like it was decided purely by the dice rolls - after turn three I thought it was going to be another overwhelming Astagar victory. But the Garn refused to give up! Now I want to play a variant of Scenario One from the <b>Gut Check</b> rules... I'll run the Garn hunting party again, next time against several small blips of humans or <b>Crusties</b>. But this made for a very fun game, even with a total of eight minis on the table.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Cheers,</span></i></b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Chris</span></i></b></div>Chris K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03776262540828047947noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508476699784528212.post-36366981373421022572011-10-08T16:58:00.002-05:002011-10-08T17:04:32.211-05:00"Corporal... did you bring the Garn repellant?"I've been experimenting quite a bit with washes lately... using different ones over bare metal and solid basecoats to create interesting (and fast) paint schemes. Mostly I've been working with <b>Citadel</b> and b, but I finally added some <b>Secret Weapon</b> washes to my mix. One of my favorites, both in name and as a color, is their Baby Poop. It produces a great sickly greenish-brownish tint <i>(as would be expected...)</i>, and goes on very heavy. I tried a few experiments with it, and then realized exactly where I could use it in my collection...<br />
<br />
So I ran downstairs and grabbed the pack of <b>Khurasan Minis</b> Garn that had been sitting in my drawer for the last year or so. Until now, I never knew how I wanted to paint them. But my new wash techniques seemed like they should be perfect for this type of mini. Here's the results:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqTaZXtLUem3LbTlO94dCJ2ewPUbdasMe4v2On5mFy_1Aob4u_A98DMVvCRL6jHqR_1GFhOOANY0A3nWiH0ckuQY3H5ww8MO96XPcfo0-Lakb83ycw6iaU96cAdNXJqUqNJG1YjCgpLHNW/s1600/GARN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqTaZXtLUem3LbTlO94dCJ2ewPUbdasMe4v2On5mFy_1Aob4u_A98DMVvCRL6jHqR_1GFhOOANY0A3nWiH0ckuQY3H5ww8MO96XPcfo0-Lakb83ycw6iaU96cAdNXJqUqNJG1YjCgpLHNW/s400/GARN.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
It was a pretty simple paint scheme. I started with white primer, then two coats of Secret Weapon Baby Poop over the entire mini. Then I picked out the eyes with drops of Vallejo Blood Red and the weapons/energy packs/backpack shields with Vallejo Gunmetal. I used two different colors on the belts, straps, and boots - P3 Underbelly Blue with Secret Weapon Blue Wash on the hunt master, and P3 Cryx Bane Highlight with Secret Weapon Light Black Wash on the two hunters. I finished the minis by putting Secret Weapon Drying Blood wash over the silver back shields, a final coat of Wonder Wash Black over the entire mini, and finished the bases.<br />
<br />
I really like the way they turned out. The maroon or green schemes seen in the Khurasan website pics and on <a href="http://tinysolitarysoldiers.blogspot.com/2011/07/garnnn.html">SpaceJacker's blog</a> are very nice, but just a bit cartoonish for my taste. The Baby Poop <i>(stop giggling!)</i> Wash gives them a flesh tone right out of a dinosaur movie.<br />
<br />
So... what to do with only three Garn? I've been playing quite a bit of <b><i>In the Emperor's Name</i></b> lately, and three Garn could be a tough little retinue. But I decided to play around with <b><i>Gut Check</i></b> instead. It's a game I really enjoyed playing last year, but haven't looked at it since we started development of <b><i>ItEN</i></b>. This seems like a nice time to try it again. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjV7-69so03ytTjgNrq2p8OMQmKZBYbtMbI80UgUxy7PDXyqGaHo6_i2ud7fR3QXxfs_gFEypXnnX8U97d02vKO_8muGY-WR-yMmCpI68hzuOPhlYvWjpP4oEVlOE9K6t6G6LKP05ABvwA/s1600/Gut_Check_Garn_Roster.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjV7-69so03ytTjgNrq2p8OMQmKZBYbtMbI80UgUxy7PDXyqGaHo6_i2ud7fR3QXxfs_gFEypXnnX8U97d02vKO_8muGY-WR-yMmCpI68hzuOPhlYvWjpP4oEVlOE9K6t6G6LKP05ABvwA/s400/Gut_Check_Garn_Roster.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Here's the rules I came up with for the Garn... they should be able to handle quite a few inferior enemy minis. I'm going to try to sneak in a game or two this weekend.<br />
<br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Cheers,</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Chris K.</span></i></b>Basement Gaming Bunkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10911750626360724788noreply@blogger.com4