My First Miniature, or How I Learned to Thin My Paints and Love the Journey

Back in mid-2007, I was introduced to the joys of painting miniatures by friends Kyle and Ben. The latter has been particularly kind and gracious in showing me the ins and outs of this hobby over the last 13 years. I decided to to start a Praetorian force for Warhammer 40k (since I love the movie Zulu) and got a few figures in a bundle on eBay. Sly Marbo was also included and I decided that he was to be my first test figure.

Armed with Delta Ceramcoat and cheap Michaels brushes, I set to work! I don’t remember how long it took me to finish painting, but I remember how proud and excited I was when I finished. I remember Ben telling me that it was really good for a first figure.

Let’s quickly contrast him with my most recent 40k figure.

Wow. It’s amazing what 13 years can do!

I’m kind of embarrassed looking at this figure now, but I think it’s important. It’s a nice reminder of how my skills and techniques have evolved. That, and memories of all the help and encouragement I got along the way from friends and family. I’m still not the greatest painter (nor do I expect I ever will be), but I’ve really gotten to enjoy the learning process (which has been tough at times given my perfectionist tendencies).

I want to close this post with an awesome web comic that really spoke to me, courtesy of OK Blue Comics on Tumblr.

Finished Catachan Test Figure

Finished up my Catachan test figure today, and I’m really happy with how he turned out! I know I say that often, but it’s rare for me to happy with how my work turns out. This dude is one of the old school metal figures. I picked him and others up on eBay for a good price and plan on interspersing them with the plastic figures.

It took a bit longer to do the figure than anticipated (it’s always like that for me when working out a new color scheme). But now that that’s sorted out I think I’ll get through these figures pretty quickly.

“The jungle...it just came alive and took him.”

I admit it: 1987’s Predator with Arnold Schwarzenegger is one of my favorite films. It’s a highly quotable, classic action film with a great cast and filled with iconic scenes. For me, one of those best scenes is when Dillon (played by Carl Weathers) meets his end...but not before getting his arm blown off.

With my recent Catachan project going full steam ahead, I knew I had to replicate this scene in 28mm. What better way to do it than as an objective marker?

This was an absolute joy to make! I’ve decided to use dried parsley flakes on all my jungle bases from here on out, which gives it just a little more depth. Once everything was varnished and sealed, some of Games Workshop’s Blood for the Blood God technical paint was applied. I worry about the marker being too gory, but I also feel it captures the feel and tone of both Predator and Warhammer 40k in general.

I may make some some other markers based off the movie, but there are also so many other iconic scenes from Vietnam War movies as well. We’ll see.

Painting Dark Skin (Plus my Catachan Test Figure)

I’ve been surprised at some of the reactions I’ve gotten on the dark skin for my Catachan test figure (still very much a WIP) on Facebook and Instagram. I figured I’d post a little tutorial on the simple method I used to do it. Enjoy!

My mostly finished Catachan test figure!

Truth be told, this was my first real time painting dark skin. None of the armies I’ve done before have had black people in them, so I definitely wanted them represented in my Vietnam-themed Catachan army. I'm really pleased with how it's turned and overall I found it much easier to paint than light skin.

First off, prime black (though I suppose grey would work too) and put down a base layer of Games Workshop Rhinox Hide. A wash of Games Workshop Agrax Earthshade was applied afterward.

The face and muscles are then highlighted with Vallejo Flat Brown. For a handful of future models,  I’m going to experiment with Games Workshop Mournfang Brown in some future models. I think that'll give my army a nice variety of skin tones.

Then – and here’s my special addition – I apply a thin wash of Agrax Earthshade again to knock down the brightness a bit and tie all the colors together. That’s pretty much it!

It's a pretty simple but effective method, but I quite like it. Hopefully you found this helpful!

On the Workbench: Celestial Lions, Part I

My first project for 2020 is working on the Celestial Lions from Warhammer 40k! I stumbled across them in an index of Space Marines and was struck with their color scheme. Being that I'm sick to death of seeing Ultramarines everywhere, I decided that I wanted to do something decidedly different. It turns out they've been featured in a few of the 40k books lately which has really fleshed out their story.

Without giving too much away, they were targeted by their side's own Inquisition and nearly obliterated for a crime they didn't commit. Their chapter barely survived and has been struggling to rebuild for some time.

I'd painted up a test figure a few months ago and was really pleased (for the most part) with how he turned out. As a result, I've spent the last week or so working on the Celestial Lions using figures I'd already acquired.

After priming in black, the figures were given a coat of Retributor Armour spray. They were then given a wash of Games Workshop Agrax Earthshade Gloss in order to maintain that brilliant shine. I then applied a drybrush of Vallejo Gold followed by one of Vallejo Silver. I think it really makes the armor pop.  

The helmets and shoulder pads were then given a coat of Vallejo Prussian Blue, followed by a wash of Games Workshop Drakenhof Nightshade. They will eventually be given a lighter coat of blue; I think I used Vallejo Deep Sky Blue on my test figure. 

While those were drying, I went to work assembling a few more Space Marine Hero and Primaris figures that I had laying about. The book Spear of the Emperor by Aaron Dembski-Bowden confirmed that the Celestial Lions have Primaris Space Marines (second generation superhuman warriors who are even stronger than the regular Space Marine).

I'm going to paint up a very small number of regular Space Marines for my Celestial Lions to represent just how decimated the chapter was after the massacre. The bulk of the force will be the afore mentioned Primaris Marines with some Space Marine Scouts thrown in there as well. My goal is to finish up the Tactical Squad by the end of January.

On the Workbench: Putrid Choir of the Death Guard

Taking a bit of a break from X-Wing to post some progress photos of my Putrid Choir test figures. These guys have been sitting on the workbench for a while: I first picked them up when Dark Imperium was released in 2017. They promptly sat in the box until earlier this year when I decided to take a crack at the Death Guard. There they sat again until I decided to make a post in the hopes that I'll be inspired enough to finish them (and their pestilence-ridden brethren) in the very near future.

For those unfamiliar, the Death Guard are from Warhammer 40k and are a chapter of Chaos Space Marines dedicated to Nurgle, the surprisingly jovial Lord of Decay. These fellows accepted Nurgle's "gifts" and despite their grotesque appearance, are immune to disease and pestilence. Not to mention that they're deadly proficient warriors. 

Yup, he sure seems like a nice and happy fellow!

When the set first came out, it seemed that everyone was painting these guys up in standard Death Guard green. This is fine but I wanted to do something different. Inspired by a faded set of green dumpster steps I pass on my way to work, I decided to paint them up as the Putrid Choir warband. These gents announce their presence with Undertaker-sounding bells in a maddening cacophony that will test the sanity of nearly every opponent. I may or may not also be working on a soundtrack to go along with playing. 

The "Death Guard dumpster" steps.

Anyway, here are some more detailed shots!

These guys were basecoated with two thin coats of GW Sybarite Green over a white primer. This was my first time trying either and what a difference it made! They were then given a bath of GW Agrax Earthshade and given two drybrush coats of the original color to bring it back up. The result is pretty grimy and dirty power armor that, well, looks like a dumpster. I'm pretty pleased with it! 

I've got plenty more of these guys basecoated and ready for finishing. Like many other hobbyists, however, I tend to get distracted by other projects and have a really hard time finishing projects that I start. I think my New Years Resolution for 2020 will be finish many of the figures I've started but have sort of abandoned over the last few years. 

I'm still not sure how to do the bases, though. If anyone has any ideas please let me know in the comments below!

Throwback Thursday: The Second Battle of Minster West

This battle report was first posted on the Imperial Guard Boot Camp forum back in February 2009. The Praetorian-Valhallan War continued with another game at the Games Workshop Battle Bunker in Westminster, CA. 

Unfortunately, no photos exist of this game. Other photos will have to suffice, but these unfortunately aren't always of the best quality. Yay late-2000s camera phones!


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After Action Report
Submitted by Lord Whitlow
32nd Praetorian Regiment of Foot

On the evening of the 22nd, orders came through to intercept a Valhallan invasion force on the old battleground of Minster West. The "Weasel” was once again in command. Our orders were to halt the invasion and capture the enemy commander if possible. Three squads were deployed, as was my HQ staff and platoon command squad. Joining us were a conscript force of Praetorian sailors, Tallarn, and former Armored Fist troops. A Leman Russ was also made available to us.

We arrived on the field to find that the enemy was waiting for us. Their conscript horde moved forward towards a small fort located in the center of the battlefield. A barrage of rockets and lascannons engulfed our troops, and only two men were killed in this initial burst. Spotting his Medusa tank on the edge of the battlefield, our Leman Russ – commanded by Lt. Waters – destroyed the enemy vehicle in one blast. 

Outraged by this loss, the Valhallan commander seized the fort and concentrated all fire into our conscript force. Of the 30 man force, only about 15 survived this ordeal. Additionally, the platoon command squad under Lt. Jenkins was decimated. The lieutenant himself was executed on the spot by Commissar Quint for showing cowardice when he tried to order a retreat. Reeling from these losses, our troops were momentarily ineffective in engaging the enemy. The mortar squad did, however, manage to take out a few more of the conscripts who were now moving outside of the fort. I personally climbed to the top of a nearby hill to survey the scene. 

It was then that our conscripts were decimated, save for one. The brave fellow – Petty Officer Styles – stayed in the face of danger and began to lay into the enemy. We now laid the full fury of the 32nd Regiment into the enemy’s conscripts. The withered and died under our crippling fire, ultimately retreating from the bloodshed. 

By this point, however, it was too dark to further engage the enemy. We could hear his troops withdrawing, however, and their ships taking off. Thus, we had successfully held Minster West once again.

Special mention goes to Lt. Waters, the tank commander who knocked out the Valhallan Medusa in the first minutes of the fight. Petty Officer Styles, also, deserves mention. His stubborn resistance in the face of overwhelming enemy numbers is a credit to the steadfastness of the Praetorian Navy.

Throwback Thursday: The Battle of Minster West

This battle report first appeared on the Imperial Guard Boot Camp forum back in December 2007. Ben and I had decided to meet up at the Games Workshop Battle Bunker in Westminster, CA and match wits once again! 

Hope you enjoy reading this report! I'm starting to remember just how much I have writing these sorts of things up.

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Report
Submitted by Lord Colonel Z.E. Whitlow
32nd Praetorian Regiment of Foot

On the morning of the 14th, a communiqué was intercepted by Lord General Flagg of the Praetorian Intelligence Service. It detailed a Valhallan plan to seize the vital city of Minster West, important to our army’s supply of pith helmets, boots, and accouterments. Most importantly, this enemy force was commanded their greatest – and most brutal – field commander; his true name is unknown to us. Given his adept ability of finding a way out of any tough situation facing his command, our men have begun to call him “the Weasel.” Lord Flagg believed that we may finally be able to rid ourselves of this menace once and for all.

One full company of men were deployed, its heavy weapons consisting of a mortar, a heavy bolter, and a lascannon. Special weapons included a plasma rifle and two grenade launchers. The remainders of the squads were armed with lasguns. In addition, a command squad led by Lt. Cargill included a commissar, a sapper from the 77th Praetorian Engineers, two grenade launchers and a flamer. Major M.B. Fletcher-Jones commanded the central command squad. Serving with him were Lt. Durfee from the Praetorian Mounted Police, a commissar, a bugler, and a flag bearer. Three lascannon crews were attached to his command. In support of these troops were a squad of stormtroopers with a meltagun and an Armored Fist squad with a flamer, commanded by Sgt. Vickers. A Leman Russ provided the backbone of our force. All told, 64 men, officers, and other ranks went into the field.

Our men arrived to Minster West first. The city was in ruins, having been bombarded prior to our arrival: the ruins of the buildings were still smoldering. Only an Imperial fortress in the heart of the city stood unscathed. Sgt. Neil, with his squad and mortar took up position in the tallest building still standing, so that it could have a clear view of the approaching enemy. Sgt. Geoff and his heavy bolter took a post in the center of our lines. Sgt. Brandt, with lascannon, took up position to the right of Lt. Cargill’s command squad. The stormtroopers were to their left. Major Fletcher-Jones was stationed behind another building. The Leman Russ and Chimera containing our Armored Fist squad were also to the rear.

No sooner had our men established themselves than the Valhallan menace appeared. We tried to get a counting, but they were far too numerous. We could see, however, a horde of conscripts coming directly towards our mortar. Sgt. Neil immediately ordered a barrage, automatically putting enormous holes into the approaching foe. Shortly after this, unfortunately, a well-placed missile strike killed Neil and half of the men in the squad. The remaining men panicked and fled the field. 

On the other end of the battlefield, our Leman Russ rolled forth and intended to take out a Valhallan command squad. It was met with strong resistance, forcing it to drive into a building to seek shelter. As this happened, however, a tread broke. To the horror of both Major Fletcher-Jones and myself, the tank was disabled and unable to continue the fight. Thankfully Sgt. Geoff and his squad were there to halt their advance, just as they had at the Battle of the Grasshopper. This side of the battlefield was secured and safely in our hands.

The conscripts, however, were the greatest threat to our lines. Despite massive casualties, they drove onwards. It soon became clear that they driving towards the fortress. If they were allowed to take it, then they would be in a nearly impregnable position. Immediately I ordered Sgt. Brandt, the stormtroopers, and the Armored Fist to take it. The Chimera containing our light company was subjected to intense rocket fire, breaking down only for a moment. This delay, however, cost us dearly. As Brandt as his men were climbing over the barbed wire, the Valhallan horde came up and shot them in the backs – killing them all. They were then able to enter into the fortress and take it. The sergeant of the stormtroopers, bent on vengeance, charged into the structure and fought bravely till the end. Before they died, they were successful in tying down enemy forces there and killing a good number of them.

It was at this moment that the Valhallan central command squad – with Weasel himself – attempted to enter the fortress. Much to his surprise, however, our Armored Fist squad finally came through! Our men deployed but a few meters from the enemy and immediately laid into them. The flamer was able to burn them all…except Weasel. Once again he was able to escape death. Without their commanders, the Valhallan force fell into disorder. Before the battle could be decided, however, a severe lightning storm sprung up and put an end to it. Men from both armies sought shelter from the elements. Thus, the battle ended in a tactical draw.

Distinction must once again go to Sgt. Geoff and his squad. Without his able leadership, the Valhallans may have been able to take us from the rear and destroy us. Sgt. Vickers and the Armored Fist must be commended as well. Because of their valiant actions, the head of the Valhallan serpent was crushed under the foot of the Praetorian lion. 

Yet again, a combat photographer was able to capture the events of the battle.

Our noble Praetorian force.

The enemy, as seen from a captured photograph.

The ruined city of Minster West.

Sgt. Neil and his men take their positions.

Our Leman Russ prepares for battle.

The noble Sgt. Geoff and his men wait for the enemy.

The Valhallan conscript horde approaches.

Enemy troops seize a building.

An enemy tank peering around a corner.

The late Sgt. Brandt and his men, meeting their deaths on the barbed wire of the fortress.

A captured enemy photo of the battlefield.

Our own tank breaks down in a building.

The heavy bolter under Sgt. Geoff's command laying into the enemy.

The Armored Fist squad, finally into the fight, were able to turn the tide.

Throwback Thursday: The Battle of the Grasshopper

The following first appeared on the old Imperial Guard Boot Camp forum back in December 2008. Ben was in my neck of the woods and we decided to have a rematch at my FLGS, the since-closed Geeks in Whittier, CA. We decided to eschew any sort of points balance and threw everything we had onto the table in a scenario very much inspired by the Battle of Rorke's Drift on January 22, 1879.

Hope you enjoy reading this report! I had a lot of fun writing it up. 


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Report
Submitted by Lord Colonel Z.E. Whitlow
32nd Praetorian Regiment of Foot

On the morning of the 10th, Major M.B. Fletcher-Jones, his staff, one full company of the 32nd Regiment, and a squad of Space Marines from the Ultramarines chapter, and myself boarded the transport ship Grasshopper; bound to reinforce a fort besieged by Valhallans. While en route, enemy missile teams were able to strike the ship and send it crashing down into the planet’s surface. Miraculously, only three Space Marines were killed in the impact, and the survivors clamored out of the smoldering wreckage. However, the ship had crashed in the middle of the Valhallan lines and was now surrounded by a battalion of conscripts and heavy weapons teams.

Our brave men prepared for the ensuing fight. Four lascannons, one heavy bolter, and one mortar made up our heavy weapons teams. Three flamers, three grenade launchers, a meltagun, and a plasmagun made up our special weapons. The rest were armed with lasguns. All told, we had 45 men, officers, and other ranks who were holding our position. The Valhallan menace came into sight and skirmishers opened up the exchange. The Valhallans took three casualties, but ultimately overwhelmed the five man team. They charged our lines slowly, taking heavy casualties. The bulk of these came from a large conscript force charging our flank. Few of our men were killed in this exchange. It was at this time that the Space Marines emerged from the wreckage and charged the enemy. They took massive casualties, with two ultimately surviving the battle.

The regular Valhallan squads who advanced us headlong melted away and were soon routed. The conscripts, though poorly disciplined, hit our flank. Vicious hand-to-hand combat ensued, though the enemy ultimately ran away from the fight. The majority of our casualties came from this encounter. Ultimately one Valhallan squad and heavy support squad remained of an original force of eight. They retreated from the field, leaving our battered survivors to care for the wounded until help could arrive. We were ultimately picked up by the transport Chamberlain some hours later, and taken to a depot for rest and re-supply. 

Much distinction goes to Major M.B. Fletcher-Jones, who showed immense bravery though the rest of his headquarters staff was killed. Sergeant Geoff of the 2nd Squad, 1st Company is to be commended for guiding his men in wiping out a full squad of Valhallans in three volleys. Every man distinguished himself in the course of this action and turned a possible disaster into an astounding victory.

Here attached are photos of the action, as captured by a combat photographer serving with us.

Our men before they boarded the Grasshopper.

The survivors emerge from the wreck, relatively unscathed.

The Valhallans approach.

Sgt. Geoff's men prepare for action.

Sgt. Geoff and his hold against the first enemy assault.

On our flank, however, the line commanded by the late Sgt. Smyth encountered brutal hand-to-hand combat.

Halfway through the battle, the Ultramarines appear from the wreckage and take the fight to the enemy.

After several more hours of combat, the Valhallans flee from the field!