I finally finished up my full unit of sword knights. I've had eight of the little buggers painted forever, but I needed to finish off the full unit. The UA finally gave me the encouragement I needed to get them done. I also painted up an extra Lancer I had laying around - he got the full Sword Knight color scheme. I like to think of him as a gift to that unit for their outstanding performance in my last string of games.
I loves me some Sword Knights. 
The captain from the UA was tough, as he's got a ton of filigree on him. You end up making a choice between lavishing a ton of time on him or just hitting him with some drybrushing and washes to pop the details. I chose the latter. Had he been a solo or a warcaster, I would have put the time in, but when it comes to units, I'm more interested in just getting models on the table.
And last, but not least, Bedivere. (Thanks to Losthemisphere for the name!) I really like how this guy turned out. I don't know if I like the scheme as a standalone, but mixed in with the unit, he looks so awesome. I'm starting to like the idea of 'jack marshall jacks matching the paint schemes of their parent units. Now I need to figure out how to make the Grenadier match my trenchers...
I'm trying to get back into the swing of painting. I've been start-and-stop for the last few months as work and other competing interests (including playing Warmachine) have gotten in the way of my painting. I finally got all of my stuff out today and took a quick inventory. Here's where I stand on my Cygnar army and what needs to get painted (not counting any mercs):
Painted Models
- Stryker
- Haley
- Nemo
- Squire
- Thorn
- Ol' Rowdy
- Ironclad
- Defender
- Centurion
- Stormclad
- Charger
- Lancer (x2)
- Gun Mage Captain
- Journeyman
- Stormsmiths (x3)
- 10 Sword Knights + UA
- Stormblades + UA
- 10 Trenchers + UA
- Trencher Grenade Porter
| Unpainted Models - Epic Stryker
- Epic Nemo
- Epic Haley
- Darius & Halfjacks
- Siege
- Thunderhead
- Grenadier
- Arlan Strangewayes
- Kate Laddermore
- Journeyman (alt)
- Maxwell Finn
- Black 13th
- 10 Precursor Knights + UA
- 10 Long Gunners +UA
- 10 Stormguard
- Stormlances (x5)
- Trencher UA
- Trencher Chain Gun (x2)
- Trencher Cannon Crew
|
It's the three big units in that second list that have me scared, but I really want to get the Long Gunners painted, as I tend to use those a lot. Same goes for the Black 13th. I haven't played any cavalry yet, but I'd like to, so they are probably the next big priority, although I sense that is going to be a major project. The trencher stuff can probably wait, as I don't have a real plan for that, I just want to screw around with the all-trencher theme army. Either way, looking at this list, I need to set some goals and get to work...
Labels: miniatures, wargaming, Warmachine
I see what you mean with the lancer looking better in the unit than on its own. I think the only way to improve how he fit in would have been to sculpt a sword sheathed into/behind the lancer's shield like the non-UA unit leader and add a greenstuff loincloth to paint blue.
I think if you were willing to re-sculpt the grenadier's head to match the trencher helmets he'd start to really get the look. Some sort of packmule style harness on it with a rolled up tint to mimic the trenchers' bedrolls would work too. And if you were really ambicious swapping out the grenadier's standard arm for a hunter's Long Arm, adding a grenade feeder, and slinging a bayonet underneath it would look good as well.
Posted by
Dave |
10:03 AM
Wowee, I really dig those subtle 180° arc markers! What shade grey did you use? How'd you make the lines so smooth?
I'm currently undecided about how to mark 180° on my models. I really dig your understated style, but a friend posted his own unique way. I think I'm leaning toward your understated style, however.
Secondly: tell me how painting and playing with Laddermore goes. She's the reason I went Cygnar, but I haven't had the courage to purchase or field her yet.
Posted by
Elliott |
6:06 PM
Dave - thanks for the ideas! I was thinking about getting a spare rifle (from the chain gun crew) and some of the crates from Herne and Jonne to load up on the back of the grenadier. I love the idea of giving him a trencher helmet, but I think I lack the skillz necessary - but I'll still probably give it a try. Oh - and I love your podcast, by the way - huge fan. I've been listening since EP1.
Elliott - I use P3 Greycoat Grey for the front arc markers. I'm with you - I wanted them to be very subtle and not draw the eye away from the model - but still be there when you need them in the game. I just freehand them on with a very fine detail brush in a single downward stroke (I use a template I made on paper to make sure I get them exactly in the middle...)
I'll keep you posted on Laddermore. Painting the ponies has me intimidated. I need to just take them on...
Posted by
Dangerfish |
7:48 PM
Your stuff looks great! Make me want to get on the ball and paint my Cryx army. They feel so neglecgted.
Posted by
McCryx |
9:38 PM
They look great! Now I want a Lancer to go with my Sword Knights. I could be nuts and do up a Lancer *and* a Charger. Hmmm....
Posted by
ghettokorestudios |
10:48 PM