crossbonesx11's Dive into the Hive

Thursday, October 18, 2018

Painting Van Saar Hystrar Pattern Energy Shield

On my Van Saar I wanted them to be mostly metallic with a striking color for minor details, and because of the RoboCop (2014) inspiration I knew I wanted a laser-like red for the detail color. The energy shield is one of my favorite aesthetics of the Van Saar kit and I wanted it to be red in addition to remaining translucent. In order to achieve this affect I used Testors Gloss Red Spray Enamel. I have also seen it called Candy Apple Red, and it is suppose to mimic a candy coat paint-job on model cars.

I started with one light coat on the front of the shield, because honestly, I didn't know what to expect. Here is the front and back after spraying only the front once.

At this point I started to question what I was even doing (I am sure this will come up every painting post). I could see potential but it also looked a little weird and I thought I was ruing the beautiful bit. I fought back the insecurities and flipped it over and gave the back a light spray.

It still looked a little weird to me but I decided to do another coat, front and back at the same time.

Wow that is beautiful and exactly what I wanted! So I thought I was finished and went to bed. The next day I looked at it under natural sun light and it looked blotty in ways not visible in the pic and I started second guessing myself. That night I sprayed a third coat over it.

This made it look like a thicker version of the single coat. I believe an additional coat would even it out, however it will also likely remove the translucence. I am satisfied with how it looks, though I prefer the second coat.

It is possible there are other circumstances that affected the appearance of the third coat, but I sprayed at the same distance for the same length of time in the same temp/humidity. I had residual spray hit my hand and it did the same thing, it just doesn't coat evenly. I believe (with my little anecdotal experience) that the next coat would even it out and that it isn't environmental.

What will I do differently on the next shield? Plan for two coats, have some Simple Green ready and be more patient. I didn't have any Simple Green at the time and was so anxious to see the model put together that I just glued it on. I have also heard of a Tamiya Red spray that is supposed to be very similar, might give that a shot.

Big lesson for me from this particular project as small piece of my broader project, EXPERIMENT AND DON'T BE AFRAID TO FUCK UP. I am doing this for me (and you, if there are any of you), I am doing this to have fun and create a world and test myself. I think I was never able to complete anything in the past because I thought "that it had to be perfect, and if it wasn't perfect then why bother." Well how could it be perfect if I never even tried, if I never failed, if I never learned any lessons. I know it will be a struggle every time I sit down to paint something, I will have to fight my anxiety and my insecurity, but I have to trust myself and be prepared to fuck up. I will come out more patient, more considerate and hopefully more creative and more skilled.

Painting Van Saar Leader

It has been a couple weeks since my last update, I had a respiratory infection for a little under a week and then went on vacation for a little over a week, over 4500 miles and 50 hours of driving! I have been back a few days and started painting my Van Saar.

I am huge 80s kid, especially when it comes to science fiction and dystopian future! One of my favorite movies from back then was RoboCop and I am big fan of the 2014 remake. I have watched Dredd, RoboCop (2014) and Mad Max Fury Road every weekend except one since I started modeling again. RoboCop (2014) was my inspiration for my Van Saar gang. My leader will be in the black armor and the rest of my gang will be in the silver armor.

I started off with an alternate model for my Van Saar Leader, he has a Plasma Pistol and a Hystrar Pattern Energy Shield. His primary model has a Plasma Pistol and a Las Pistol. In an attempt to achieve the metallic black affect of the armor I used Reaper Miniatures Adamantium Black over a Games Workshop Mechanicum Grey spray.

I was very happy with the look of the paint, however it is very thick out of dropper and dries quickly. At this point I had a lot of anxiety and was not sure how to move forward, this is the point in the past I would have just given up. I wanted the model to look metallic but not silver and I think the paint accomplished that but I didn't know how to highlight it. I decided to apply a light wash of Games Workshops Nuln Oil in an attempt to give it some definition.

I do think it helped to show definition but it greatly reduced the metallic affect. The plan at this point was to apply another layer of Adamantium Black to the larger smoother surfaces. After that I attempted a highlight and used Games Workshop Leadbelcher on the edges and raised areas of the armor. Also at this time I used Games Workshop Ceramite White on all of the ares I wanted to be red and flesh.

Next I started on the Hystrar Pattern Energy Shield, scroll to the next post for info on how I painted it.

I knew I wanted to have a laser-like red for the secondary color on my Van Saar. I used a combination of Reaper Miniatures Clear Red and Green Stuff World Fluorescent Red. I started with a 1:1 mix of Fluorescent:Clear, then applied a light wash of Games Workshop Carroburg Crimson and a very thin layer of 1:1 mix, next was a tiny highlight of pure fluorescent. On the plasma coils I did an additional highlight of 1:1 mix of the fluorescent and Games Workshop White Scar. Here are pictures with the energy shield attached.

The model is not finished, I still need to paint the crate he is standing on and his flesh, but since I am just starting out I still very limited on the amounts of paint I have.

You can see by the picture that it is just various monochromatic colors, metallics, yellows and reds. I am very pleased with him overall, he achieves the feel of the character I wanted. At this point he is the closest I have ever come to finishing a model and I am highly motivated to do so.

What will I do differently on his primary model? I will definitely attempt to thin the Adamantium Black a little more, I am getting more comfortable applying thinner and thinner coats. I doubt will use a black wash over the armor and skip straight to edge highlighting and I will likely start with a 2:1 mix of fluorescent:clear for the red.

Riding a high right now and trying to stay motivated!

Monday, October 1, 2018

Painting Sector Mechanicus Bases

When planning my narrative project as a whole, I came to the conclusion it was going to be on Necromunda. Shortly thereafter I started planning what mini projects I wanted to do and I knew Iwanted to have the bases be the same to tie them all together. After dauntless base research I decided to go with the Sector Mechanicus bases.

First I primed the sprue using Games Workshop Mechanicus Grey spray and then a heavy dry brush of Games Workshop Leadbelcher.

Next was a heavy wash of Games Workshop Nuln Oil.

This provided much needed texture and helped bring out the details underneath the grating. I find that this would have been a satisfactory look for what I wanted to achieve, but I just wanted to play around with it more. I wanted to try a brown wash to have an "exposed to the elements" look and not just a dirty look, but I don't have a brown wash. So I did a 2:1 mix of Games Workshop Casandora Yellow and Carroburg Crimson shades and did a medium wash over the top. The coloring is more visible in person but in the pictures you can see a slightly warmer/browner tint to the metal. Next, Hazard Stripes!

So hear I applied three very thin coats of Games Workshop Flash Gitz Yellow. At this point I am thinking "man I have heard yellow is miserable but I expected it to go on better than this." Especially with how impressed I have been with Games Workshop's "Base" line of paints. I have two yellows from Games Workshop and when I picked up the first one I didn't even look at the name I just saw that it was a layer so I assumed the other was a base, it wasn't ... it was Flashgitz Yellow, which is also a layer. This is when I realized I do not have a yellow base paint. So I add a medium wash of Nuln Oil and let sit.

When I comeback to it I add a fourth layer of Flashgitz and do an additional round of touch ups. It is still semi-transparent, but hey maybe it is weathering or maybe Necromunda just has some shitty industrial painters. Next I started adding the stripes with Games Workshop Abaddon Black. This is when I realize that I do not have a steady hand and that I can not paint a straight light. Zero consistency between my line work. But hey, shitty Necromunda painters right?

After letting it dry I came back with another layer of Abaddon Black and was able to touch up a few lines. I was going to add paint chipping affects but I was kind of teetering on whether I was happy with the striping or not. I decided that the solution wasn't adding more paint, so I just clipped them off the sprue and added a layer of Abaddon Black around the lip.

From a tabletop perspective and if you do not look at them for too long they look pretty good, I am happy with them overall. Once they get a mini on them they will help provide a background for the mini (again, from a tabletop perspective) and will hopefully emphasize the theme of Necromunda while tying the project together as a whole.

What will I do differently on the next sprue? I will probably poke some Vallejo German Grey into the nooks and crannies before the Leadbelcher dry brush. I am ordering Secret Weapon Miniatures Parchment Wash and Tamiya 3mm Masking Tape, which I hope will meet the needs of a "dirty wash" and help with more consistent hazard striping. Oh yeah, and some Games Workshop Averland Sunet base paint!

Lastly I just want to say that I have been messing around in this hobby for 20 years now and this is my first completed painting project. Crazy I know! It is not an amazing quality, but I am feeling both very pleased with the work and very proud of myself. I hope I can ride this feeling and keep the motivation high! Small battle won in this eternal war!

Monday, September 24, 2018

Modeling Atlas-Class Ferrojacks

A couple months ago when I was planning what I wanted to do for GSC I got some crazy inspiration and in my head everything clicked so I decided I had to do it. I have named it the Atlas-Class Ferrojack and written fluff about it (PLEASE see post below!). I named it Atlas to kind of be a mnemonic and keep the same nomenclature as the Goliath truck (I know one is a Greek titan and the other Judaeo-Christian giant but it makes sense to me and I like it!). I named it a ferrojack because it is a mining vehicle and jack brings to mind both lumberjack and some animes have referred to grunt mechs as jacks, and ferro is just a fancy way of saying iron.

The Atlas-Class Ferrojack will be a counts-as Armored Sentinel and it was inspired by combing Acolytes and a Goliath truck. Weird I know, but let me explain.

In this picture is the Goliath truck mining laser, cab and exhaust. This was the Goliath spark of inspiration.

In this picture is the Acolyte spark of inspiration. I wanted to mimic the silhouette of the left most Acolyte and give visual cues using the heavy mining equipment that would create something unique and feel at home in my project. What would that look like?

Behold the Atlas-Class Ferrojack! I am very happy with how it turned out. The cab mimic's the Goliath cab and it has the silhouette of a 1st/2nd gen hybrid. It has a mining laser, heavy rock saw and heavy rock cutter, which will count as a multi-laser/lascannon and a chainsaw. Here are some more pics.

It has the ladder, railing and handle from the truck kit. I am hoping this will visually tie it in with project, especially when next to a Goliath and especially especially when they are both painted in the same scheme. I removed all of the spikes in addition to adding the railing in an attempt to make it feel more imperial and feel like an actual construction vehicle.

Please go read the fluff post, I think it kind of ties everything up in a neat little package.

I will leave you with a couple more pics. I magnetized the saw arm and the laser arm using 5mm x 2mm 3/16"x1/16" N52 Strong Rare Earth magnets. I didn't magnetize the cutter arm as the magnet was too big for joint and I didn't come up with a solution at the time. I learned a lot about modelling with magnets with this project and probably would do things a little differently if I were to ever build another one.

I also did some more painting. Trying to decide if I want to do a post on the progress. Hmm ...

Sunday, September 23, 2018

SUBJECT: ATLAS-CLASS FERROJACK

Sunday, September 16, 2018

SUBJECT: POTENTIAL THREAT TO SECTOR PRIMUS

>>ATTACHED PLANETARY DATA DOWNLOAD<<

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++ CLASSIFICATION: PRIMARY LEVEL INTELLIGENCE

++ CLEARANCE: OBSIDIAN

++ ENCRYPTION: CRYPTOX V2.6

++ TRANSMITTED: INQUISITORIAL BLACK SHIP THONN UNKNOWN SECTOR

++ RECEIVED: THE SPIRE HIVE PRIMUS PALATINE CLUSTER NECROMUNDA

++ DATE: 2997.999.M41

++ ASTROPATHICA: ASTROPATH CRYPTAESTHESIAN GRIEGUR

++ REF: NM/90840958940324323432/INQ

++ AUTHOR: ORDOS XENOS INQUISITOR OXADIUS DER THONN

++ SUBJECT: POTENTIAL THREAT TO SECTOR PRIMUS

++ RECIPIENT: PREFECTUS TERTIUS KLECTRUUM OF THE LOGIS STRATEGOS

++ TOD: BLIND FAITH IS JUST CAUSE

Inquisitorial records submitted by <REDACTED> regarding the heresy of Tech-Priest Biologis Hermiatus at Hive Secundus are reviewed.

Be aware Imperial Agents are operating planet-side. Investigating potential threats to Sector Primus. Assessing severity of potential threats. Identifying the Ordos required to execute actions against potential threats. Determining the force factor to exterminate potential threats.

++ THREAT ALPHA.01 ++

++ THREAT LEVEL: VERMILION ++

A party of <REDACTED> ((ALPHA.01)) were followed to Necromunda by Imperial Agent <REDACTED> ((IA.01)). Last known area of operation Sector Primus. It is speculated that the ((ALPHA.01)) are in pursuit of a party of <REDACTED> ((ALPHA.02)) which are on Necromunda. Motivation for pursuit unknown. Additional data imperative.

++ THREAT ALPHA.02 ++

++ THREAT LEVEL: VERMILION ++

It is believed ((ALPHA.02)) are in search of a cohort of Prefecture Magisterium of the Adeptus Mechanicus that made planet-fall 2977.999.M41. Motivation unknown. Additional data imperative.

++ THREAT BETA.01 ++

++ THREAT LEVEL: CIAN ++

++ POTENTIAL THREAT LEVEL: FANDANGO ++

During the investigation by Imperial Agent <REDACTED> ((IA.02)) of threat ((ALPHA.01)) and ((ALPHA.02)) it is determined there is an active cultist threat ((BETA.01)) in the south-east quadrant of Sector Primus. Heretic, Mutant or Alien origin unknown. Known entities active in south-east quadrant -- Weylan IV classification Major Settlement -- Abhuman Excavating Contractors classification Offworlder -- Wasteland Nomads/Scavengers classification non-compliant -- ((BETA.02)) see below for classification. Additional data necessary.

++ THREAT BETA.02 ++

++ THREAT LEVEL: CIAN ++

It is believed that ((BETA.02)) is a host of Orks operating out of The Skull. Origin unknown. Motivation unknown. It is surmised that the Orks are survivors of the failed invasion that rendered The Skull destroyed. Threat unconfirmed. Additional data optional.

//

Provide all data available on the vehicle type Atlas-Class Ferrojack.

Sunday, September 9, 2018

SUBJECT: SETTLEMENT WAYLEN IV

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>>PROCESSING<<
>>PROCESSING<<
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++ CLASSIFICATION: PRIMARY LEVEL INTELLIGENCE
++ CLEARANCE: OBSIDIAN
++ ENCRYPTION: CRYPTOX V2.6
++ TRANSMITTED: THE SPIRE HIVE PRIMUS PALATINE CLUSTER NECROMUNDA
++ RECEIVED: INQUISITORIAL BLACK SHIP THONN UNKNOWN SECTOR
++ DATE: 2995.999.M41
++ ASTROPATHICA: ASTROPATH CRYPTAESTHESIAN VALION IX
++ REF: INQ/90840958940324323432/NM
++ AUTHOR: PREFECTUS TERTIUS KLECTRUUM OF THE LOGIS STRATEGOS
++ SUBJECT: RE: SETTLEMENT WAYLEN IV
++ RECIPIENT: ORDOS XENOS INQUISITOR OXADIUS DER THONN
++ TOD: AN ALIEN MIND CANNOT EXCEPT THE EMPEROR'S BLESSING

Waylen IV is a major industrial settlement southeast of Hive Primus, located outside Xenos Quarantine Zone ((XQZ)) west of the Dust Wall, which surrounds the ruins of Hive Secundus. The settlement is the epicenter of local ash crust miners and houses the major refineries for its' sector. The settlement is notedly self-sufficient, but there are trading caravans that periodically deviate from the Great Ash Road to supply the settlement with rarer or non-essential inventory. There are quarterly Goliath convoys that run refined ash crust and other minerals to Hive Primus to be shipped off world or to be used in the manufactorums.

Waylen IV previously supplied raw and refined ash crust to the hive city now known as "The Skull." which is directly south of the settlement. The Skull is a ruined hive city that has vast holes that perforate the hive structure in a manner, that from a distance, makes it appear as a colossal skull lying in a barren wasteland. The holes are the result of relentless bombardments during the suppression of an Ork invasion that besieged the city. Recently it is rumored that The Skull is home to hulking, roving nomads that terrorized caravans from their roaring ramshackle vehicles.

The inhabitants of Waylen IV are miners and refinery workers. The miners venture out, both in large parties and armed, as a result of being attacked by marauding wasteland nomads. They utilized a large variety of equipment; from heavy rock saws and heavy rock drills to the Dvarlock Pattern Mining Laser and hand-held cannons that can cause seismic tremors, all of which are so unwieldy that the miners have to take advantage of the Tertia Pattern Servo-Arm to use the equipment properly. They will mobilize in large Goliath truck convoys and set up sprawling industrial platforms that act as a headquarters and are equipped with large pile drivers. Once the opening of a new mine is excavated, they will tunnel down using Rockgrinders, a Goliath truck variant, as well as Atlas-Class Ferrojacks. Most miners are taught early on in their training on how to use blasting and demolition charges to break up stubborn sediment or run a crack through mineral veins.

Both the miners and the refiners wear rubberized canvas hazard suits with vulcanized plating, this helps protect them from various hazardous conditions and extreme atmospheric environments. The refiners are more likely mechanics, engineers and pilots for the heavy machinery and vehicles. They use Goliath trucks as transports for worker and inventory. It is common for miners to use powered picks in the subterranean caverns, while also being common for refiners to utilize powered mauls, sledges and other hammers. The refinery engineers have modified the Atlas-Class Ferrojacks with hydraulic arms to help them lift, move and load inventory.

On very rare occasion the inhabitants of the settlement are visited by contingents of the Planetary Defence Force ((PDF)), also know as the Necromundan 8th Regiment or "The Spiders." They are referred to as The Spiders because the 8th are exclusively recruited from the Spider Clan, a gang that dominates the lower levels of the Palatine Cluster. Their stylized spider tattoos, often found on their hands and face, are overt indicators of their previous gang affiliation. The closest contingent of the PDF is stationed east of the settlement on the opposite side of an acrid lake at the Dust Wall. They man the wall in hope to contain the xenos threat that overtook Hive Secundus barely a century ago. The garrison assigned to the Dust Wall is the 8th Regiment's Echo Company, which is specialized in xenos warfare and has become gravely proficient at tracking and exterminating xenos on Necromunda proper.

The calamity at Hive Secundus was the result of the hubris of the renegade Tech-Priest Biologis, Hermiatus, of the Adeptus Mechanicus. Hermiatus was experimenting on a brood of Purestrain Genestealers in hopes to find a cure for the "Genestealer's Kiss," which is the contagion administered by a Purestrain Genestealer and was the first step of infecting the population of Hive Secundus with the Genestealer taint.

Also stationed at the Dust Wall is a kill team of Imperial Fists tasked with containing the threat within, and deterring any scavengers or nomads from entering the XQZ. They are the only chapter of the Adeptus Astartes that have any association with Necromunda and they regularly recruit neophytes from the large gang population.

The settlement lacks any presence of the Adeptus Arbites and for that is often regarded as a lawless community. Despite rumors spread by scavengers and caravan traders that the inhabitants of Waylen IV are reclusive and "quite odd," there are no reports of this "lawless" settlement being either, dangerous or hostile.