28/07/2013

Whilst digging in the lead pile.....

I quite often sit in front of my desk, eager to get painting, but for some reason stall, and so I pull over boxes of unpainted stuff to mull over, trying to whip up some inspiration. Last week I found some GZG figures I purchased a long time ago that had slipped way back in the queue. These are from the Free Cal-Tex range, and upon closer inspection, I thought the detail suggested some sort of Police or Paramilitary Police Force. Decision made, I wanted to depict something that was fairly obviously police, but with a bit of a difference. What I have finished up with is something a little more Space Opera then Hard Sci Fi, but I was reasonably pleased. What's that you say? Pictures? Oh all right then, you've persuaded me.

A very simple colour scheme of Vallejo Prussian Blue, highlighted with the addition of increasing amounts of white, GW Codex Grey body armour/equipment/helmet, picked out in white, weapon is Vallejo German Grey, details picked out in Codex Grey.


Here they are, sneaking up on a suspected terrorist holed up in the building to the right, while one of his accomplices is held under guard. Buildings from Mad Mecha Guy (I love 'em!).

That bloke in the window is asking for it- a pistol against all that firepower!!!

Here they are with the paddy wagon!

The other figures I have painted this week are more of the new GZG power armour figures. I added a picture of one of these minis last post, so here are the others I have done recently.

Nowhere near as nice as the camouflage painted versions of these minis that Mr. Harold displayed on his blog 'Clear Horizons' but I'm quite happy. Once again a simple colour scheme- Vallejo Russian Green base, Army Painter Strong Tone wash, highlights in base + white a couple of times, equipment in Vallejo German Grey, again highlighted by the addition of white. Weapon is German Grey detail picked out in GW Codex Grey. Visor is Vallejo Gold (996).

Sneaking through the woods, power armour whirring smoothly.....

Having tried various varnish options, I am using a paint on gloss varnish from Games Workshop, followed by a spray coat of their 'Purity Seal' (almost) matt varnish. I have been reasonably happy with this solution, although I am running out of the brush on gloss varnish, so would welcome some suggestions for an alternative, but having heard so much about it, I made an order to Atenociti for some Testors Dullcote. Well, I tried it this morning, and I have to say I am rather impressed. I quite like the finish- in fact, all the above figures have been coated in this stuff. Usually I post pictures of minis pre-varnish rather than post, as I tend to think they look a little better, but I thought I would risk it, and it seems to have paid off!

So, that's it for now. As I say, if anyone can suggest a good protective gloss varnish, and I am gradually moving away from GW stuff by the way, I would be most grateful to hear from you. Well, it would be great to hear from you anyway!

All the best 'til next post. Now, where's my barbecue mitt...........




12 comments:

  1. It is all very nicely painted, Gunny. But I do especially enjoy the Men in Blue. And you have really nailed the reflection effect in the helmet visors.

    The guy squatting behind the dumpster gave a chuckle. Unless it is filled with scrap durasteel, he could be in for a world of hurt.

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    1. Thanks very much Jay! Yes, I see what you mean- perhaps not the best cover, but hey, I never said he was bright, just brightly coloured!

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  2. Nice figs the Cal-Tex guys in the first few pics look really good. I like there sci fi look.

    Everytime I see these power-armoured suits the more I like them nice job mate.

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    1. Many thanks Simon! The Cal-Tex figures were destined not to see the light of day for a while, but I had a good look at them and realised they were nicer sculpts than I first thought! The power armour figi=ures really are nice sculpts. I particularly like the kneeling figure with the SAW- very realistic. I suppose I could have made more of an effort with the colour scheme, but, so much lead and so few available hours!

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  3. Yep really nice

    Ill only support what everyone else has said.

    Im going to look at those police forces for my own scenarios.

    cheers

    Keith

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    1. Hi Keith! Thanks for the kind remarks. If you do paint these figures up, let's have some pictures so I can see your take on them! All the best.

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  4. Love the Cal-tex guys... and the visors are boss... great stuff!

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  5. Why thank you kind sir! I've just left a comment on your blog re the drop pods and figures- can't wait!

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  6. Excellent! I've got some of the CalTex troopers painted up as starport security with nice red uniforms.

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  7. Hey Paul, thanks very much! They really are nicer sculpts than I originally gave them credit for!

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  8. Dear Sir

    Do you mine if I use some of you pictures on a pamphlet I doing for Saulte2014 as critical mass games are using some of my building on a demo game they are doing?

    Regards

    MMG.

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    1. Be my guest! Recently, I have been painting and basing a good number of your buildings, and I just need to add posters, signs and more graffiti and then I will post more and, hopefully , better pictures in the very near future- if this is soon enough (and I would like to do it this weekend) then please feel free to use any of these if they are good enough also.

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