Here come the Italians!

Well, I finally got my lightbox and took a few snaps. I'm not sure what to say honestly. The box was very easy to setup and no issues there. A little smaller than I had thought, but plenty for most of my projects. Some of my larger GW models might have issues.

So...lets get to the fun stuff. I've only taken a few pics....so please respond with any advice you have for me.

Up first, the M14/41:

As you can see, not a great shot. Lots of shadow in the treads. I'm a bit concerned that the front light is not angled right.

So I got a little closer:

Now this is much better. I think I also pushed her back a bit more inside the box so that the front light could catch more of the treads.

And then finally:

Note to self, make sure the decal is fully dry before hitting the model with the mat spray. Oh well. It adds character.

Now for some infantry:

Again, not great. Also, not in focus. My eyes are old, so telling that its out of focus on a phone camera is not always easy. So once again, we give it another go.

Hey...look who learned how to focus. This is much better than the first. Still lots to learn. More models coming.

Until next time....

So close...

Hello Gentle Readers,

Today I'm feeling pretty darn good. Over the weekend I pretty much finished my Bolt Action Italians. The basing was done over a week ago, but I still needed to finish up on my M14/41 and the Autoblindo armored car. I brushed the medium army painter dip on them, gave them time to dry, and then finished up the painting detail. Added some slight rust color to a few pieces based on historical photos and amazing models I saw, plus I hand painted the licence plates on them (Warlord didn't provide those decals) and then did apply the few decals that I had. Then I finished up with the flat coat to take off the shine and protect my little beauties. Now, I'm no great painter. I am purely a table top painter. But damn, these guys are sexy.

Now sure, I can already feel the skepticism seeping through the screen. "Pics or it didn't happen!" I get it. Well I was so proud of these guys that I went online and ordered a photo box. It isn't fancy or anything, was under $15 actually...but it should work great for my models. Thought if I was going to share, then I better make sure I share them in the best way possible.

I know I'm all excited about them...but you have to realize this is the first army I have finished painting in years....years....like "holy shit....it was a really long time ago" years. And again..its a table top ready army....not GT best painted or slayer sword level kind of stuff. This is "hey, he's got a fully painted and based army that will suffice for any event level painting requirements."

But I still feel like a proud papa. Just finishing something like this is awesome. Bolt Action rules. I mean honestly, I have a real finished army that I can use and I didn't have to paint up 100+ minis. I can count the number of painted armies I have on one...okay, two hands.

First there was the Wood Elves...and I did that to enter a Seattle GT way back in 2000 maybe? The next army was Vampire Counts for the local Rogue Trader scene...which I finally did win one. That was pretty awesome. Probably Flames of War Italians came next...and then DAK....then I went back and did a warhammer Dwarf army for the last GT I ever played in. And then came a Necron army I did so I could be part of the OFCC in 40K. Despite being the first GW wargame I ever owned, it never got a painted army until a good 20 years later. Oh, and then I added more Wood Elves to my army so that it was current. And now I have a Bolt Action Italian army to add to that list. Oh whoops...I did forget, I also have a painted Warmaster Undead army...that gets tucked in there when Warmaster was popular. So eight armies...thirty years of being in this hobby....and I've only painted 8 armies. But you know what? I think I finally turned the corner on this hobby. It always used to be about playing...and winning. And that is horrible...the winning part. That should never be the goal. The goal should be to have fun, regardless of the outcome. Well, now I've just had a great time painting an army that has only even been played once. I have no clue how it will do on the actual battlefield...it wasn't built for any sort of meta. It was just built because I love my North Africa Italians and wanted to see them in painted glory.

So...photobox should get here in a week...and then its new pics! And now I gotta pick my next project.. More Bolt Action? Perhaps a new DAK army I got? or should I paint up some US paras? Or...do I go back to my Warmaster and get another one done there? I'm betting on paratroopers. :) Until next time!

Modeling Retreat

So this past weekend I hosted my first Model and Painting retreat at the Menucha Retreat and Conference Center. <insert loud bwa bwa bwa sounds here>

Got to spend all day working on my models once again, and this time, surrounded by other modelers. This was a fairly small gathering, despite my advertising across various NW facebook groups. You can lead a horse to water and all that.

All in all though, it was a great day. It was beautiful weather in Corbett, Oregon. I love Menucha, and it was a perfect day to be there. We were in the building lovingly referred to as "The Barn". It had a large open area with a full kitchen (the only building at Menucha with its own kitchen), and can sleep 30 in various bunk rooms. It met our needs perfectly.

I worked on my Italian army again. I had some detail paint to put on the infantry before dipping them. I was able to complete the whole army by the end of the day. I even had dipped a few ahead of time and did the final anti-shine mat spray on them there. I unfortunately haven't taken any pics of the final army just yet. Those will be coming soon as soon as a spray the rest of them.

We started at 9am, took a break for a delicious lunch in Wright Hall (pulled pork sandwiches, coleslaw, and salad) and then continued on until 5pm. It was nice to be able to work on my models and converse with fellow hobbyists all day long. We also all got to see what we were working on and just talk shop. It was very enjoyable.

We are hoping to have another possibly in November, and perhaps even extend the time for a Friday evening through Saturday evening time frame. Due to the fact that the Barn has its own kitchen, we might have the option to opt out of the meals, which would reduce the cost for attending. Although honestly, the meals at Menucha are top notch and well worth the cost. However, having the option may entice more people to come. Even with the Scrap and Sew retreat which is over an entire weekend, some people will just come for a single day. So it is very nice to have the different levels of participation open for attendees.

I had a great time and got one step closer to finishing my Italians. It also just got me excited about my models again and working on them. There is a reason I own so freaking many...it is because I do have fun painting them. I am really happy with how this army is turning out and trying to decide on what to work on next. Bolt Action really has its hook in me now. I think I will most likely start on my American Paratroopers. I got some in the BA starter, and then picked up some metals as well. Either that or go back to my Brits so that I have a mid/late war army to use.

Robert (seen above) was working on his Vanguard models from Mantic and is trying to lure us that way. Tim (also above) was working on his Finns for BA, but expressed an interest in trying out SAGA. Freaking gamer ADD...its everywhere. Can't blame them really. Aaron (also above) was showing off his 3D printed models and doing a bit of priming with his airbrush. Our last attendee was Shaun (not seen above) and he was the only non-gamer there. He brought a Humvee model to work on. We'll see if we can pull him into trying out bolt action. :)

Well, that's it for this update. I'll post pics of the finished Italians soon. They just need to be based and sealed, and then I need to put markings on the vehicles. A good day and that could all be done. Till next time.

Hey look! its the Dungeons and Dragons ride....

Hello Sports fans...

Thought I should toss up another update in the old blog. Not much has been going on in my modeling world. I cleaned up my office and still have a little bit of restructuring to do. It really needed it. Sadly though, I still can't find my glasses. Its just unbelievable. I remember the last time I had them on...somewhat, and yet they are just gone...poof! So frustrating. Thankfully I do still own an older pair that will let me paint and stuff...but I will need to replace them. Hate that. Getting old.

I will be getting back to work on the Italians shortly. Just need to figure out when. It will happen before the retreat though. Gotta show them off. Weather is turning warmer finally so will be able to take them outside to get with the dull coat soon.

What I have been doing though, is playing my favorite game of all time, Dungeons and Dragons. Seriously, there really is nothing else like it. Best yet, I'm playing with my old college friends. I'm pretty sure I've discussed this before about using roll20.net and all that.

My game just wrapped up our March session. Two decent encounter and I finally dropped a couple of players. No deaths, which is good in my opinion, but did put some fear into the group which was needed. Who knew bugbears were so nasty? Not only that, but I've actually got a bit of direction for them as well and the beginnings of an overall plot arc. Still working out the kinks and all, but its a good start. Also, the roleplaying is getting better too as everyone is getting used to the medium. I need to spend some more time reading the rules though just so that I'm more familiar with them. There are still instances that pop up that I scratch my head about. I just want to get better at being a DM. I've also been watching Critical Role, a video cast of a group of actors that play D&D. They've been in the news lately too because of a very successful kickstarter they created.

I much prefer being a player than a DM. However, I do also recognize how enjoyable it is to be part of a long campaign. Switching DMs or campaigns too often is not good. I think everyone likes to get into their character and really tell that long story. So as much as I'd prefer someone else run a game, I'll be keeping mine going so that my friends enjoy it. Thankfully I do have a game to be a player in. It is also just once a month. I wish it could be more, but life seems to have a heavy tax at the moment.
All in all though, having a good time with my hobbies. They keep me balanced.

Well, that's all for now.

p.s. Saw Captain Marvel, they had a lovely tribute to Stan Lee at the very beginning, made me tear up. Miss you Stan!

Modeling Retreat

Hey Sportsfans,

Today I'm going to talk about the next steps. So last update I actually got off my butt and painted stuff. Not only that, but you got pics! Well since then, I haven't done too much more. However, I have been planning. You see I've been working with Menucha (where I did the painting at their Scrap and Sew retreat) and got them to try out a one day Model and Painting retreat. I put the word out locally about it and am now just waiting for the event to be on the Menucha web site (www.menucha.org).

This one will only be a one day retreat, no overnight. First of all, that cuts down on the cost quite a bit. Just $34 a person, which buys you a whole day of uninterrupted modeling and painting, and a good lunch as well. Not too shabby. Why a retreat? Well some times you just need to get away. I've got a family. There is always something that needs my attention at home, be it the wife, kids, pets, or house. With a retreat, I get to go someplace away, remove any distractions, and get real work done on my hobby. Thankfully for me, I have a wife who fully gets that and has no issue with me taking the day. Pro tip to other hobbyists out there, send your spouse on a retreat first for something they love. After that, there is no way in the world they can deny you your own. :)

The other part of the retreat is to connect with your fellow hobbyists. Lets face it, about the only thing better than working on your models, is to hang out with friends working on your models. This also gives you a great opportunity to learn tips and techniques from others, and to share your own. That is what I'm currently trying to work out. What do I want to bring so that I can share with others if interested?

The first obvious choice is to finish my Italians. I still need to do a little painting (facial hair, maybe eyes, and lapels), dipping, and finish the bases. As much as I want to show my dipping technique, those suckers require a full day to dry and aren't easy to transport after being dipped. So that really isn't practical (though I probably will bring a couple for demonstration). I also own an airbrush, but concerned with mess and clearly don't want to get paint on anything inside. I'll probably decide on it once I know what the outside conditions will be. If it is nice enough, I'll just take it outside and use it on some terrain pieces.

But what do I want to actually work on? Well, I did say I had some warmaster empire I wanted to do. I think that might be the next step for me. I really love that game, and I want to get more armies painted so that the table looks great when I do play. Still, I have a month until the retreat. That bolt action call is pretty strong though too. :)

Until next time...

Avanti!

Hello Sports Fans,

Have I got a treat for you. I painted stuff. Oh, you heard that right. I painted stuff. And not just like one thing....oh no sir, a whole bunch of things were painted. Proof you ask? Oh, I got your proof.

So lets step back in time a little shall we, to my previous post where I talked about Warmaster and Bolt Action.....and how I needed to paint my Italians... Well, for once, I actually went and did it. Not only that, but I took pics!

Here is a quick pic of my Italians getting built and having the bases ready. I use a pumice material that Velljo sells. Been using it for Flames of War for years, works really well for bolt action bases too.

That's the jar there. Goes on easy with a modelling tool. You can even sculpt it a little, so I was able to make tire tracks and the like. Sweet stuff.

Then I busted out the Army Painter Desert Yellow spray primer. Of course, it has to freaking snow on the day I need to prime. Well to ensure the best coverage that I could, I first made sure my primers were warm. I then went into my garage and set up a priming station. I put down some 2x4s, created a backstop with cereal boxes, and then had little portable heater fans running across the board. I'd spray the models, then use the fan to dry them. Worked fairly well considering it was 30ish degrees outside.

Next up was a test model. I wanted to make sure what paints I wanted to use and how it would all look. Now my plan is to use Army Painter dip on these models as well. However, for the test model, I used their strong tone ink for his wash so I would have some idea of how the detail would pop. Not too shabby (NOTE: pic is just of basecoat, ink not applied yet) :(

Toss in two solid days of painting at a crafting retreat, and there you have it, a fully painted Italian army ready for dip and basing. Well, almost. I forgot to bring a red paint with me so I wasn't able to do the lapels or helmet detail. Also, apparently their grenades were red too, so a few guys need touch ups there. Oh, and I need to do the glass on the goggles. So like 95% done. I got 39 infantry done, the howitzer and crew, a MMG and AT gun, and then the Autoblindo and the M14 (decals needed).

Not only that, but I then had time to put together some MDF terrain from Dave's Wargames. I kickstarted his project a while ago, but never got around to building the stuff. Well it is nice. I didn't take pics of that unfortunately, but I just fit the buildings, not glued them....so maybe my next update will have me finishing those guys off.

Had a great weekend (yay crafting retreats) and just really happy with the progress on my Italians. My first painted Bolt Action army baby! Woot! And I just bought the DAK starter army...so maybe those guys next??

As always, until next time....

Jesus Christ I've been lazy

Hey Sports Fans,

Needed a break at work, which means you get an update. And by "you" I mean me, since no one else reads this darn thing...except maybe Don..shout out to Don! :)

Okay, so here we are, over a month since the last update. Ouch. I could blame holidays...but I won't. I've just been lazy. That being said, there were the holidays and then some. So I must have done something right? Well as a matter of fact, I did.

I got invited by some local Warmaster players to throw down some dice. I brought my Chaos and Orc armies as they are the best painted that I own so far (neither painted by me of course). I went with Chaos as they hit nearly exactly the point limit we were going for. We played a nice 2v2 game where the forces of chaos were competing to hold multiple points of interested against an unusual orc and empire alliance. Had a great time. My chaos did well for the most part, obeying the majority of my orders. My MVP was a unit of harpies that totally harassed the orcs and goblins for two turns, slowing their advancement. However, I chose to attack when half of my army was still trying to catch up, which led to the destruction of my leading battalions. Oh, and I played the Revolutions rule set for the first time. Jury is out on whether I like it better or not. I have some suggestions. :)

Then, incredible as it may seem, I went to another friend's house and played Bolt Action. I brought my brits, germans, and italians, everything I had ready for the table. Again, played a 2v2 game where my Brits and some American paras faced off against Germans and their Bulgarian allies. This was pretty much a pure infantry game since we were only using 500pts per nation. I went with a MSU style army that ended up with 11 command dice. Whenever the axis went, the Bulgarians seemed to get pulled first, and as such, they got shot to hell by the allies, thus allowing the Germans to advance untouched. However, the sheer amount of pin markers thrown out by the brits soon left the Germans alone to face the American firepower. The allies were able to take out the threats of the advancing axis units, and cross the field to their objective without too much drama. The highlight of the game had to come in the first turn. The US fired a small mortar at a 10 man Bulgarian squad and scored a hit, killing two men. The next die drawn was for the Brits, who also had a light mortar in the area and fired at the same squad. Another hit, and three more deaths. Poor Bulgarians got shelled to hell. No worries though, the dice gods exacted their payment for that luck by causing the Brit sniper to miss every shot. Not fail to wound...no...not even a single hit.

What a day. Yes, that was all in one day (love you wife!). I had a blast. I really enjoy Warmaster and Bolt Action. And the guys that I played with (not against) were great. Fun was had by all! And isn't that how its supposed to be? So...that has left me on a huge Bolt Action kick. I am currently working on my Italians (cuz they are dead sexy) I'm wrapping up assembling the rest of the units for them, adding my pumice to the bases, and then will hopefully have them all primed before my birthday weekend. That weekend, I will hopefully have time to paint the majority of the army with at least a base coat and have the infantry ready for dipping. I will do my best to take pics and post them up next month.

Oh, I also started working on my warmaster empire, but they are on hold until Italians are done. Woot! Until next time folks. Keep gaming.