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The Empire at War ... The Gamers Guild => WHFB The Electors' Forum => Topic started by: Graf von Carroburg on May 14, 2005, 01:42:12 PM

Title: Grand Tournament Diary (NEW Pikemen and Wizard Pictures!)
Post by: Graf von Carroburg on May 14, 2005, 01:42:12 PM
Well, well. I was about to post on how today's work went, when a thought came to me. I'll do a proper diary of it, and that way seek to inspire/discipline myself! And, of course, better expose myself (no, not like that) to the advice of my esteemed peers.

Really, I do value the input - you guys play many more tournaments than I do, and I can learn a lot. In exchange, I hope to show everyone a thing or two about fast and (hopefully) effective painting. Maybe at the end I'll turn it into an article on speed painting armies!

So, without further ado...

REIKSMARSHALL'S LOG. Saturday, May 14, in the 2005th year of our lord Sigmar. 14 days til the GT.

Coffees consumed: 3, VG. Plus a lot of plastic glue inadvertenly inhaled, which has given me a headache.

Units assembled: All of my Reiksguard. All of one pike unit plus maybe a rank of the next? Handgunners are still failing to inspire me.

I'm reposting this picture of the Reiksguard, cos I adore them (two still need crests, and the Reiksmarshall needs his helmet wings). They look huge and intimidating and quite quite scary, which is not what I want when we're talking attracting shooting. They are unmistakably inner circle! Still, they will be a nice centrepiece. They also make my pistoliers look miniscule by comparison. Like, very small. I will deal with this issue later.

MY GAME PLAN: Seeing that I have a formidable task ahead of me, strategy is everything. A visually impressive army as a whole is more important than individual models being perfect. I am assembling the remainder of the army all at once, and building their display board at the same time, to ensure cohesion. And, that everything is made up. They will then all be undercoated, and basecoated.

I have a (brace yourselves) seven coat highlight process for my standard infantry's cream uniforms. This takes only about half an hour, as each coat is watery and they're done in batches. I can probably get away with five (black/graveyard, graveyard, graveyard/kommando, kommando, kommando/white).

So, each model will be highlighted up to the mid tone. I will then pour my energies into the front rank or two of each unit, giving the banners special attention. Only once they look great will I move onto the back rankers. My modelling reflects this - the front rows have breastplates and tassets, plus lots of equipment, whereas the back ranks are lucky to get a breastplate. As well as making the unit look scarier, this is how real units were formed up - the well equipped veterans in front.

I plan to put aside a full day to do characters. This will not, repeat, not, be the day before the comp.

Anyhow, I tire. So, more tomorrow! Enjoy the blurry pic!

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v629/thefalseprophet/KnightsSnapshot2.jpg)

Deep linking is NOT behaving it seems. I think this one will work though.

Cheers,

Eden
Title: Re: Grand Army of Carroburg - a modelling diary
Post by: Kernschatten on May 14, 2005, 11:35:00 PM
I love living vicariously through others blood and sweat! Keep it coming.

Quote from: Graf von Carroburg
I have a (brace yourselves) seven coat highlight process for my standard infantry's cream uniforms. This takes only about half an hour, as each coat is watery and they're done in batches. I can probably get away with five (black/graveyard, graveyard, graveyard/kommando, kommando, kommando/white).

What color do you use to go seven coats? Bleached bone?

I ask because I have been adding a drop of Scorched Earth to  Graveyard Earth>Kommando Khaki>Bleached Bone to paint leather and adding DA Green to the same for Orc skin. I've been really happy with the results as it makes for very consistent highlighting.
Title: Grand Tournament Diary (NEW Pikemen and Wizard Pictures!)
Post by: Graf von Carroburg on May 15, 2005, 12:42:29 AM
If I'm doing the full seven,  before I put on the final highlight, I mix up a watery coat of Graveyard Earth and Desert Yellow, and wash/glaze the uniform. Then highlight with Kommando, and then Kommando/White. This adds a little more warmth and depth, which really helps when there's a deep block of troops.

Cheers,

Eden
Title: Grand Tournament Diary (NEW Pikemen and Wizard Pictures!)
Post by: Graf von Carroburg on May 16, 2005, 12:18:50 PM
REIKSMARSHALL'S LOG. Monday, May 16, in the 2005th year of our lord Sigmar. 12 days til the GT.

Progress is slow. Kinda bummed out cos I missed out on some jobs I applied for, so a generally slow day. I am trying to do seven coats on my troops, half drybrushing the first five for speed, then cleaning it up with the ink and highlight. Not the most efficient, but these colours are so thin that the multiple coats are needed to cover.

Nothing worth posting pictures of - the Reiksguard are heavily WIP, and pikemen are pikemen.

In other news, my list is taking shape, though the jury's still out on whether Arch-Lectors are allowed this tournament. BTW, go over to the Parade Ground and let me know what you think!

http://www.warhammer-empire.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7644

Cheers,

Eden
Title: Grand Tournament Diary (NEW Pikemen and Wizard Pictures!)
Post by: CM Dante on May 17, 2005, 12:05:45 AM
I also love to see weblogs like this, it's inspiring and also provides an insight into techniques and thought process behind the minis. I look forward to seeing more!

Cheers,

Dante (returned)
Title: Grand Tournament Diary (NEW Pikemen and Wizard Pictures!)
Post by: Graf von Carroburg on May 19, 2005, 12:38:19 PM
REIKSMARSHALL'S LOG. Thursday, May 19, in the 2005th year of our lord Sigmar. 8 days til the GT.

Okay, now things are really getting interesting around here!  I've got the day off tomorrow and Monday, so basically four solid days of painting with my only relaxation being the odd break to do a university assignment. Delightful.

Meanwhile, I am assembling my second Pike unit right now and they are speeding along. As are Handgunners, and they look a lot better than I anticipated. Half the figures seem to be too detailed, and the other half not enough!

Will make a final decision tomorrow as to what my general will be, and convert him then!

Any thoughts on the merit of an Elector (and his Griffon Banner) vs an Arch Lector - roughly the same price!

Cheers,

Eden
Title: Grand Tournament Diary (NEW Pikemen and Wizard Pictures!)
Post by: Hagen_von_Loewenstein on May 19, 2005, 02:30:58 PM
For "arch lector vs. EC"-questions I think those two threads might help a bit:
http://www.warhammer-empire.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6489&highlight=arch+lector
http://www.warhammer-empire.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6666&highlight=arch+lector

And thank you VERY much for that picture. The two knights on the left gave me a great idea for a little variety on my Reiksguard on foot-helmets... :)
Title: Grand Tournament Diary (NEW Pikemen and Wizard Pictures!)
Post by: Graf von Carroburg on May 21, 2005, 12:07:37 AM
REIKSMARSHALL'S LOG. Saturday, May 21, in the 2005th year of our lord Sigmar. 6 days til the GT. (!)

Well, there's been a lot of gluing, and cutting, and not so much painting. I've converted a well cool looking wizard [better picture below].

The staff bit on the base is getting glued to the main staff (which gets cut down accordingly) just as soon as I can be bothered drilling it...I think it's from the old Wood Elf mage on warhawk.

Meanwhile, the list has undergone a radical overhaul. I've realised that I save about 100 points taking spearmen instead of pikemen. Sure I lose attacks, but, I make up for it by being able to have a detachment. So, I lose two ranks of pike attacks (10), and gain a rank of detachment Free Company attacks (10)! And, they lose rank bonus. And I can lead it with a character.

Still hung up on the Arch-Lector/Elector dilemma. The spears will be in blocks of 30, which makes the Griffon Banner VERY good. I could put it on the Greatswords..hmm. And shift the Battle Standard to a spear unit, but no magic banner, just something fighty.

I like this more by the second.

Will post list shortly.

Cheers!

-Eden
Title: Grand Tournament Diary (NEW Pikemen and Wizard Pictures!)
Post by: st1v xtr1m on May 21, 2005, 02:44:32 AM
AND, you free your rare slots ;)
Title: Grand Tournament Diary (NEW Pikemen and Wizard Pictures!)
Post by: Graf von Carroburg on May 21, 2005, 09:58:42 AM
Right. You know you're in trouble when you say to a friend:

"I figure I can motivate myself with sleep deprivation.."

More so when you follow it up with:

"I'm going to try to glue sand on bases while cooking dinner, so they're ready to spray by the time I'm done."

Worse yet, the reason I decided against that is only cos it's too cold to spray outside anyway.

So I shall round out the evening converting the remaining pistoliers and my characters. I may do both an Elector AND an Arch-Lector to be safe.

Here's some pistoliers, the one on the right is about 2/3rds done...

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v629/thefalseprophet/Pistoliers.jpg)

UPDATE:

Well, the Pistoliers didn't get done! But, Wizard's finished, a whole bunch of stuff is based, and I've nearly finished a dead hard standard bearer who's climbing up onto an Orc and sticking the banner pole into his back! Nowhere near as lewd as it sounds!

Pictures in the morning!

Cheers,

Eden
Title: Grand Tournament Diary (NEW Pikemen and Wizard Pictures!)
Post by: Graf von Carroburg on May 22, 2005, 05:02:12 AM
REIKSMARSHALL'S LOG. Sunday, May 22, in the 2005th year of our lord Sigmar. 5 days til the GT.

Things are looking up. Specifically, my second pike unit looks awesome (IMHO):

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v629/thefalseprophet/Pikes.jpg)

I particularly like the banner bearer sticking his Griffon Banner pole into the Orc's back. The Orc is, of course, still missing bits. I'll actually be putting my General to his left, so will model the head and maybe and arm on his base.

Here's the wizard completed also:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v629/thefalseprophet/Wizard002.jpg)

Pikes on the left, blurry Greatswords on the right.

Hope you like them! Any comments appreciated as always!

Cheers,

Eden
Title: Grand Tournament Diary (NEW Pikemen and Wizard Pictures!)
Post by: FlameKnight on May 22, 2005, 05:17:44 AM
Heh, awesome. Are the pikes a little bent though? And what are you putting on the tops of the pikes?

I like the pistoliers, did you use the volands venerators (?) minis?

Lovely, lovely models.
Title: Grand Tournament Diary (NEW Pikemen and Wizard Pictures!)
Post by: Hieronymous on May 22, 2005, 07:42:36 AM
Good work!

These pike are a little long though :wink:

I very much like your great swords! Their white-eged armour is just lovely.

Have you decided on whether to take the Elector or the Arch-Lector?
Title: Grand Tournament Diary (NEW Pikemen and Wizard Pictures!)
Post by: PLAY4FUN on May 22, 2005, 01:02:10 PM
Very impressive, especially the armour on the greatswords and pistoliers.  

And you do all this while rushed and sleep deprived  .. hangs head and sighs ..

 :clap:
Title: Grand Tournament Diary (NEW Pikemen and Wizard Pictures!)
Post by: Graf von Carroburg on May 22, 2005, 02:15:17 PM
REIKSMARSHALL'S LOG. Monday, May 23, in the 2005th year of our lord Sigmar. 5 days til the GT.

It's 12:04 AM. I've just finished painting. Though, in fairness, I spent two hours preparing a huge spaghetti dinner for the family. So, I did reasonably well. All my new stuff - Pikes, Wizard, a couple of Handgunners - have had the first two coats on their uniforms. I am surprised with the speed at which this was done. I think it pays to be a bit messy, knowing that the wash will smooth things out and a sharp highlight or two works wonders. The promise of sleep when I finished was very inspirational indeed!

This philosophy will not extend to many of the very fiddly Handgunner models though. It's like the sculptor said, wow, these poses are crap, lets make up with lots of extra folds and slashes and maybe they won't notice.

@ Flameknight - Yeah, Venators with Militia arms. They'll be topped with spikes from 40K Chaos Vehicle sprues, a little smaller than plastic spear points and easy to get in bulk. Now that I think of it, I'd prefer some slightly more realistic points (i.e. just a smooth ferrule tapering to a point like on real pikes - anything that went in on itself would have stuck too easily) but this is something I can redo later if I want.

@ Hieronymous - If we're being strictly accurate, the pikes are close to the right length, maybe a tad short. Real ones were 18-20 feet IIRC, three or so times the size of a man.

Elector is looking likely, he's a safer bet, not least cos he's cheaper, and I'm experienced with one. No time to playtest new lists!

BTW, I like the pic on your Avatar - Carroburg colours on the sleeve and all! Where's it from? Warcry? If so, what's the card called...I'd like to pull up the picture.

Cheers all!

-Eden
Title: Grand Tournament Diary (NEW Pikemen and Wizard Pictures!)
Post by: The Village Idiot on May 22, 2005, 02:16:58 PM
VERY nice stuff! I'm a little worried seeing how much you still have to paint in 5 days. Paint like the wind! You MUST be finished PRIOR to leaving for the tournament, otherwise you will be up until the wee early morning hours of the convention...and very sleep deprived for the event. Not much fun at all.

Wait...now that I think about it...I was awake until 3 hours prior to the Charlotte GT finishing bases...and I won it!

As they say on the sunny South..."Git 'er done!"

The Village Idiot
Title: Grand Tournament Diary (NEW Pikemen and Wizard Pictures!)
Post by: spite on May 22, 2005, 02:43:03 PM
Some great stuff there I really like the colour scheme with your Infantry can you tell me how you did it? and BTW its not from Warcry I would know as love playing it, you?
Title: Grand Tournament Diary (NEW Pikemen and Wizard Pictures!)
Post by: Graf von Carroburg on May 23, 2005, 01:43:13 PM
Hey spite, check out the front page....there's a rundown on the colours used.

And Tim, my man, thanks for the encouragement! I'm planning to get home on the back of soft scores - it nearly worked for me last time. See, it's in my hometown, so not far to travel, but that screwed me up last time. I spent too long touching up that morning, missed my bus into town, and missed the first game. I worked out that, even if I had been massacred, assuming average (3/5) scores for comp and sports would have given me second place! (I got 4/5 most games, 'cept for one Orc player who chipmunked me for cannoning his, wait for it, two Wyverns and two Giants. With my one cannon.)

But, without further ado:

REIKSMARSHALL'S LOG. Monday, May 23, in the 2005th year of our lord Sigmar. Four days until the GT. 11:26 pm.

A quick rundown:

Pikemen (53): 15 completed; 25 assembled, basecoated; 13 unassembled!!

Handgunners (26): 2 completed; 3 mostly completed; 4 assembled, basecoated; most of the rest assembled as they're one or two piece.

Greatswords (18): 8 completed; 2 assembled, basecoated; 10 assembled and undercoated. This unit I started ages back, and would like a retouch on, to make the red darker.

Free Company (16): Nothing here, I just added them to the list!

Reiksguard Knights (6): ALL assembled, basecoated and looking great. Champion finished.

Pistoliers (6): One finished. 3 assembled. 2 still want arms!

Artillery (2 or 3): Assembled, basecoated with one crew. May add a Volley Gun. Either way, these won't take long!

Huntsmen (5): Another late addition! Just stripped the old paintjobs, so they're assembled and converted and awaiting spray!

Characters (4): One wizard is assembled and basecoated. The other's just been added to the list, still working out how to make him! The BsB will be simple, I may use my limited ed one with a new head. The Elector will be more interesting. Still playing with a few different ideas there.

Wow. It's not that bad, is it? I have uni all day tomorrow and work Wednesday. In the evenings, I plan to get all the unassembled stuff (30 odd infantry, a few handgunners, 2 pistoliers) glued, sanded, sprayed and basecoated.

Thursday will be a painting frenzy, attempting to highlight the entire army in one day! This sounds crazy, but really ain't that bad, if I get a good production line happening. That and I won't sleep until they're done.

Friday will be a bit special. I'm reserving the whole day, apart from one tutorial in the morning, for painting characters and banners. These need to really look great if I'm to stand a chance at Best Army. I hope I get enough sleep! Friday evening my lovely girlfriend has gotten tickets to the theatre. I hope I'll be finished and able to enjoy it. If not, early night and then a 5 am start tends to get better results than an all nighter, in my experience.

Then there's the display base. Hopefully I'll get the stuff tomorrow or Wednesday, sand it overnight, spray, and drybrush. At this stage, it looks like it will be mostly sand, with dead Orcs and Empire, and maybe a wrecked gun a la Tim's half-pike unit (love it!). I have some old War Wagon and STank bits too...(heh, there's what to do with a War Wagon). IF ANYONE HAS ANY IDEAS, DO TELL!

No piccies today, as everything's looking really brown. When the Pistoliers are all glued, I'll take some, as I'm really happy with the conversions!

Cheers,

Eden
Title: Grand Tournament Diary (NEW Pikemen and Wizard Pictures!)
Post by: Graf von Carroburg on May 24, 2005, 01:43:47 PM
REIKSMARSHALL'S LOG. Tuesday, May 24, in the 2005th year of our lord Sigmar. Three days until the GT.

Today I mooted. For those unfamiliar with this law school tradition, think debating with a tie, a whole lot of anxiety and three judges who can and do talk back. Then I went to see Henry Rollins. For those unfamiliar, lead singer of punk (?) band Black Flag now doing hilarious and witty stand up.

The common thread? Neither of these things made my army one iota more painted. Ahem.

Oblivion is approaching....I may just start painting when I get home tomorrow night and not stop til I'm done.

Cheers,

Eden
Title: Grand Tournament Diary (NEW Pikemen and Wizard Pictures!)
Post by: st1v xtr1m on May 24, 2005, 09:36:50 PM
i'm just SOO bewildered with the amount of devotion seen here, but i can't help wondering... WHY ON EARTH DIDN'T YOU START SOONER?? ;)
Title: Grand Tournament Diary (NEW Pikemen and Wizard Pictures!)
Post by: The Village Idiot on May 24, 2005, 09:47:10 PM
Paint!!!

The Village Idiot
Getting worried.
Title: Grand Tournament Diary (NEW Pikemen and Wizard Pictures!)
Post by: cisse on May 25, 2005, 12:04:53 AM
Quote from: st1v xtr1m
...but i can't help wondering... WHY ON EARTH DIDN'T YOU START SOONER?? ;)

That's what I'm asking myself every time I have to work all night long when I have to do an exam or presentation the next day. I always thought I'd grow out of doing everything last minute, but I don't. :wink:
Title: Grand Tournament Diary (NEW Pikemen and Wizard Pictures!)
Post by: Senor D on May 25, 2005, 06:30:50 PM
Go man go!

And take more pictures!
Title: Grand Tournament Diary (NEW Pikemen and Wizard Pictures!)
Post by: Graf von Carroburg on May 25, 2005, 11:49:12 PM
Ha, well, I tend to do EVERYTHING last moment...and was backed up with a lot of assignment work. Then I found I had to fly to Melbourne for a couple of days for a job interview (think about as far as Boston to New York, maybe?).

So, I've been charging hard but yeah.

Probably the scariest moment of the whole ordeal this morning, when I woke up after finally a full night's sleep raring to go, to find that there was NO POWER! Yeah, a brown-out (not quite a blackout). A tense hour or so before it came back on...no TV to distract me. Scarcely enough power to make coffee.

Yeah. We're all good now, and I've been assembling free company by the light coming through the window.

Tell me, does this sound reasonable? I don't want to use FC models, cos they're too rabble for my disciplined Reiklanders. So, I have converted swordsmen with no shields, and a parrying dagger instead. I've made the dirk from the point of a halberd. The units will be known as "The Carroburg Fencing Society" - all the swordsmen wannabes who couldn't make it into the regulars.

Would this count as WYSIWIG? As they're clearly NOT swordsmen, as they lack shields.

Cheers,

Eden
Title: Grand Tournament Diary (NEW Pikemen and Wizard Pictures!)
Post by: Graf von Carroburg on May 25, 2005, 11:53:03 PM
Did I just use the word "rabble" as an adjective? Maybe I do need more sleep.

-Eden
Title: Grand Tournament Diary (NEW Pikemen and Wizard Pictures!)
Post by: Border Prince on May 26, 2005, 12:02:11 AM
Quote
Today I mooted

You poor chap, but that's what you get for studying law out in Australia, and then you have to deal with having some very clever judges (much better than in other places in my [English] opinion). Still think of it like this, the act of mooting is considerably easier than judging/running one of the accursed things.

I'd have no problem with the swordsmen, I've seen it done with Averland free company and it works well.

What you've done looks great, no idea whether you'll have the chance to do something like this again once the horrific legal world ensnares you...
Title: Grand Tournament Diary (NEW Pikemen and Wizard Pictures!)
Post by: rufus sparkfire on May 26, 2005, 10:00:35 AM
Quote from: Graf von Carroburg

I don't want to use FC models, cos they're too rabble for my disciplined Reiklanders. So, I have converted swordsmen with no shields, and a parrying dagger instead. I've made the dirk from the point of a halberd. The units will be known as "The Carroburg Fencing Society" - all the swordsmen wannabes who couldn't make it into the regulars.


That sounds like an excellent solution. I can't see that anyone would have a problem with that.

I'm looking forward to seeing pictures of the finished army.
Title: Grand Tournament Diary (NEW Pikemen and Wizard Pictures!)
Post by: Karl Schimmelfennig on May 26, 2005, 10:05:27 AM
Quote from: Graf von Carroburg
Probably the scariest moment of the whole ordeal this morning, when I woke up after finally a full night's sleep raring to go, to find that there was NO POWER! Yeah, a brown-out (not quite a blackout). A tense hour or so before it came back on...no TV to distract me. Scarcely enough power to make coffee.


Score one for Energex hey?

*Mutters something about Peter Beattie - goddamned media tart that he is*
Title: Grand Tournament Diary (NEW Pikemen and Wizard Pictures!)
Post by: Graf von Carroburg on May 26, 2005, 04:20:10 PM
Quote from: rufus sparkfire

I'm looking forward to seeing pictures of the finished army.


Not nearly as much as I am to being able to take them, Rufus!

Wow. Well, nearing the hour of reckoning. It's 2am Friday morning, and I've been going damn hard for the past several hours. But, what with power outages and such (Peter Beattie is our premier, in case anyone was wondering, power being a State government affair here) things are behind.

Just how much? Well, a list of things still to do:

*Final highlights on 20 pikemen. Build and paint (eek!) another 15 (or drop some out).
*All highlights on 8 Free Company. Build another 8 and paint them and 8 more. OR, drop some FCs for swordsmen - more points and no conversion.
*Paint 5 Pistoliers.
*Highlight 5 Reiksguard.
*Highlight 8 Greatswords.
*Highlight 8 Handgunners, paint 8 more.
*Build and paint one cannon crew.
*Paint 5 Huntsmen.
*Convert a General and BsB, paint them and my Warrior Priest, and highlight my Wizard.

*Paint 5 Banners.
*Sand and paint display base.

It sounds worse than it is. But it ain't good. Thinking of dropping quite a few infantry for a Volley Gun. Not as good, IMHO, but quicker to paint!

Otherwise, crossing my fingers, praying to Sigmar (my Warrior Priest is SO COOL! Made from plastics and an old 40K Chaos Sorceror. Really!) and getting some sleep!

Cheers,

Eden
"God's on the side of the big batallions." - Bismarck
Title: Grand Tournament Diary (NEW Pikemen and Wizard Pictures!)
Post by: Graf von Carroburg on May 29, 2005, 07:57:59 AM
Ohmy. Not the ending I was hoping for at all. It was a valiant and stupefying effort, cut short only by fickle fate. What happened, you all ask?

My back. Now, I generally have brilliant physical health, but some combination of bad chairs at work and hunching over a painting desk for 48 hours or so at a time took it's toll. In short, I was rendered scarcely able to walk, and definately unable to paint, and had to withdraw on the eve of the competition. Not what I was hoping for AT ALL.

But, them's the breaks. Should get my cash back, and am consoling myself with the thought of a brand spanking new regiment box right there (though, I am dabbling with heresy, which is to say doing some work on my Vamp Counts, now that I have a virtually finished tournament army. And the sight of another Empire soldier makes me want to cry, also).

So, I am recuperating, and will be back in the saddle presently to do those final touch-ups, banners etc, after which I'm hoping my good man Imperialforge will grant me a spot in the gallery. Well, that was what he said some time back when I posted the first piccies so, fingers crossed. I plan to go to the Sydney Grand Tournament, which is the real big event of the Australian calendar, so we'll see how it goes.

Thank-you all for your invaluable support, special props to Tim for spiritual guidance (I would have killed to only have bases left to do by the last night!!) and Rufus and the rest!

Cheers,

Eden
"Missed it by that much!!" - Maxwell Smart, Agent 86
Title: Grand Tournament Diary (NEW Pikemen and Wizard Pictures!)
Post by: Melvin the Melvin on May 29, 2005, 11:53:21 AM
Well, better luck next time. It was still a very impressive effort and you ended up with a lot of awesomely painted models.
Title: Grand Tournament Diary (NEW Pikemen and Wizard Pictures!)
Post by: Karl Schimmelfennig on May 29, 2005, 12:52:35 PM
Damn, that sucks. I know the feeling though - I absolutely rooted my back after an all-night painting session about three months ago, took me 3 physio appointments before it decided to start working properly again.

But hey, as others have said - you did manage to get a lot of fantastically painted models out of it. I'd be very keen to see your army in the gallery once you've got all pictures taken.

Best of luck down in Sydney too - no doubt you'll fly the Maroon and Empire flags high.  :-D
Title: Grand Tournament Diary (NEW Pikemen and Wizard Pictures!)
Post by: PLAY4FUN on May 29, 2005, 01:27:58 PM
Graf von Carroburg wrote:

Quote
Ohmy. Not the ending I was hoping for at all.


Sadly, life's like that sometimes. Hopefully the fact that you have most of a new army ready to go is some consolation.  I've enjoyed reading the posts and picked up a great new idea for FC (the best ideas, like this one,  always provoke the response "that's obvious now - why didn't I see it before?").

Anyway, thanks for all the posts.  They've been entertaining to read and I look forward to seeing pictures in the gallery.
Title: Grand Tournament Diary (NEW Pikemen and Wizard Pictures!)
Post by: CM Dante on May 29, 2005, 01:32:11 PM
Great to see some progress here. ~I've not been able to check back much because my other computer won't work right, but its good to see your getting on with it.

Keep up the good work!

Cheers,

Dante
Title: Grand Tournament Diary (NEW Pikemen and Wizard Pictures!)
Post by: The Village Idiot on May 29, 2005, 01:43:57 PM
Well, I do hope you feel better. Maybe looking at all those troops in formation will help? If you were not such a good painter, you probably could have finished...but quality takes time...more time than you had.

Get well soon!

The Village Idiot
Now worrying about how little time I have to finish MY new army...
Title: Grand Tournament Diary (NEW Pikemen and Wizard Pictures!)
Post by: rufus sparkfire on May 29, 2005, 07:35:09 PM
Wow, that's a real shame.  :(
Title: Grand Tournament Diary (NEW Pikemen and Wizard Pictures!)
Post by: GT on May 29, 2005, 11:55:06 PM
Bad luck on the back - I can relate.

I got lucky and managed to get away from family commitments on the Sunday and got in 3 games as the bye buster.

FWIW Lorne Gibson won.

Quote from: Graf von Carroburg
Sydney Grand Tournament, which is the real big event of the Australian calendar


You really need to get out to tournament more Eden, because you are sorely deluded to even consider an event which only attracted 38 players as the real big event of the calendar.

Your red shirt past is influencing your opinions ;)

Cheers,

GT
tDoW
Title: Grand Tournament Diary (NEW Pikemen and Wizard Pictures!)
Post by: Necros on May 30, 2005, 04:51:12 AM
awesome job! Your metals almost look like real chrome.. how did you do that? or is it just something from the camera's flash?
Title: Grand Tournament Diary (NEW Pikemen and Wizard Pictures!)
Post by: Graf von Carroburg on May 31, 2005, 11:30:35 AM
Wow! Thanks for the kind remarks all!!

In some sort of reverse order...(cos it reads easier that way...)

Necros: When I highlight, I use a several coats of Mithril Silver over the top of each other in a sharp line to get a really clean finish. Purity Seal over the top adds a sheen. Also, and this is the freaky bit, you can actually follow the light when highlighting metal. I have a halogen desk lamp, so if you look for the bits that reflect and add extra highlights, it looks quite nice. I learn this painting the pods on Space Marine Backpacks.

GT: Is that so? I thought it got like 60! Silly me...how about Komplete Fanatic and ConVic? They're both soonish. And, I've been a non-reshirt for at least a year now....it was the always getting killed when I went out with an away team that got me... 8)

BTW, you got your ticket refunded no problem right?

Sir Idiot: 55 days! Get there son! Seriously...55 hours and you can do it, with these essentials:

*Good music - nothing too calming, it puts you to sleep. Nothing too exciting, you sorta bug out and your heartbeat quickens and your hands shake....

*Plenty of food and liquids - caffeine is good if used right. Small amounts consistently for the first few hours, to condition your body to being awake. Plenty of water. Fruit is good, if you don't get solids you will start to weaken. The standard gamer's junk food, tempting as it is, will also make you lethargic after time.

*Planning! - This is what would have gotten me if my back didn't, I fear. There were a few details, colours for banners, that sort of thing, that I hadn't planned out. You cannot do these on the spur of the moment well without good luck (I've had it before two successive Golden Demons, freehanding nifty banners in record time. It seems to have run out). Likewise, anything that needs drying time, such as sand on bases (I always do mine before I undercoat. The spray both basecoats it, and sticks it down better).

*Assembly - Always takes far longer than you think it will. Do all of it before you start painting anything. It can't be rushed or fudged. Even little things - the points I am attaching to my pikes - take time, and plenty of it.

*Cutting corners - Know where you CAN fudge it if pressed. Paint units that have only one rank, or skirmishers, or detachments BEFORE doing the back ranks of those bus formations. They can be drybrushed.

Hope this helps, much I'm sure will be obvious. But...yeah. It should have been obvious to me too, but the ordeal revealed much to these eyes...

What would y'all say to a Workshop article on speed painting?

Karl: Cheers mate. QUEENSLANDER! And, my units even have maroon (well, Red Gore) banners. To all you statesiders and others, maroon is our state colour, and most importantly, our football team's colour!

Incidentally, do I know you? What's your real name?

Cheers to everyone!

--Eden
Hehe, this text is small. And I am scraping the bottom of the barrel.
Title: Grand Tournament Diary (NEW Pikemen and Wizard Pictures!)
Post by: Karl Schimmelfennig on May 31, 2005, 11:47:08 AM
My real name is Paul Dawson. I don't recall meeting anyone called Eden, although if you've ever worked at GW Chermside I've probably seen you there before, every couple of weeks as I mosey on in for supplies.
Title: Grand Tournament Diary (NEW Pikemen and Wizard Pictures!)
Post by: GT on June 01, 2005, 02:28:23 AM
Quote from: Graf von Carroburg
GT: Is that so? I thought it got like 60!


Nope only 38 - I was one of the silly buggers who flew interstate to attend as well.  Brisbane GT this year only had 25 players finish the event on Sunday.

If you want big in Warhammer events in Australia then Dogcon is your answer.  This year there were 82 players.

Quote from: Graf von Carroburg
Silly me...how about Komplete Fanatic and ConVic? They're both soonish.


KF had 40 players last year.  Con-Vic has 33 players so far with another 20 or so interested parties according to their website.

Quote from: Graf von Carroburg
And, I've been a non-reshirt for at least a year now....it was the always getting killed when I went out with an away team that got me... 8)


:)

Quote from: Graf von Carroburg
BTW, you got your ticket refunded no problem right?


Yep no dramas, I saw Flo and he fixed it up for me.  I don't think you will have too many dramas.

Cheers,

GT
tDoW
Title: Grand Tournament Diary (NEW Pikemen and Wizard Pictures!)
Post by: Skywise on June 04, 2005, 08:36:37 PM
hey man good work,
but how did you do the tops of hte pikes (you know the sharp stuff)
cause i'm planning to do some myself but i didn't found a good way to finish off the tops of rod
Title: Grand Tournament Diary (NEW Pikemen and Wizard Pictures!)
Post by: Graf von Carroburg on June 07, 2005, 09:28:07 AM
Ooh...that sounds a little naughty doesn't it?

They're actually points cut from 40K Chaos spiky bits sprues and drilled out. Cheap, consistent and easy.

Have been taking a break from Warhammer due to exams, so the army's not quite finalised yet. But, it really will be soon!

Cheers,

Eden