The Difference Oils Make

These models have had a single pin wash of oils at this point. Despite that, I thought it was worth sharing, since it shows how big a difference such a little thing can make. I think I could probably get these on the table at this point, but there are a few more stages that will make them look better. The next step, chipping, will be as big a leap forward. Once the models are covered in chips, a second layer of oils will be added. The final step is weathering powders. I love using powders and usually can't wait to get them on the model, but they really need to go on last.

I know SDKFZ 251s are not great in the game, but I think they add a huge flavor to the tabletop. With these guys coming to completion, I'll finally have an enemy for my Soviet and American forces.

Army Color Pallet

Today I finally got to see what the finished army will look like. Even though the vehicles are still in their base coats, and only a few bases are done, I can see how the color pallet works. I am pleased. If I keep up at this pace, I'll have the whole army done Friday, which means I can paint up some Fantasy miniatures for Age of Sigmar.

Age of Sigmar.

From what I see I like it. The rules are short and sweet, with complexity built into the war scrolls. Free rules and war scrolls also appeal. If the game is as fun as I think it is going to be, then you'll start seeing some high fantasy miniature painting show up on here.

Bolt Action German Medium Howitzer For Historicon Force

My late ware German force continues to grow. This time it is two medium machine gun teams, one medium howitzer, and an assortment of guys to ride in my SDKFZ 251s. (weird german tracked troop transport) I really cranked these out, and the lack of subtle blending is fairly prominent. Despite that, I am really enjoying these. I like painting them, and I think they look pretty good. This is almost gestural painting, which is very relaxing. A few minor touchups, and it is time for me to move onto the vehicles for the force. Then I get to have fun with basing. I really think these guys need some pastel red on their bases, so brick rubble might end up the default basing. A much faster way to base would be to go with brown muddy earth with pockets of flowers and plants. I like the idea of pairing these bastions of evil with something beautiful like a patch of flowers.

I had planned to jump into my 40k army project after these guys are done, but Age of Sigmar might derail that. I read the rules and really like them. I wish GW had gone for alternating activation, but having random player order for each game turn is an ok compromise.

German Heer Awaiting Bases

I finished the last batch of German soldiers this afternoon. I'll take close up photos once I have bases on them. For now, it is just nice seeing them all together as a platoon. I am hoping that between this box, and the Pioneer box, that I don't need to paint any more German infantry. When the vehicles for this force are completed I should have enough models to play a wide variety of games. This platoon will play far differently than my early war platoon given the inclusion of assault rifles and panzerfausts.

German Infantry Platoon WIP

I began painting this platoon for another one of our Big Bolt Action Games, but I had forgotten about a mini-camping trip my wife had planned. Given that, there is no need to paint at blistering speed. I can slow down and take my time with the last batch of germans to the right of the completed bunch. However on the off chance it rains this weekend, I think might press on, and completed the army. It would be nice to have a new force for Historicon.

How shall I base these guys? Should I go damp earth with fall colored fallen leaves? Should I bases them on wet mud? Should I try to make ruined city bases for them. That would lighten the base providing contrast, as well as allow me to add little splashes of urban debris such as as bricks and wood. I suppose a basing bake off is in the making.

Late War German Soldier For Bolt Action Test

I usually paint a test mini before I dive right in lay down paint on 60+ miniatures, however today I jumped. The fun part after the jump, was figuring out how to add depth and highlights to the Vallejo German Uniform base coat. Enter Secret Weapon Storm Cloud wash. The coverage was good, the tint was good, and I am very happy with the result. It is fast and easy, and will allow me to rapidly paint up a late war force for our gaming group to experiment with.

1. GW Black Basecoat
2. Vallejo German Uniform
3. Secret Weapon Storm Cloud Wash
4. Vallejo German Uniform
5. Vallejo German Uniform + Vallejo Green Grey (white-ish) 70971

Bolt Action WIP Shots

I've had these two German Desert Afrika Korps vehicles in my painting queue for quite some time, and decided to dust them off and get them painted yesterday. The open topped bus looking thing is an Sd.Kfz. 7 half-track. I've been waiting to try dust effects on a windscreen for a long time, and finally had the opportunity with this model. Unfortunately the windshield wipers on the model are so small that they would be almost useless. Despite this I gave it a shot. The recipe is simple. Mask off the area that should be clean, and just apply matte varnish to the area you want to appear dusty. Simple and fun.

The Horch anti-aircraft truck currently lacks a turret, but so far it looks like it might be the stand out model of the pair.

Neither of these models will figure in our huge Sunday game, but I am happy to add them to the DAK stable for future use.

What's On The Painting Table

Sometimes what's on the painting table is amusing. I have nearly finished Sons of Orar for the NOVA Charitable Foundation army raffle, Palm trees for our big Bolt Action game, and cows. Clearly I don't know how to paint cows, but eventually they will look good enough to use in one of our Normandy games.