On the Workbench [January] - Pt. 2 Inner Circle Companions

 

Greetings and welcome back!  I don't believe I ever posted the build of the three Dark Angels Inner Circle Companions that came in the launch box with Lion'el Jonson. Well, that was three models and a full squad can be six.  That's well and good, and I'd probably have stayed with the three models, except that the kit builds two variants of each model.  So, the collector in me was nonplussed that I had only half the available variants.

So I had the occasion to fix that yesterday, as I made a trip to meet a friend at a local FLGS that opened last year in the area. I did not intend to pick up anything as regular reader may have become aware that I am fully stocked on plastic soldiers - most in bad need of some paint. However, one does wish to support the local economy AND the typically struggling FLGSs.  So I HAD to pick up a box of the Inner Circle Companions to complete the collection.  The three once missing poses are shown above.

These models are just fantastic - particularly if you find yourself with a multi-decade love for the faction as I do. So, 'nuff said on that.  I will look forward to putting paint on this squad at some point. I may take that on sooner rather than later to get back into shape for painting Asmodai, Belial and the Lion. Say what you will about crossing the rubicon, but it sure is great to finally have decent sculpts and scale models for the faction.

And I haven't stopped painting.  Above are a set of the latest tiny Sicaran variants for Legions Imperialis.  I'll hopefully have something further along to share by the end of the week. It's still a pleasure to put colors on these tiny tanks.

What's on your workbench?

Cheers and Happy Gaming!

On the Workbench [January] - Dark Angels Desolation Squad

 

 Greetings and welcome back.

While continuing my painting break, I have continued to look at my collection and choose a few kits to build.  I finished the launch box of Mechanicum for Legions Imperialis and so have a box and a half of those models assembled and ready for paint one day.  I have some of the Dark Mechanicum models now too, but they are still in boxes while I patiently await the Battle Foam trays. I got email that they were available, but the new trays are absent from the sight...so not sure what's up there.  I assume they'll be available very soon.

So I decided to put this Desolation squad together to one dayget painted up for my Dark ANgels collection.  Now, 40K is totally over the top in terms of larger than life stuff, right?  So I shouldn't be surprised here, but these fellas look very, very odd.  I've had just about given up on building them.  However, after building the equally odd Primaris Invictor Tactical Warsuit, which I had also given up on, I decided I might as well go all in. I mean, I went to the trouble of collecting the models so...?

Anyway, here they are. Everything looks better in Dark Angels green and these models are starting to grow on me. I especially enjoy the sergeant's pose.  The models were upgraded with Dark Angels fetishes and shoulder pads, and the Sergeant got a helmet form the Dark Angels accessory sprue as well.

I'm not sure when they'll get paint on them, so for now they go in the bin with the rest of the unpainted stuff. I need to go back to the Lion and I'd love to finish up some more Bladeguard and the new Deathwing Knights and Inner Circle Companions. So this squad has a ways to go before it rises up the priority list.

So that's that for recent builds.  I might go back to painting tiny First Legion stuff for Legions Imperialis. I'm still sorting numbness and some weakness in painty hand and need something straight forward without a lot of fine detail...maybe tiny stuff seems ironic based on that.  However, the vehicles at least are mostly sprayed and dry-brushed.  The tracks, weapons, and other minor details are small areas and I don't think they'll pose too many challenges.  I guess I'll soon see. 

I hope your projects are going well as we cut unto the New Year. I've been enjoying some great hobby content out there.

Cheers and Happy Gaming!

Happy New Year 2025!

Wishing you the best for the new year.  May you enjoy many hobby projects, win a few games, and generally chart an even course through 2025.

 

I took a painting break at the end of the year and instead turned my attention to building tiny Mechanicum models for Legions Imperialis. I didn't' feel I was up to my best for painting the Lion as I work through a nerve impingement issue in my dominant painty hand.

No worries though, I'll get this resolved and be back at it as soon as possible.

Cheers and Happy Gaming!!

Lion'el Jonson WIP - The beginning

 

Greetings!

Not a lot to share today, other than evidence that I have embarked on a project to paint up the Primarch of the Dark Angels this month. So far, I have just started by layering on a few base coats to get started and block out the overall look.  I'm referring to the box art here, but painting with Pro Acryl paints from Monument Hobbies.

I started things off with a base coat of flat black from a rattle can.  I'm having issues using the air brush with any decent primer.  Just continues to clog and be generally fussy.  I should probably accept that I can prime with other paints and not get hung up on using a primer.  but OK, I'm hung up on that. 😁 And I recognize that while there can be issues, this is largely user error and something I can continue to work on.

I fear it's going to be slow going, but we'll see. I've been trying to correct and heal up a pinched/impacted ulnar nerve in my right shoulder/arm. It's been a minor annoyance for six months or so while I've sought physical therapy and chiropractic help. But last week I moved into a phase where I have reduced strength in my hand - which happens to be my dominant and most painty hand.  So that's put a damper on things in the short term.

So more appts for me this week and we'll see where I get. Blocking in the big colors here has not been too hard. But I'm not sure I'll have the dexterity for fine work. If it becomes an issue, I'll put this aside and build more tiny Mechanicum - assuming I can still manage the clippers.😂 It is what it is and I've plenty of projects here to work on!

Stay safe, stay healthy.

Cheers and Happy Gaming!

On the Workbench [December] - The Lion and the Mechanicum

 

Well, setting up for December, I put together The Lion. Lots of sub assemblies so I can get at everything. I feel like I've done enough on the dark Angels for 40K that they need their Primarch now that he is back among the living.

In addition, I have built a small Machanicum force from eBay while I waited for my pre-order from a local game store to arrive. I would have waited for the pre-order, but experience with the rules says I need a few bits more than the basic box to make a viable force...for all the games I likely won't play since I have not opponents currently...no worries though.  Have models will find gamers!

At the time of publishing this article, I have the pre-order.  So there will be plenty more Mechanicum forces to come. It will take some time to assemble them though.  Wow, are some of the models fiddly!! I mean at this point, I've been assembling various scale GW models since the 90's..and yes, they are fiddly. :)

Stay tuned for some Primarch goodness... I need to get paint on The Lion before the new year! Merry Xmas!!

Cheers and happy Gaming!