Really happy with this model. I won’t bang on too much about it. I think its configuration is totally impractical in game terms, but damn it looks cool

In case anyone is interested…

Here’s an excerpt:

The Louvre Museum has 8.5 million visitors per year. This blog was viewed about 130,000 times in 2013. If it were an exhibit at the Louvre Museum, it would take about 6 days for that many people to see it.

Click here to see the complete report.

Such a great model.  Major pain in the ass to assemble though.  I assembled mine with the landing gear up too.  When the landing gear is down, it sort of reminds me of a chicken flying.  You know, because they don’t actually fly, they have to leave their feet down?  Anyway, I much rather the look of it with the gear up.  Looks like a predator.  It does make it super hard to transport though.

Apologies about the picture too.  My light box that I photograph most of my models in, isn’t that great at larger models like this.  I think you get the gist though.  It’s pretty amazing on the board too.  It owns the sky, and can take a real beating and keep going.

I’ve since replaced the GW flying stand with a clear piece of rod.  I can’t stand the GW flying stand.  WTF were they thinking?!?!

My World Eaters force is really getting some colour to it now.  I’ve got Angron, Terminators, Spartan, Contemptor Dreadnought, the Storm Eagle, Rampagers and one more unit… to come in the next post…

Thanks for dropping in

John

So, if you want to smoke a whole bunch of marines quickly from afar what do you use?  Plasma cannons.

For those that follow this blog regularly will know that I’m doing both a Loyalist and Traitor World Eaters army.  To distinguish between the two forces, the Loyalists will all be in Mk 4 armour, while the Traitors will be all in Mk 2 armour.  So these guys are Loyalists.

I’ve actually got the rest of the 2000pt Loyalist army on the painting table at the moment, so with any luck I’ll have a few more posts coming up shortly with the rest of these heavy hitters.  It’d be nice to be able to field 2000pts of World Eaters marines.  Mostly infantry too.  I really like marines in 30k.  In fact, I prefer to play 30k these days more than 40k.  Much more interesting game.

I actually used these guys a little while ago in a game.  A squad of Terminators teleported just near them.  The Terminators didn’t move when they deployed (ran in the shooting phase) so were very closely grouped together.  Next turn, these guys smoked them to a man.  Nice.

Ok, thats it for now, until next time

John

Well, I’ve been promising one for some time.  Today is the day that it finally arrives!  A 1,000 point 30k game between the traitorous World Eaters against the brutal Iron Hands.

So some background.

On New Years day I got a call from a good friend of mine.  He lives in Townsville (about 1,600km north of Brisbane).  It turns out he is on holidays at Noosa (about 80km north of Brisbane) and was wondering if he could drop in for a catch up, seeing as he was down this way.  I was thrilled that he’d contacted me and eagerly invited him over.  Keepy is a very accomplished modeller himself having won several painting awards and competitions (one of which I was a judge for)  Below are some of his very impressive models.

As you can see, Keepy is a great painter and his conversions are skilfully executed.   I really like his work.  Hopefully we’ll see some more models from him shortly (hint hint)

If you think Keepy should also have a WordPress blog to share the awesomeness, you can effect a partition and cast your vote below.  I’ll make sure he gets it.

So, knowing that Keepy was heading my way, I asked him if he had an army with him so we could have a game.  Everyone takes an army with them on holiday right?, right?  Sadly he didn’t but he suggested that we have a game of 30k using my World Eaters and Iron Hands.  I thought this was the best idea I’d heard in 2014 (keep in mind it was about 8hrs old at this stage)

With this news, and knowing that Keepy would be about 1 to 1 1/2 hrs way I thought it would be a good idea to document this epic clash for all time in this battle report.  Below is the sorted tale of the clash, names and dates have been altered to protect the innocent.

Disclaimer:

All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

The armies

World Eaters consisted of

HQ

Legion Praetor with an Iron Halo, Paragon Blade, Plasma Pistol and Digital Lasers – Using the Rite of War “Pride of the Legion” (because I don’t yet have painted any actually legitimate Troops choices… )

Elites

Contemptor Dreadnought with two power fists, built in heavy flamers

Troops

Terminator Squad (5) with 4 power fists and a heavy flamer

Rampager Squad (9)

Heavy Support

Heavy Support Squad (5) with 4 plasma cannons

The Iron Hands force consisted of

HQ

Legion Centurion with the Forge Lord Upgrade

Elites

Dreadnought Tallon (2) both with Multi Meltas, power fists and heavy flamers

Troops

Legion Tactical Squad (15)

Legion Tactical Squad (15)

Heavy Support

Heavy support squad (5) with 5 missile launchers

Fast Attack

Legion Javelin Attack Speeder with a Multi Melta

The Battle Field that this epic conflict would be fought over

Being only 1,000pts we oped for a 4 x 4 table.  Being such complex terrain it would give us plenty of opportunities to manoeuvre.

We began the pre game admin, rolling for mission, deployment and warlord traits.  During this phase, my dice rolling luck was true to form.  Rolling three ones in row when determining who got to choose sides, who deployed first, and warlord traits.  (the last one wasn’t so bad though)

So for the mission, we rolled a five (well Keepy did, I could only roll ones, remember)  This mission is an objective mission, each worth three points.  Anyone unit can claim or deny an objective and each enemy unit totally destroyed or broken at the end of the game is worth a VP.  First Blood and Slay the Warlord are in effect too.

For the deployment type, keepy rolled a three.  Search and Destroy.  The map looks like this…

For the World Eaters warlord trait I quite appropriately got Bloody-handed.  This meant my Warlord and any unit he joins cause Fear – nice

The Iron Hands Warlord trait was Void Walker.  The Warlord has Adamantine Will and allows one unit of infantry to deep strike…

We then placed out D3 +2 objectives.  I was in charge of the roll.  Predictably, I rolled a 1.  So we had three objectives to deploy.  When determining who would deploy the first objective, Keepy won the roll off.  Because I rolled a one…

The objectives had to be placed on the ground floor of a building, and 12′ from a table edge and each other.  We had to fudge this a little to get it to work right, but you get the idea.

So, as I mentioned Keepy won the roll for choosing the deployment zone and who deploys first.  Keepy chose the top left corner, so that meant I got the bottom right.  Keepy also chose to go first.  He figured getting the first opportunity to inflict causalities on my small, elite force would be a good plan.

Keepy, as I’d predicted, deployed quite aggressively.  His force had a much larger foot print on the table than mine and he used it to this advantage.  Seeking to dominate the centre of the board to restrict my freedom of movement.  He placed his heavy weapons on top of the Cathedral so he could employ them at maximum range, probably at my heavy weapons.  I was very anxious about the missile launchers.  They had very good observation and fields of fire, and really dominated the ground.  They were my number one high value target.  If I could eliminate them it would mean my units wouldn’t have to worry about being picked off as they moved towards taking the objective in the bottom left hand board.

My scheme of manoeuvre was to secure the objective in my deployment zone with the Terminators and Heavy Weapons.  The heavy weapons would keep his forces at a distance and the Terminators would be used in the close fight if it went pear shaped.  Meanwhile, the Contemptor, Praetor and his Rampagers would move up the flank to secure the unclaimed objective.  I had to watch his dreadnoughts though.  They were both armed with Multi Meltas.  This would spell disaster for my Contemptor if I got too close.  Which was exactly what I was going to have to do at some point.  My only real plan to combat this was to try and separate the two dreadnoughts so that only one could take a shot, and with any luck… miss.

Iron Hands Deployment

Those pesky missile launchers on top of the Cathedral.  Worrying

His Forge Lord guarding the objective, supported by a Tactical Squad

The Heavy Support Squad and Terminators secure the building with their heavy weapons and strong defensive ability. The building providing superior cover and concealment

The Praetor and his Rampagers remain out of sight for the expected first turn barrage.  The Contemptor leading the way up the flank.

I roll to steal the initiative…. miraculously I roll a 6!  The World Eaters seize the initiative and get first turn!  This has really put a spanner in the works for Keepy!

First Turn – World Eaters

Sticking with my plan, I moved the Contemptor up the flank along with the Praetor and his Rampagers.  Due to the Contemptors fleet special rule, I managed to get him a full 12″ up the flank.  Sadly, the Praetor and his Rampagers had to move through some difficult terrain and even with their run, only managed 6″  This got them almost to the other side of the street though.  In the shooting phase, there was really one one thing to do.  Smoke those missile launchers!  The Devastators let rip, wounding four Iron Hands, and killing three.  This then caused a break test… which they failed!  Not only did they fail, but they ran back 10″.  In their panicked state they actually ran off the edge of the Cathedral and the two remaining had to take an impact test.  Amazingly, they both lived!

My shooting phase couldn’t have gone any better if I’d planned it that way.  I was feeling pretty content with myself.  I’d managed to neutralise my number one high value target in the first shooting phase and my out flanking manoeuvre was running smoothly.

First Turn – Iron Hands

The Iron Hands were not worried about their heavy weapons retreating at the surprise attack from the distant building.  They continued their relentless, methodical march towards the objective directly ahead.  After the devastators retreated, the Javelin moved up to take a better look at what caused the casualties.   Spotting the threat they opened up with their twin linked cyclone missile launcher, killing one.  Reading the battlefield, the Tactical squad open up where the enemy devastators are located, but fail to inflict any causalities.  Then the Dreadnought sees an enemy devastator in a window and fires his multi melta, turning one heavy weapon gunner into bubbling pool of ceramite and dissolving, unrecognisable tissue.

The enemy devastators were buoyed by their recent kill of their counterparts and passed their moral test.

The Iron Hands move up to dominate the ground

The Contemptor leads the way up the flank, with the Praetor and his Rampagers closely behind.

Victory Points at the end of Turn one

Iron Hands :- 3  World Eaters :- 3

Second Turn – World Eaters

Again, the Contemptor, along with the Praetor and Rampagers continue their swift out flanking manoeuvre.  This is now beginning to shape the enemies forces.  A distinct split is forming between the two Tactical Squad and Dreadnought battle groups as they go in opposite directions.

The devastators see another high value target present itself in the exact same sport where previously there stood an enemy devastator squad.  Taking their opportunity, they shoot.  Hitting the Javelin in its propulsion system.  Halting the skimmer.

Second Turn – Iron Hands

The implacable advance towards the centre of the board continues.  With both Tactical squads, and one of the Dreadnoughts moving towards the forward objective.  The other Dreadnought, sees an outflanking Contemptor Dreadnought moving through the buildings.  Taking careful aim, he takes his shot.  The shot hits home, however the weapon systems effectiveness is reduced because of the range.  However he’s seen what the treacherous World Eaters are up to now.  He won’t let them succeed at their plan.  The devastators, now regrouped, move up the flank to offer support, they too see the outflanking Contemptor.  They both make snap shots, missing wildly

Tactical Squad 1 open fire again on the enemy devastators, however they inflict no causalities.  Tactical Squad 2 see other, immense figures moving around behind the Devastators and take shots at the brooding Terminator squad.  Their shots bounce of the tactical dreadnought armour.  Despite the crew of the Javelin having no propulsion system, they are still in the fight and take it to the enemy devastators, killing the Sergeant.   Not perturbed, the maddened enemy devastators continue to fight.

The Iron Hands implacable march towards their objective

The World Eaters taking advantage of the cover, and the enemies lack of ranged weapons to move unhindered up the flank.

Victory Points at the end of Turn two

Iron Hands :- 3  World Eaters :- 3

Third Turn – World Eaters

Sensing they need to act, the Terminators move out to face their advancing foe.  Knowing that the Praetor and the Rampagers will be moving up from the flank into striking distance as well.  To support their advance, the two remaining devastators incinerate three enemy line Astartes.  Knowing the trap is now set, the Praetor and his Rampagers also take the opportunity to move up the street within striking distance of the enemies flank.  The Contemptor now knows its time for him to run the gauntlet.  One last advance before he can come to grips with the enemy…

Third Turn – Iron Hands

Now seeing the exact trajectory of the enemy Contemptors maneouve, the ancient Iron Hands Dreadnought moves up to the intersect his route.  He wants to see close up the effect of his multi melta on the berserk World Eater Contemptor.  Seeing the crazed Rampagers, lead by their fearsome Praetor, Tactical Squad 1 plant their feet into the ground, preparing to unleash a fury of disciplined bolter fire on their foe before they can close the gap between them.

Tactical Squad 2 see the hulking Terminators stepping out of the building and advancing towards them.  Not to let the challenge go unheeded, they too brace themselves and prepare to rain unrelenting bolter fire on the traitor filth.  To support his brothers, the Second Dreadnought moves to outflank the traitor Terminator Astartes, knowing that they’ll be able to take some punishment before being brought down.

Waiting until the last moment, the Dreadnought takes a shot at the Contemptor.  However the World Eater, having centuries of experience behind him knew what the old enemy warrior was planning and stepped out of the way at the last second.  Sending the super heated blast of air wide.  The Dreadnought was now virtually defenceless against the Contemptor directly in front of him.

Tactical Squad 1 unleash a fury of bolter fire upon the running madmen Rampagers.  The deafening sound of the bolter fire reverberating off the buildings.  Were it any other foe other than an Astartes, non would have stood after the torrent.  However, these were Astartes, driven mad by the Nails.  Overwhelmed by their desire to close with the Iron Hands, injuries that would cripple even an Astartes, were simply shrugged off.  Only two enemy warriors fell after the storm of bolts.  The Iron Hands prepared to receive the inevitable charge that would now follow…

Over at the objective the Terminators stepped out of the building and were greeted with massed bolter fire from the Iron Hands.  It was like stepping out into a blizzard.  However the tactical dreadnought armour weathered the storm, protecting its occupants.  The outflanking Dreadnought took aim with his multi melta at what appeared to be the Terminator squads leader.  The super heated air dissolved the armour protecting the warrior inside, causing his flesh to bubble, boil and then liquify.

The Javelin opened fire once again in his duel to the death with the enemy devastators, however their cover saved them for what would have otherwise been fatal impacts.

The World Eaters Terminators weather a storm of bolter fire as they move out of the building

The insane Rampagers shrug off mortal wounds so they can get to grip with their foe

Victory Points at the end of Turn three

Iron Hands :- 3  World Eaters :- 3

Fourth Turn – World Eaters

They had all ran the gauntlet and survived.  All what was left to do was for-fill the promise of the Nails and close with the Iron Hands in close combat.  The Contemptor, Praetor, Rampagers and Terminators all move into assault range.  The devastators fired a salvo at the crippled Javelin, however they fail to damage it.

The Contemptor charges at his forsaken enemy.  The enemy dreadnought lets off one last shot with his multi melta before the Contemptor can close in.  The shot hits the Contemptor square in the chest, however in a flurry of blue haze and sparks, the Contemptors Atomantic shielding foils the shot.  The Contemptor grabs his foe with one massive gauntlet, and with the other smashes down into the loyalists sarcophagus.  The fury of the blow is delivered with such force it passes straight through the armoured sarcophagus and into the Dreadnoughts power cell, causing a catastrophic failure.  In a blinding flash the old warrior explodes in a shower of scarcely recognisable fragments.  The World Eater hardly looses any momentum, the buzz of the Nails deafening in his head.  Seeing his next victims across the street, he continues his advance.

The Bloody Handed Praetor’s lets out a blood chilling war cry as he and his Rampagers charge the prone Iron Hands.  The Iron Hands loose their mettle and fail the Fear test.  In the ensuing combat, four of the Iron Hands fall, however still outnumbering their combatants, remain in the fight.

Driven mad by the felling of their squad sergeant, the Terminators charge their assailant.  With preternatural speed, the Terminators easily dodged the clumsy swings of the Dreadnoughts power fist.  With enhanced strength, the Terminators pound the Dreadnought, mercilessly dismembering it.  The power plant fails, exploding so violently it kills one of the World Eater Terminators.  Without so much as a moment to pause at the loss of their brother, the remaining three Terminators move towards the Tactical Squad eager to enact their revenge….

Turn Four – Iron Hands

Having seen the shear violence inflicted by the World Eater Terminators that ended a revered warriors service to the Emperor, the Tactical Squad move into assault range of the foul World Eaters, with the Forge Father adding his weight to the fight.  Meanwhile, the Javelin lets off another salvo at the Devastators.  This time the shots are true, killing the remaining heretics.

The Iron Hands devastators know their fate now.  However in seemingly futile defiance fire a salvo of krak missiles at the insane machine.  The shots hit, however bounce off the impenetrable hide of the blasted Contemptor.

The Tactical squad charge the Terminators.  With blinding anger at killing a servant of the Emperor that had been given the greatest honour by the Machine Cult of Mars, interned in a Dreadnought chassis.  They attack with uncharacteristic ferocity no doubt imbued by the desecration of felling the Dreadnought and the scale of the heretics betrayal.  The traitor Terminators are wiped out in the uncontained rage and fury of the assault from the Iron Hands.

The Praetor and his Rampagers are now fully overcome by the white hot rage of the Nails.  With terrifying ferocity that only insane men can muster, the Iron Hands Squad is butchered to a man.  The Rampagers pausing to collect the skulls of the fallen Iron Hands as trophies worthy of their deeds.  The Praeator breaks off from his Rampagers, ordering them to move up to the objective.  He wants his own trophy, that of the Forge Lords.

Brutal street hand to hand combat

Victory Points at the end of Turn Four

Iron Hands :- 2  World Eaters :- 3

Fifth Turn – World Eaters

The Praetor issues a challenge as he charges towards the Forge Lord and Tactical Squad.  Meant for the Forge Lord, the Tactical Squad Sergeant steps in and accepts instead.  Foolishly wanting to demonstrate his combat prowess while he has the Forge Lords attention.  The Praetor, laughing like a lunatic, accepts and in one stroke, almost imperceptible to the human eye, the Praetor cleaves the Iron Hand Sergeant in half from head to groin.

The Contemptor charges into the doomed Devastators.  In a final act of defiance, the marines let off one more salvo.  One of the krak missiles hits home, glancing off the Contemptors leg.  Not enough though to stop charging behemoth.  The Contemptor picks up the insolent marine, and snaps his spine and throws the rag doll corpse of the Astartes against the wall.  The other Devastator marine fights on.

The Rampagers, resist their urge to kill, and move to take the objective.

Fifth Turn – Iron Hands

Sickened by the sight of seeing their Brother Sergeant cleft in two by the Praetor, the remaining Tactical marines attack in force, many of their number die at the hands of the madman, however in their rage, they inflict several wounds on the butcher.   The Forge Lord fails to land a blow.

The Contemptor, almost annoyed, swipes the final Devastator marine out of his way.   Sending the marine flying across the Cathedral, landing in an indignant, lifeless mockery of ceramite and flesh slumped in the corner.  The Contemptor move towards the Objective.

A die is rolled at the end of turn Five.  The games does not end, continuing for another round.

The Praetor kills at will.  However he is outnumbered and takes several wounds himself.

Victory Points at the end of Turn Five

Iron Hands :- 2  World Eaters :- 7

Sixth Turn – World Eaters

The Praetor lashes out, killing more Iron Hands.  The Forge Lord and the Praetor are now face to face.  In the struggle, the wounded Praetor stumbles.  The Forge Lord sees his chance, and with his cybernetically grafted servo arm, grabs the Praetor and with a sharp snap crushes the life out of the heretic.  Seeing their opportunity the Tactical Marines follow up towards the objective being held by the Rampagers…

Sixth Turn – Iron Hands

It was now do or die for the Iron Hands.  Take the objective being held by the World Eater Rampagers or die trying.  The Iron Hands charge in, killing one Rampager in the initial combat , however the Rampagers wont be shifted so easily.

A die is rolled at the end of turn Six.  The games does not end, continuing for another round.

Victory Points at the end of Turn Six

Iron Hands :- 4  World Eaters :- 8

Seventh Turn – World Eaters

The desperate close combat continues over the third objective.  This time the Rampagers are outnumbered and out classed.  The remnants of the Tactical Squad, bolstered by the Forge Father, bring a heavy toll to the Rampagers.  Killing two.  Outnumbered, and now being outclassed  by superior force, the heretics fail their moral check and break.  They’re unable to make a clean break and are slew by the Iron Hands sweeping advance.   The victorious Iron Hands follow up on the objective and consolidate their position.

Seventh Turn – Iron Hands

The remaining Iron Hands consolidate on the Objective and secure a Draw.

In a desperate last attempt to secure victory, the Iron Hands charge the remaining World Eaters holding the Objective.  Their efforts pay off, they kill two.  The remaining heretics fail their leadership test and are wiped out in the sweeping advance.

Victory Points at the end of Turn Seven

Iron Hands :- 8  World Eaters :- 8

Result :- A Draw!

Final wash up

What an epic game.  Not only did it go for 7 turns, but it also was full of twists and turns no one could have anticipated.  Who would have thought the humble Iron Hands Tactical Squad could have done so much damage?  Finishing off a Terminator Squad, a Praetor & finally the remnants of the Rampagers.  I have to admit, this is one of the things I really love about Horus Hersey games.  The infantryman is king.  Because of the way the points cost are structured, it favours vast infantry armies.  If I had more models painted, I would have taken two 20 man Tactical Squads, each with an apothecary and a Master of the Signal.  Tough as.

The other thing I like about Horus Heresy games is there is no meta game.  There really is only one army list.  It’s vast, and allows all sorts of army types to be produced, however it still is just one list.  That both sides use.  This to me combines my two favourite things in wargaming.  Space Marines and tactics.  Plus the models are simply fantastic.  It is now very clear to me that GW and FW are going after very different markets and producing models to suit.  FW design team reminds me of where GW was 15 yrs ago.  Doing really cool wargaming models, not toys.

So, I hope you’ve enjoyed reading and seeing my first battle report.  It’s been quite an effort to be honest.  So you may not see one for quite some time.  Make the most of it.  I really enjoyed producing this battle report however.  It was also really great fun actually playing the game with Keepy.  It was a good game, and an awesome day.  Thanks mate.

Thanks for dropping in, comments welcome.

John

So this is 2013′s entry into Armies on Parade.  It consisted of a ‘turned’ force of World Eaters space marines, accompanied by their new allies.  Daemons of Khorne.  Specifically, the amazing Blood Thirster made by Forge World and some Bloodletters.

This year GW decided not to have a Games Day in Australia.  So they decided to still do the Armies on Parade competition, however photos of the winning entries from each store would be sent to head office and put up on GW’s website for everyone to vote on.  Yet again I won the store comp but didn’t win the overall comp.  I hope GW decided to have a Games Day for Australia this year.  Even though I live 1,000km away, its well worth the expense and effort to get there.

It was still good to get the shop award though

Thanks for dropping in

John

So I’ve decided to run a 30k tournament.  I’ve actually wanted to run a tournament for some time now however I’ve just not had the time or whatever.  Late last year, around November I think, I decided to just get it started.  One of the reasons it took me so long to get it going in the first place was all the ideas I’ve had bouncing around in my head for a tournament.  It was a little overwhelming.  Then I thought, I really am enjoying 30k, I can keep a 30k tournament manageable size wise, and I’ve pretty much got enough scenery to run a modest sized event.  I didn’t want it to run along the usual tournament formula that we have here where I live.  No disrespect to our tournament scene organisers, TO’s are seriously unsung heros, and endure a lot with little to no thanks or rewards.  So much respect to all the TO’s I know.  I just want my event to run along a different formula.

So basically what I’ve done is put together an event that is something I’d really like to go to myself.  I also wanted to explore a few e-commerce tools I’ve been wanting to use for some time now.  e-commerce intrigues me, and to incorporate what is now available (most of the time free, or very cheaply) to increase efficiencies in the planning, administration and delivery of a tournament was an aspect that interested me too.

So I’ve played in enough tournaments now to know what I like and don’t like about them,

Some of the things I like about attending tournaments is;

• meeting other hobbyist and making new friends – some of the most talented modellers and painters I now count amongst my friends I met through the tournament scene
• getting to show off my army to other players, and have their army shown off to me – there is nothing like two really well painted armies clashing over a tabletop

Some of the things I don’t enjoy about attending tournaments…

• Two day events – a whole weekend of gaming is a bit too much for me to bear
• crappy scenery/tables
• unpainted armies
• I hate to say this, but I’m going to – the 40k meta game.  It’s way beyond a joke now.
• The ‘hobby’ side of our hobby is marginalised/lip service given to.
• Difficult to access for new hobbyists – going to a tourney can be a little scary, and if you go and find there are a lot of WAAC players, crappy scenery, unpainted armies it may put new players off – I really don’t like this.
• Tournaments that are set up to cater for player tournament ranks maintenance

So I’ve spent the last 3 months planning a tournament I’d like to attend.  The Emperors Legions is what I came up with.    It’s a one day, Horus Heresy, 1,000pt, 5 game event that concludes with a meal, a few drinks, a 30k triva quiz and awards ceremony.  It’s limited to 10 players too, and is being held in a quality inner city hotel.  There is a strong emphasis placed on painting, sportsmanship and army composition.  Obviously winning games is important too, however this is not the man focus of this event.  In fact ‘generalship’ makes up only 25% of the overall score.

All the tables are going to consist of high quality scenery.  I’ve got some posts in the pipe line documenting the construction of some new scenery too.  They’ve just not come up yet as I’ve had other things to post.  They’re there, all done, just waiting in the que…. You’ll be in for a pretty big shock when you see what I’ve been working on too!

I’ve put together a 30k triva night too (with some help from a good friend of mine who I call a ’30k scholar’) I wanted to do this so that at the end of the event, all the players can hang around, share a meal together, make some new friends, swap stores of the day, and have a laugh.

I’ve made it 1,000pts so that we can get the event over and done with in a day.  Spending two days wargaming is a pretty big ask for me, and I’m guessing a lot of other people too.  1,000pts is a good size force, but isn’t too difficult to put together either.  So its accessible for new players.  One of the army lists I’ve received for the event already is 11 models!  If you’d like to see how a game of 30k plays out, have a look at my World Eaters v Iron Hands battle report

It’s also been interesting for me actually planning the event and incorporating some of the e-commerce solutions I’ve been wanting to explore.  Currently all tournaments (to the best of my knowledge) are advertised on a local forum.  I really wanted to move away from that and have a stand alone site dedicated to the administration of the tournament.  So it’s been enjoyable learning new skills (Thanks Jen)  and putting these things together.

If this tournament formula is successful, I’ve got some pretty big plans I’d like to see rolled out in subsequent events.  However this one is all about laying the ground work, getting a few of the bigger planning aspects proven.  I’m really excited about it and cant wait to see how it all goes.

So, if you live in Brisbane (or are willing to travel for the day) head on over to The Emperors Legions, download the players pack and register (there are only a few spots left though) Also, go like the Facebook page too.  You’ll be able to see plenty of pics of the day when it rolls up if you don’t live nearby.  If you just want to come and look, you’re more that welcome too!  If the painting standards of the current attendees is anything to go by, you’ll be seeing some of the best 30k armies on the planet (and scenery too)

Thanks for dropping in

John

So, that time of the year has rolled around again where I’ve made the epic journey upto Townsville for the annual ADFWGA fund raiser.  Do you remember last years post?

I’ve not really participated in that many tournaments in 2013, in fact, I’ve not even played that many games.  I’m more about 30k or social playing 40k these days.  However, the ADFWGA put on a great show, and its for a very good cause.  This year the 40k tournament was 1750pts and I took my Iron Hands.  I didn’t use the new mini dex however.

I also ran the painting workshop, which this year was focused on batch painting.  I believe we raised $500.  Also, one of the guys who attended won an airbrush set up in the raffle at the end of the comp!

So I’ll let the pictures do the talking…

So all the models and paint for the painting tutorial were generously donated by Battle station Ipswich.  Roughly about $700 worth.  Extremely generous

The painting workshop in full swing.  There were many skill levels and painting backgrounds represented.  Everyone learned some new skills and had a good time.  It was a seriously long day though.  I was exhausted! Having only gotten back from my trip to Europe 3 day prior didn’t help either… Next year I’ll stick to painting sides of tanks!

The calm before the storm.  One thing I really like about the ADFWGA comps is how well they are organised.  They are by far and away the bench mark for tournaments in Australia.  No other events even come close to touching these comps.  

The scenery is always very high quality too.  The tables have a great admin area on them to put your army, books etc.  They even have a table to follow so you dont forget any pre-game admin, like warlord traits etc.  Very helpful, especially for people like me who don’t play that often anymore…

As usual, the armies are all really interesting and high quality.  This one was one of the more interesting ones.  Its and Eldar Exodite army.  Tones of converting and custom work were put into this army to get it looking right.  Not only that, but the paint job was excellent too.  Sadly the owner didn’t manage to get it finished in time, so they were ineligible for a prize etc.  Pity.  Pardon my crappy iPhone photos.

This was an army I actually played against.  I was really impressed with the paint job.  It was well thought out and skilfully executed.  I was genuinely shocked that it didn’t get a better painting score, or even a place for that matter.

Lots of nice blending and freehand work.  But yeah, Eldar.  My least favourite army to play against…

So overall I came 6th.  Which I was seriously surprised at.  I only won two games, and drew the other three.  My army list was just a very basic marine one.  I did however have A LOT of stand off fire power.  Which worked quite well actually, however I didn’t really have anything that could deliver the killing blow.  No heavy hitters that could get up into the enemies grill.

The Iron Hands also got second place for the painting comp too.  Which again, seriously surprised me.  The Iron Hands are quite an old army now, and I’ve come along way technically and creatively since I first painted them.  So to get that sort of score was pretty overwhelming.  I wish I’d actually taken the World Eaters and played them as CSM.  But I just didn’t have the time to paint what I wanted… And my Iron Hands army is MASSIVE, so lots of different choices available to me.

So overall the weekend was a great success.  The ADFWGA raised over $12,000 for Soldier on and many good games were had.  A big improvement on last years efforts, raising $10,000.

Next stop, the ANZAC Cup in April

John

I’ve been waiting to tell you all about this for the LONGEST time.  Earlier this year I actually acquired an unassembled (mostly) and unpainted Anphelion Base.  For those of you that don’t know, the Anphelion Base was an extremely ambitious piece of 40k terrain that Forge World made to accompany Imperial Armour IV  - The Amphelion Project.  These kits are very very rare.  When they were released back in the early 2000′s they were over $1,500AUD to buy, and were notoriously difficult to assemble (this one lived up to that reputation)  When I say difficult to assemble, what I mean is, during assembly, most of the time you feel like smashing it to little pieces using a hammer.

So my idea for the base was to make a table that represented some sort of abandoned Adeptus Mechanicus research station, with an entrance to an underground laboratory just nearby.  I’ve been wanting to use the Forge World Imperial Strong Point  I painted for my Carcharodons for some time.  This seemed like the perfect opportunity.  It will act as the entrance to the subterranean laboratory.

Now, this series of blog post is going to be slightly different from my usual ones.  I’m actually going to include work in progress photos along with commentary.  I’m doing this for two reasons.  The first one is this is such an awesome model, I want you all to be able to live vicariously through this blog during the assembly of this amazing model.  The second reason is, I’ve not found many comprehensive blog post on the inter-webs on this model.  I’ve seen a few pics of other modellers here and there, but no ‘this is how I built and painted the Anphelion Base’.  So, in the interests of prosperity, I’ve taken it upon myself to provide the inter-webs with just such a post.

The first step is to get the layout how I wanted it.  One thing I knew about this kit is that 1.  It was going to be mounted on MDF (Craft wood) and 2.  I was going to have to make molds of certain parts because with what I had, I couldn’t make the layout I wanted.

Lets start with the MDF base.  One thing that really irritates me about scenery mounted on MDF is the lip.  The base for the building or whatever gets cut out of MDF and thats it, just  really harsh shoulder between the board and the model base.  I didn’t want my piece to have this issue, I wanted to make sure that the edge of the MDF was made more into a ramp so that minis can balance properly, and its aesthetically  pleasing on the table.

The first thing I did was draw outlines of all the various modules of the base on to MDF.  This included the ‘buttresses’

I then added about 20mm around the module to allow for the ramped lip etc

Then marked up the MDF ready for being cut out

The halls were a much easier prospect…

As was the intersection…

Then it was time to cut them all out

One problem I didn’t anticipate was the wide base of the hall going into the narrow base of the intersection.  I had to put my thinking cap on for this one…

I ended up just making a small modification to the hall base to allow for a smooth transition between pieces.

So now the hall goes into the module and the intersection smoothly.

Next up with the very messy job of sanding the ramp onto the lips of all the bases.. epic job.  I wouldn’t recommend doing this unless you have a good dust extraction method and dust mask.  MDF is seriously bad stuff to breath in.  Maybe thats why no one bothers to make a better lip transition?

Nice

After I’d done this, I went back to all the joins and ‘aligned’ them.  Which basically involved going back to each one and making minor modifications to ensure the joints overlaped and joined smoothly.

Just another pic of a fixed up joint

The MDF bases of the base all organised.  This didn’t take as much time as you’d think.  The results will be well worth it in the end.

So I also wanted some scatter terrain too.  I made a mold of the ‘containers’ so I could have a few floating around the base.  You’ll also notice the landing pad has two ramps indicated on the base.  So yeah… I’ll mold that section too.

So I mounted the scatter terrain on MDF bases too.  I also added a few barrels etc to give it some more visual interest.

There you go, the Anphellion base is now ready to be glued onto the MDF, then undercoated.  I don’t know if its clear in the photos but if you look closely you can see the that the layout I’ve come up with is different to the actual models that I’ve got.  So I’ll have to make molds of the pieces I need.  This will be a pretty big job too.  I won’t do a post on the mold making process as thats a series of post in its self!.  You’ll just have to believe me that it happened and I achieved the desired results.  In future posts though you’ll notice the molded sections because they’ll be white.

Ok, thats it for now, until next time.  Thanks for dropping in

John

I’ve been wanting to make some awesome objective markers for my World Eaters army for some time now.  I got a bolt of inspiration when I was painting Angron.  On his base (as well as Fulgrims and Ferrus Manus) are dead and dying space marines.  I thought to myself that these models would make great objective markers.  However the thought of desecrating a Primarchs base was too much to contemplate (especially the $$).  However after a lot of thought I decided just to do it… and this is what I came up with

In this photo, they are still not finished, but it’ll give you a pretty good idea of where I’m going with them.  The white plates are for dice to rest on so players can indicated what mysterious objective they represent.  I actually plan on molding these and making casts of them once they’re complete.  I plan on giving them away to participants at The Emperors Legions, a 1000pt, 30k comp I’m running in March of 2014.

Thats it for now, thanks for dropping in

John

So, this is part two of this project.  Basically we’re up to under coating at this stage.  Assembly is a distant memory, however I feel that it will haunt me for the rest of my days.  It was seriously hard work.  A task I’m thankful I’ll probably only ever do once in my life.

Ok, lets get down to business.  One thing I really wanted to do to the landing pad is not to have a gap between the ground and the underside of the landing platform.  I also wanted to make whatever I put in that gap be suitable and fitting with the character of the base, and finally, be simple and easy to produce (I’m quite a lazy bugger you see)

So what I settled on was getting some of the old Necromunda bulkheads.  Remember these?

Big Jim, if you’re reading this, thanks for donating them.

So basically I chopped a bunch of them up up to make a panel wide enough to span the gap between the support pylons on the landing pad.

Because I needed about eight lengths, I decided to make a quick one piece mold of the newly constructed panel so I can make the appropriate amount of casts.

And the cast panel.  These will come in handy later on too.  They have a lot of character and will make useful bits later on…

I also did a test paint scheme piece for the base.  I want it to look very neglected (it is abandoned after all)  I like how it came out.

Here is a close up of some of the scatter terrain.  I really like the shipping container looking objects.  Again, more Necromunda bulkheads glued together and cast.

The cast panel in place on the landing pad.  In case you’re wondering, the basing material I use is kitty litter, and a type of small rocks that are used in reptile enclosures.  I just like the consistency.

The rest of these photos are of the base assembled and undercoated.  As I’ve mentioned, getting it to this stage was a massive mission.  However it’s really pleasing to see it at this stage.  I have to admit, when I saw it all assembled like this, it really renewed my enthusiasm for the project.  It was waining…

The next few photos reveal the interior.  I’ve started undercoating it grey because I plan on painting the interior white.

So, next step is to start working on the interior.  This is going to be a pretty straight forward part actually.  Except for the interior panel inserts.  Particularly the ones I’ve chosen for the ‘quad gun’ and ‘comms relay’ controls.

Ok, thanks for dropping in,

Until next post

John

Well, I finished off these recently.  I’m actually very happy with the outcome.  As I mentioned in my pervious post, this is something that I’ve wanted to do for some time now.  Just seems like a novel idea.  They’re now molded and cast. The originals are kept in storage, the models in these pictures are casts.  As you can see from the pictures I’ve added roman numeral decals to them.  I got them from the Space Marine transfer sheet.  I’ve done this for the mission in the 6th ed 40k rule book, The Scourging.  I figure that once the objectives are placed on the table and just before the game begins, my opponent and I can randomly generate the objective values

ie objective I = 3, II = 2, III = 4, IV = 1, V = 3 and VI = 2.  This can be randomly generated each game.

Anyway, hope you enjoy the pictures.

Until next time, thanks for dropping in

John

Welcome back!

With undercoating complete, its now time to get down to business.  I always knew this was going to be a big job.  From previous experience making scenery I knew that I had to do a few things a bit differently painting wise to last time.  I ran up a small fortune in paint.  Using those little Citadel paints to paint huge pieces of scenery is not only tedious but also very expensive.  Also, modelling airbrushes are just not designed to paint large amounts of flat surfaces, they lack the paint capacity.

So, off I went to my local art store to investigate other possibilities paint wise, and to my local automotive store to look at other methods of paint application.  Below is a photo of what I came up with.

I’ve actually used Liquitex paints before.  Back in my Vinyl 1/4 action hero painting days.  They’re very high quality and also importantly, affordable.  In addition, they also have a range of additive for their paints.  Gel mediums, matte and gloss varnishes etc, plus as you can see in the picture, an airbrush medium.  I thought I’d give it a shot.  I also purchased a HPLV touch up spray gun from the automotive store.  It has a 100ml reservoir, much better than my airbrushes 10ml.

A close up of the paint and airbrush medium for those of you who like specifics.

So I purchased a few containers from the local supermarket and got mixing.  I made up about 100ml, didn’t really know how much I’d actually need, but this seemed like a lot!

So after a bit of wrestling with the paint gun this is what I came up with.  The airbrush medium was ok, however I found that it really helped if I added some mentholated sprits to the mix.  The alcohol helps application as it evaporates quicker than the airbrush medium and therefore assists in paint coverage.  Overall very happy with the results.

Just a bit of cutting in with a brown ink

More cutting in of the wall panels… it was a tedious job.

As you know, my plan for this base is that its been abandoned.  Therefore I want the internals, and externals to be very  weathered and decrepit after decades (centuries) of neglect.

After a quick gloss varnish, I applied some oil paints to complete the effect.

A close up of a ‘pod’ or whatever they’re called.  As you can see, it pretty derelict (derelicte)

I’m pretty happy with how this is coming along.  My next step is the mask up all of the interior surfaces and get ready for painting the exterior.  This is going to be a massive job.

Ok, thats it for now.  Until next time, thanks for dropping in

John

Hello everyone,

This is a post I’ve been thinking about for some time.  Two things have prompted me into action.  The first one is recently I’ve had a few people actually send me questions that more or less fall into this category.   I thought I could help a little by just putting down a few ideas on getting started rather than answering all the questions individually.  That way there will be something to refer to in the future.  I’ve also made a shopping list PDF that you can download at the end of the article.

The second reason is how much positive feedback I’ve had from my How to buy an Airbrush setup post.  When I wrote that I never thought it would have gotten as much air time as it has.  It seems some people thought my ideas were helpful.  Maybe my ideas on painting area setup will be too.

So I’ve actually been on a pretty hardcore (coffee fuelled) modelling bender for the last few weeks.  The fruits of which you’re seeing now, plus a few others to come.  I actually finished off what I was working on a few weeks ago now and its given me pause to consider what I’d like to work on.  I’ve still got plenty of World Eaters to paint, plus another project I’m going to start in the not too distant future which I haven’t announced yet.  However in the mean time, before getting back into painting, I thought I’d share some of my thoughts on setting up a painting area.

This post is mainly aimed at the beginner, so its a very basic guide.  Getting into this hobby can be initially quite overwhelming.  There are the rules to get your head around, all of the amazingly detailed models available and of course seeing the exceptionally aspirational painting that accompany those models can be quite daunting.  Especially after you have your first  go at painting one yourself.  Finally, some of the starter kits and painting area accessories commonly available are not, in my opinion, very good.

So I’ll break the areas that I think need attention down into four categories.

1.  Painting space

2.  Painting space setup

3.  Painting Accessories

4.  Paints, Brushes and extras

So lets begin with the first area, the painting space.  The most important aspect to your painting space is it needs to be permanent.  It doesn’t have to be big, expensive or even new.  Just somewhere that you don’t have to pack up and pull down every time you paint.  Mine is actually in my garage!  A space of 1200mm x 600mm is more than enough.  In Australia you can buy this desk for $78.  I actually saw a desk at K-Mart the other day for $29! How the hell they do that is anyones guess.

This desk will be more than adequate for your needs and won’t take up a lot of space either.  What it does mean though is that you can have your painting space set up and projects laid out.  You’ll know that if the urge to paint comes along, you can just sit down and get stuck into it.  No sitting down at the dining room or coffee table, setting up, getting disturbed etc.

Forget those portable painting stations that sit in your lap.  Not only are they a woefully  inadequate in terms of workspace, but they also promote terrible ergonomics.  Seriously, they’re crap.

Next up is Painting Space Setup.  This is the area where I see most guys come unstuck.  What to have besides paint and brushes at their table.  The first thing you must get (besides a permanent space) is a lamp.  I can not emphasise this enough.  Get a lamp, and one with a daylight globe.  Having proper task lighting is absolutely critical.  Not only does it mean that you can paint day or night.  There are also a few other reasons that this can not be over looked.  The first (and most important) is your eyesight.  Painting models in sub-optimal lighting will ruin your eyesight, and by the time your in the late 30′s you’ll be in serious trouble.  Thats not cool.  Even if you paint in broad daylight next to a window in your bedroom, you’re damaging your eyes.  Count on it.  If you really doubt what I’m saying, speak to an optometrist.

The other reason a lamp with a daylight globe is necessary is colour perception.  Colour and how we perceive it is a massive topic that is far outside the scope of this post.  All you really need to know is that the globe you put into your lamp need to be daylight globes (5000k) and ideally from a non incandescent source.  This just means that the globes don’t get hot when you use them, thus drying your paint prematurely.   Don’t use fluorescent lamps or straight warm or cool house globes.  They’ll severely distort the look of the colours you’re putting on the model.    There are several specific types of lamps now made for hobbyist, some using LED as the light source and have built in magnifiers.

This one commonly available from modelling stores for around $60.  I personally do not like them as I find the magnifier difficult and impractical plus they get in my painting space because of their size and lack of adjustably.    I use on my table three (3) commonly available desk lamps that I buy from a large retail hardware chain here in Australia.  I use three for several reasons. First is to get enough task light for my subject, and the second is contrast.  By having light coming from three different directions, I avoid shadows and ‘flat’ areas in my lighting.

This is the lamp and globe I use.  The lamps cost about $20 each and the globes are about $5 each.  So I have three set up, one in the centre, one on the top left and right hand side of the painting area.

Next up is a cutting matt.  There are many different types available now, I get mine from a craft store, its A3 in size and  cost about $20.  These just proved a nice surface to cut on so you don’t damage the desk or the blade you’re cutting with.

The final item you need is a storage container.  I use Sistema 7 litre storage containers.  Get one or two of these so that between painting sessions your models wont get dust on them etc.  Sounds finicky but is well worth it.  Sometimes I may not paint for a month or two.  Think about how dusty your house gets if you don’t clean it regularly.  Well, that dust will end up on your models if you don’t protect them.  We recently had some summer bush fires about 100km from where I live.  The amount of airborne particles increased dramatically.  If I didn’t keep my unpainted models in an airtight container that ash would have settled on them.  These are about $15 each.

Now lets move onto Painting Accessories.  This is basically two organisational aids.  The first is a paint carousel.  Now, there are many paint organisers on the market.  Most not commercially available are the tier variety, or paint stadium as I like to call them.  The reason I don’t like these is that they take up too much space compared to the amount of paint they hold.  They take up valuable real estate on your desk.  This is the one I use.  It holds 80 paints and is very economical.  It costs about $70.  It’s also capable of storing many different brands of paint too.  I got mine from here

The other item I have on my desk is this rotary tray.  For basically the same reason as the paint carousel, except this is where I keep my brushes, clippers, knives, tweezers etc.  I got it from the same place.  It costs about $30.

Finally its Paints, Brushes and extras.  We’ll start with paints.  I use the Citadel range.  I’ve been using the Citadel range of paints for close to 20yrs.  Until they changed their range recently, I would never have swapped.  However I’m not completely happy with some aspects of the new range, so I may change in the future.  So, what to buy?  To start off with all you need to do is buy a neutral red, blue and yellow, plus a black and white.  You may also want to get a bone colour, brown and finally a cool and warm grey.  The last three suggestions are actually difficult to mix, so its easier to just buy them.  Get a light and dark metallic silver and gold too.  Finally, get a red, blue, yellow, black and brown ink (Siena).

Brushes.  You can spend a fortune in this area.  I do not claim to be an expert on brushes either (or anything else for that matter!)  However I know what I like brush wise.  I like to get Winson & Newton Water Colour Sceptor 101 Brushes  What I like about them is they’re readily available and good value.  I typically use a #0, #1 & #3.  Looking after brushes is very important.  This is especially true when using acrylics.  At the beginning of every paint session make sure you have fresh water for washing your brushes out with.  Also, if you’re going to be using one colour for a prolonged period, wash it out very regularly.  Brushes work on capillary action.   Make sure paint doesn’t dry around the region when the ferrule and brush meet.  This will spell disaster for the brush.  So keep it clean and free from dried paint building up and your brushes will last you a long time.

I also like to buy some super cheap brushes that you get in the $1 shop.  I like to get them for just random jobs like putting PVA glue onto a base or whatever.  It means that my good painting brushes only get used to paint with and not trashed.

Winsor & Newton Sceptre Water Colour Brushes. They have a distinctive red handle

Extras.  Here is a short list of other things I think everyone who’s starting out should get their hands on.  The first item is some stackable storage containers.  I use these to keep basing materials in.  I don’t buy basing kits, I just make my own.  Far more interesting and cost effective.  So one container I keep sand in, the other some kitty litter, the other some random model bits and the last one bits of cork, skulls, slate and whatever.  I pick these up from an automotive store for about $2 each.  Very handy

Painting palettes.  I get these from the $1 store (while I get my cheap brushes).  They’re $1 each and much cheaper than the brand name option.  Get a couple, they come in handy.

Last but not least, a hobby knife with a #11 blade, some good quality side cutters, a small pot of PVA glue and some tubes of Super Glue.  I actually get these from the $1 store too.  The clippers are meant for ladies manicures and the hobby knife is located generally not too far from the cheap brushes and palettes.  Again, don’t buy the Brand name option.  

Well, thats it folks.  I know getting into this hobby can be daunting.  There are so many things to think about, however having a permeant work space with good lighting is essential.  I can not overstate how important a good task like is.  Then just get a few basics that will serve you for years to come.  Now, this shopping list runs about about $440-ish.  However remember, these are largely one off purchases.  So don’t get overwhelmed by it.

If you like this hobby, these items will be used countless times and the cost will pale into insignificance compared to the value they’ll bring.  Plus, they are a solid foundation for expanding what you may want to get in the future.  Like an Air Brush

If you’d like to download the list as a PDF, click here

I hope this beginners guide to setting up has helped.  If you have any questions, please post them in the comments section and I’ll be happy to respond to them.

Thanks for dropping in

John