I haven't been online much recently, what with work and everything, but I did find time to finish my first Skaven weapon teams from the Island of Blood box set. Each box set contains x1 Skaven Warpfire Thrower and a Poison Wind Mortar.
Pics and comments below!
Now I've heard a few grumblings and mumblings that people would have preferred to see some Poison Wind Globadiers or Censer Bearers in the IOB set, but frankly, I think the weapon teams are better. Why? Well they are a decent supporting unit for the Clanrats that make up the bulk of the IOB forces, able as they are to skulk along with the clanrats.
The sculpts themselves are pretty decent for the most part, with some nice detailing (the rat on fire for instance on the Warpfire thrower) and a sense of "weight" about the weapons nicely brought out by the bent backs of the crew. Initially I was worried about the very large smooth areas of plastic on the Poison Wind Mortar itself, but after a couple of coats of Dwarf Bronze it looked OK. I'm still undecided on the Skaven symbols on the side of the Poison Wind Mortar though. They look too nicely engraved or cast, almost as though it had been made by Dwarves rather than Skaven (which of course is a delightful possibility - Dwarven slaves working for Clan Skryre!)
Let me know what you think. Step-by-step guides to come!
EDIT: (22.11.2010)
Following some helpful advice and comments I have worked on dulling down these models a bit to make them look a bit older and less glossy. Please see new photos below following addition of home-made verdigris and some Devlan Mud.
*Squeek*
First of all... Dwarf slaves?! HA! RATSCUM!!
ReplyDeleteSecondly, they look pretty good dude. Nice tidy and well painted. Though, I feel the last machine - mortar? - is too clean. Remember, you're rats! Add some dirt and grime to it! -__^
Thanks for the comments...
ReplyDeleteGot to agree with you about how clean the mortar looks (and fact the Warpfire thrower too). I think they definitely need some verdigris on the bronze and some rust on the other metal areas...
Perhaps old habits die hard and my DwarfSLAVES gave these weapons a bit of spit and polish? - before giving their LIVES!!
(Must speak to my slave overseers - can't have our clan's equipment too clean...)
;-)
Dear Squeek,
ReplyDeleteI've been following your blog for a while, and your posts have been utterly awesome. I really enjoy your painting style, nice and clean, *though not too clean since they are still skaven of course*. As an afterthought I still wanted to say, thumbs up for your Doomwheel, I loved the small conversation in where you had the wheel ride over another skaven. I'm Planning to start on plague monks soon, and deffinitely plan to take your painting guide as a reference. (though I hope gamesworkshop doesn't plan to bring out a new edition in Januari 2011, in the second skaven wave.
Sorry for my late comment, but only now I've found out i could send a message without going through the hassle of creating an account. Really love your painting guides and your efforts on updating this blog, i check it regularly!
PS: I've read in multiple entries that at the moment you are located in Japan, you can't believe how stoked i'm to read that. I've been there 1 month last summer, and planning to do my internship there in 2011. I would love to hear how you coop there, if you've found any other warhammer mates there, and how you support your living in that unique country.
If you ever find the time, my email is 'animereader@hotmail.com'
Good luck with your blog, and do you have plans to also do the new miniatures coming up in januari?
Best Regards,
Shendar
Great work on the Weapon Teams, I particularly like the reds and the smoke pouring out of the Warpfire Thrower.
ReplyDeleteIt's lucky I have one on the way to me, thanks for the inspiration!
@Shendar.
ReplyDeleteJapan (and Asia) really is a great place to visit as it has a very different culture, feeling and language - as you would have realized when you were here for a month. HOWEVER, as you mentioned the word "Cope" do be aware that actually living here for any length of time, while an amazing experience in many ways, can test you in quite different ways than when visiting.
a.) Language. As a tourist, no problem (most things are in English too) but if trying to live here I'd definitely recommend getting your Japanese up to speed. It will just make life easier and help you be less reliant on the help and assistance of others. The biggest mistake I made is not paying as much attention to reading and writing as to conversational Japanese.
b.) Culture Shock. Yes, this really exists. I've heard (and agree) that it never really goes away, just comes and goes in waves. Sometimes you'll be loving every day and new experience, then the next day you can be really down because something really minor throws you off balance. This still happens to me when I suddenly realize what a minority I am in on a morning train, or if I THINK people are treating me differently in some way etc. You need to learn to recognize it and deal with it!
c.) Friends are essential to enjoy the good times with, and as a safety valve for when things aren't going so good...
d.) Warhammer? Not really a problem but depends where you live. You can find Games Workshop Japan website here:
http://jp.games-workshop.com/
AND a list of stores here:
http://jp.games-workshop.com/shop/index.htm
(All in Japanese).
You don't have to live near a shop as they take orders by phone etc. Honestly speaking, prices here are WAY higher than elsewhere, probably due to importing everything halfway across the world. I'd buy before you come over or from a trusted online retailer that will ship internationally.
For groups to play with, that will depend entirely where you live! There are groups around though and you can find them via Google. Big cities will have more obviously (Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya etc.) The GW shops themselves obviously hold games, but who you play with can be a problem if you don't speak Japanese and they don't speak English...
To support your fix you'll need a job...
;-)
You don't mention what you do (or want to do) but work will depend greatly on your Japanese language skills and background. Many native English speakers work in the English teaching industry. Despite trouble in the industry recently and a poor economy, there is still work to be had. Google "Teach English in Japan" and you'll find lots of information. Make sure you plan to arrive at the right-time of year for hiring or that you come over with a company that has already provided you with a job. Many, many people start off in teaching here while they experience the culture and lifestyle and then move onto other work when the opportunity permits.
If you are interested in other kinds of work or have a specific career in mind make sure you spend time researching that career in Japan, as qualifications may not be transferable.
...and finally, if there really are new models in January, I'll have to see them first!
;-)
Cheers,
*Squeek*
@Mister Feral.
ReplyDeleteThanks and glad to be of some help! As Kuffeh said, I think they really need "Dirtying up" - hope to get round to that sometime...
Dear Squeek Vermintide,
ReplyDeleteThanks a bunch for giving me such a detailed answer! (even though it was quite off-topic). I've been interested in Japan for over 7 years now, so I was delighted to finally set foot in the country last summer. My trip was filled with excitement and pleasanties, but as you mentioned, also some minor stuff which could really influence my mood. My general view of Japan however was that the majority of the civilians are really polite and show a bigger degree of respect to another person, than what i'm used to at home. (The Netherlands). I could really appreciate this, and actually, I'm dying to go back as I had a bigger culture shock coming back to the Netherlands than arriving there XD
I'm studying 'international business and management', and as the name implies, its a business study focussing global, so I hope to be able to find work with that in Japan. (but i was quite surprised at the low English level over there, and I fear I might find difficulties finding a Japanese company where they speak English on the workfloor for my internship..
I"m actually dying to know how long it took you to master the language, or shall I say, till you were able to have a good fluent conversation with another in Japanese. How many months/years would you suggest? (I've got a pile of Japanese novels at home, but like you mentioned with the writing and reading, all those kanji scares me off.
Anyways, how long a period did it took you to generally *master* the language and able to start working in a japanese atmosphere? and how long you have you been living there up till now :)
Anyways, I'm stoked to read and watch more of your posts in the future and I'll check your blog regularly!
Cheers,
Shendar
@Shendar...
ReplyDeleteI haven't mastered the language by a long shot, and the speed with which people learn a language varies enormously and is influenced by a huge range of factors, so there is no way I could tell you how long it would take you to "master" it (or anyone else!)
What I would say is - don't skimp on the Kanji! Do it from the outset and keep on working at it.
Anyway, I wish you every success and safe travels!