How to Make Tea Light Explosions and Smoke

Squeek!

Hi everyone. Just a quick post and a guide to making something I have wanted to try for a while - making explosions and smoke for gaming table/ miniature warfare!

After a very short time (x1 hour), here is what I ended up with (scroll down to the video to see them flickering.)

From looking around on the net, I think these are more likely to be fires, rather than explosions (but they are commonly called "Tea light explosions", for reasons we shall see below.)

This is a fire, not an explosion, notice the fairly thick smoke from the top of the vehicle.

This is a controlled mine explosion.

As you can see, an explosion would involve a lot more "force" and the explosion itself is mainly a bright yellow, with orange and black at the edges. 

How to make Tea light Explosions and Smoke

1. Gather your materials.

• 4-8 Tea lights. These come in packs, and cost very little. Mine have replaceable batteries, but the very cheap ones don't (which saves you even more money!) You probably want a total of 8 or so.

NOTE: If you don't have tea lights, no worries! You can still make columns of smoke by following all the other steps below (to see examples, see the BONUS TIP photos at the bottom of this post)

• Filling/ stuffing. Craft shops have this, as it is commonly used for stuffing for soft toys etc.
• Double-sided tape and/ or glue. (If using double-sided tape, make sure it is the same width as the side of the tea lights you are using, or cut it down to size)
• Scissors and string (if you are using only glue, you won't need these).
• Black modelling spray paint. I used GW Chaos Black.

2. Construction!

• To measure the length of double-sided tape to go around the tea light, wrap the string around the tea light. Cut the string where it meets.
• Use the string to measure-off lengths of double-sided tape (x1 for each tea light obviously)
• Wrap the double-sided tape around the edge of the tea light.

Wrap the double sided tape around the edge of the tea light.
You can see that the tape is about the same width as the tea light.

• For the top of the tea light, add glue, as below. (If you don't have glue, cut small strips of double-sided tape down to size and put them on the top.) Doing this will mean your filling is more securely attached to your tea light later.

Put glue (or small strips of double-sided tape) on top of the tea light.

• Tease out your stuffing into large blobs. Experiment with the shape. Some people glue balls of cotton wool together, but I just teased out some shapes from big pieces of stuffing.

HINT: I found one good effect was for taller "clouds" was to twist it round and up, so that it looks like a vortex of smoke and flame.

• Peel off the backing on the double-sided tape and attach the stuffing on top, pushing around the base firmly. Also press down on the top of the tea light so the stuffing gets attached there. (If you are using glue rather than double-sided tape, search on YouTube to find some examples of how to attach!)

Tease out the stuffing into the size and shape you want.

NOTE: Before attaching/ gluing stuffing to the tea light, poke a hole for the tea light in the bottom of the stuffing and try a dry fit!. 

Check: Can you see the glow of the tea light clearly? If NOT, then consider teasing away some more stuffing until you have a glow you are happy with. Do this NOW, as it will be harder to do after you have painted the stuffing.

3. Painting

• Spray the stuffing black, lightly at first. As you spray towards the top of the stuffing, use lighter and lighter passes from further away, so the top of the smoke is grey, rather than black.
• If you prefer a darker look (thick black smoke) then spray more black at the bottom of the stuffing, as this is where the thicker smoke will look best (in my opinion!)

OPTIONAL: Some people drybrush orange or yellow paint on the bottom of the stuffing, but after seeing how it looked with the tea light on, I didn't think this was necessary (although it might look better).

After spray painting black

You're done! Now switch on the tea lights, and you should get a nice, flickering orange glow!

To see how they look on the table, here is (very!) short video!

They also look OK on buildings (this was my first ever scenery, a bunker...)

BONUS TIP: If you can't get tea lights, just spray the stuffing following the steps above. You can easily attach it to vehicles by either just dropping them on top, or removing a turret and wedging in the bottom of the stuffing (the darker part).

The photo below used just spray paint and stuffing, but it still looks good IMHO!

Smoke effects, no tea lights inside!

Let me know your feedback!

Cheers,

Squeek

Black Templars - The coming Apocalypse

++Message Begins++

Hail Brothers! 

You read these words in troubled times, for we face great change, and have we not been unchanging?

Never have we, the true crusaders of  the emperor,  faced such uncertainty, but we must  remain strong in our faith and our mission. Many of us have had our thoughts clouded by rumour, and there has been much wailing and gnashing of teeth. As a crusader I too have felt myself fall prey to my inner fears, fears that we shall lose our identity, and our power, through a coming change - possibly the greatest in our long history.

However, we must hold our heads up high and focus our thoughts.
Is it not true that the ONLY certainty in the galaxy is change?
Is it not true that any distraction itself causes us to shy away from our true calling, the smiting of our enemies?
Is it not true that we have long faced hardship caused by our unchanging ways, only to struggle on heroically in the pursuit of victory?

I entreat you brother - think back.

Did you become a battle-brother because you were attracted to the rigor of our ways, our values, our history and the purity of our cause? I tell you REJOICE because these things cannot be taken away from us.

Did you become a crusader because you saw that our order of battle would lead to righteous victory?
I tell you REJOICE in the knowledge that we may find new strategies and tactics to destroy our enemies.

REJOICE also in that this change will lead to greater knowledge of our chapter. More Neophytes will join our cause, bringing with them new zeal to smite the foe. 

REJOICE that our crusades will have access to new tools with which to face the darkness, and extinguish the life and light in the eyes of the enemy.

...and finally, BE SAFE in the knowledge that whatever change we might face, we shall still experience the joy of friendship with others who share our mission...

++MESSAGE ENDS++

...and of course, share our love of the tabletop wargaming!
:-)

The post above is prompted by the forthcoming release of the new Space Marine Codex for 40K, and in it (apparently) content for several different chapters - among them the Black Templars. 

This is a very different approach to the past for Black Templar players, as there had previously been a separate Codex that codified our rules. Being rolled into the new codex seems to have led to some unhappiness that the BT (or "Angry Mehreens") are being lessened in status. Most players had hoped that as the Templars had not had a new codex for many years there would be a separate one. 

I can understand the concerns and the frustration - no enthusiast likes to feel left out of a party, especially when they have committed a good deal of blood, sweat (and money) to a cause, but I see plenty of reasons to be positive, which you will likely have picked up above.

a.) New rules force us to move away from fossilized play styles - you might not like them, but the challenge itself is good isn't it?

b.) If the new codex gives us access to existing or new Marine weapons or tools, that is good from a modelling and army building point of view right? (I am NOT saying that lightly - I understand the financial implications of purchasing new units. However let's be honest, for better or worse this is a very expensive hobby and has been for some time. If you play this game you have already found some way to get the money, source the models, or kitbash them.)

Of course, it is easy for me to say this, as I am mainly a collector and painter (I don't get in a lot of games due to my location and other things), and I am a very recent recruit to the BT cause. In addition, I tend to purchase based on whether I like the fluff of an army, or the look of a model (hence my most recent purchase of two Predator tanks to bolster my BT army - even knowing that the new codex was coming out I think there is little chance that this iconic piece of kit will be retired).

Personally, I can't wait to see the new codex and find out what is in store for the Black Templars.
Worst case scenario? We lose a few iconic and characterful rules (OK, I bet some of you hate me now!) and our stats get worse (is that possible?) but that won't change why I love 40K:
-Great battles with moments to savor.
-Good banter with other players.
-The site of painted armies on the table.

Speaking of which, here is an updated photo of where my Black Templars chapter is right now (some units still WIP.) Hope you like them!

Land Raider - WIP

"Hi ho, Hi ho, it's off to smite we go!"

"Everybody go THAT way!"

Typhoons - WIP

Cheers,
*Squeek*

Tau Riptide WIP #1

*Squeek*

As some people may know, as well as being into WFB and Skaven, I also have an interest in WH40K. In fact, I got back into 40K before WFB, with my army of choice being Tau (mainly for the design aethetic).

A couple of weeks ago, I made a dive into GW Tokyo HQ to take a look at the new Tau models, and walked out with the new Codex, a Riptide, Cadre Fireblade and Longstrike.

Although the pace is slow (work, life etc.) I finally got around to starting on these. Some photos and initial impressions below.

In this first set, it quickly became obvious when positioning the model that the huge base is a great chance to do something interesting. In fact, it needs something interesting, because it will just look too bare with flock, grass etc. So, after playing around, I decided to add a couple of Firewarriors in cover, as well as a crashed Drone. The theme is "Defence", or "Taking Cover". This comes from the Riptide entry in the Codex, which I think refers to the constant training that takes place with Riptide units so Tau troops are comfortable with their presence. As you can see here they are in close proximity (possible danger of being stepped-on!)

Lower torso.

Marking the position of the units so I can come back later!

After that, I got out the Skull White undercoat and had a go the other night, so here is where I am at the moment. I have included a Space Marine for scale:

I must say that I have grown to like this model. I have to also say that I think it looks a bit better than the new Eldar walker (which I think kind of looks even gawkier than the Riptide.

Why have I grown to like it?

1. Lots of bits in the box - weapons etc. (Nice missile pods by the way!)
2. Good detail on the model.
3. Scale is actually pretty good.
4. Design fits in nicely with the Tau aesthetic.
5. Easy to convert so you can move limbs etc. (manual encourages you to by showing you which bits to cut-off to allow that easily)

More updates in the future on this, the Fireblade Cadre, and Longstrike!

Cheers,

*Squeek*

40K Scenery-Fortress of Redemption update #1

*Squeek*

As part of the Black Templar haul that I was lucky enough to get second-hand the other day, I also got a Games Workshop Fortress of Redemption. As I have almost no 40K scenery (other than some scratch-built bunkers) I was pretty stoked to lay my hands on this.

Twin-Linked Las Cannon Interceptor at left...(removable)

Missile Silo

At the time I got it I thought, "Wow, this thing is big and is going to take quite a lot of painting!" 

Looking around, there are number of different paint schemes that seem popular, but the most popular ones seem to be either a "Dark Angels Green" or green or grey for the walls, and a dark grey or black for the giant Angel of Death statues on the tower. What to do?

As I don't have any Chaos Black undercoat to hand I decided just to use a grey Tamiya surfacer as the undercoat (the undercoat in the image above). Having done that, I ended up with a very light grey. Impatient type that I am, I have decided that I will see if I can use washes to darken the undercoat and see what we end up with. Although it might be cool, I have decided not to do the whole thing as a Black Templar base in black and white. I will be using some black though (probably on the Angels of Death) so it should still tie together with any Black Templars who end up defending it. 

After a couple of late-night sessions over the last week, I have got base colours down on the gantry-way, decorations, and skulls. Here is where I am now:

Dark Angels chapter icons (No, I am not going to convert them to BT)

A bit difficult to see, but the gantry is painted in Bolt Gun Metal

All I can say is, if only my Skaven had a hidey-hole like this!
(or maybe they can? mwahahaha!)

:-)
*Squeek*

A Bargain with Chaossss!

*Squeek*

I was sad to hear a couple of weeks ago of a friend deciding to move back to the States from Japan. One of the downsides to being a long-term resident of a country not your own is that seeing people you know and like leave is a bit of a downer - you know chances are slim that you will see them again...

...the upside however was that this friend decided to shift as much wargaming stuff as he could at a very reasonable price.

In light of 40K 6th edition coming out and my recent interest in Warhammer Fantasy armies I was naturally very interested in this particular collection. Here is what I picked up:

WARHAMMER 40K: Chaos Space Marines.

• CSM Defiler (unassembled)
• CSM Rhino (assembled and partially painted)
• CSM Bikes x2 (assembled and unpainted)
• CSM Khorne Berzerkers x8 (assembled and primed black)
• CSM Basic troops x40 (9 heavy weapons, 6 special weapons, 25 basic guys) (assembled with a mix of unpainted, primed black and partially painted)
• A CSM plastic bits grab bag. Enough to make 8-10 basic guys and spruce up vehicles.

Got to be honest, I have never necessarily been a huge Chaos fan - it is exactly the opposite ethos to the philosophy of my beloved Tau after all ("For the Greater...Bad!"?). 

However, with the 6th starter set including a Chaos army I thought I might be able to pickup that side of the starter kit at a later date. This would fill out the army with some leadership (Chaos Lord), manpower (Chosen), cannon fodder (Cultists) and a bit more close combat ooomph (Helbrute). Just one problem I already see is a distinct lack of vehicles in the stuff I picked up and the starter set stuff. That means a lot of footslogging...

...any remedy or recommended options for this issue? Any Chaos Space Marines players out there care to comment?

WARHAMMER 40K: Other

• Old school Eldar grab bag (10 models all partially painted)
• Tyranid Carnifex (assembled and partially painted. Arm sockets are magnetized)
• Enough Tyranid bits to kit out the Carnifex with a bunch of different configurations.

WARHAMMER FANTASY: Tomb Kings.

If it wasn't Skaven that I chose for WFB, it probably would have been Tomb Kings. I like the back story and the fact that these guys are wordless, totally disciplined, and neutral!? 

• Tomb Kings battalion box. (NIB) 
• Tomb Kings Tombguard (NIB) 
• Tomb Kings Screaming Skull Catapult x1 (metal, unassembled) 
• Tomb Kings Necrotect x1 (NIB)
• Tomb King x1 (Finecast)

WARHAMMER FANTASY: Chaos Warriors/ Orcs

• Chaos Warriors Archaon (NIB)
• Chaos Warriors Chosen x12 (metal, unassembled, unpainted)
• Black orcs x4 (metal, unassembled, unpainted)

WARHAMMER FANTASY: Armybooks (current run)

• Beastmen 
• Warriors of Chaos

TERRAIN:

• Plastic hills x2 (partially painted)
• Warhammer fantasy tower (assembled and primed)
• Warhammer fantasy temple (assembled and primed)
• Warhammer 40K downed flyer terrain from the battle for Maccragge box (unassembled and unpainted)

BEST OF ALL?

2 big Bitz boxes of Fantasy and 40k bits!

To my gaming colleague and friend who is leaving: THANK YOU and SAFE TRAVELS!
*Squeek*

Return of the...TAU?

+System Reboot COMPLETE+
+Incoming Message+ 
+Incoming Message+

Well, you probably thought this blog was dead didn't you? 

TBH, you would have almost been right. I have now recognized that I contracted a bad case of painting exhaustion, perhaps brought on my too much sustained painting over time.
Skaven (in some numbers)
High Elves (the birthday secret surprise project)
...and Dust Warfare.

I am happy to say that I am starting to regain my interest in painting and modelling, thanks in large part to the return to the gaming table of my first interest (I hesitate to say "great love")...
...The Tau!

Reasons for my renewed interest:

1. The publication of 6th Edition Warhammer 40K has renewed my interest in modelling and wargaming in general (regardless of whether you like the system, the universe is an incredibly well-developed one.)

2. Many of the new rules make Tau a far more viable army than they had been in the previous edition (apparently). This includes some of my favorite models such as Firewarriors and Stealth Suits.

3. I already have a considerable size Tau army to go back to war with.

Several years ago when I got back into the hobby, I decided to collect a Tau army. I loved the design of the models, the unit types (mecha? carnivorous alien parrot warriors? giant hover tanks with massive railcannon?) and the  backstory of this young race struggling to establish itself amongst a galaxy of hostile, older civilizations.

Thanks to them being my first model painting in some (ahem) 20 years, I can't say that when I painted the Tau I did so with any great success. I didn't really know about washes, painting damage, edge highlighting or various other things, but I did love the colour scheme I chose!

As my copy of the latest rulebook is on order, I am going to take some time and get out my Tau and see whether I should give them a makeover using any of the techniques that I have tried with my Skaven (even if I haven't mastered them yet.) In the meantime, here are some pics of my cadre!

+WARNING+ +LARGE IMAGES AHEAD+ + WARNING+

Crisis Suits

Commander

Stealth Suits

Kroot Hounds

Kroot!

Broadside Team Leader

Pathfinders

Pathfinder Devilfish

Firewarriors

Skyray

Hammerhead

Gundrones

Piranha

Sniper Drone Team

Ethereal

Firewarriors

Does all this mean that The Chattering Horde won't have any Skaven any more? Of course not!
:-)

+Squeek+!