Painting update: Scar-Scath

*Squeek*

After finishing Queek Headtaker and Deathmaster Snikch, I decided to stay on single models rather than units. To that end, I finally turned to the 800lb gorilla on my shelf...
...Scar-Scath, Fiend of Vermin.

Copyright Maelstrom Games.

Part of the BaneBeasts range over at Maelstrom, I thought it would be pretty cool to use him as a Vermin Lord (I'm not a big fan of the GW VL model.) I got him ages ago and never got around to him. To be honest, as a beginner, I found the thought of working with my first resin and a larger model (which would show all my mistakes ...) to be a bit intimidating.


To make things a bit easier on myself I am doing the model and base separately (the detail on the base would be very difficult to reach with Scar in the way.)


Priming.

Before priming the whole thing, I got Scar in the position that I wanted and held him in place with Blu-tack. While still blu-tacked, I then primed with Citadel Chaos Black spray. After it was dry I carefully separated the model from the base and peeled off the Blu-Tack. This left me with an unprimed area. This is useful because I know exactly where to glue in the future and also because I think my glue will work better on an unprimed surface.


Microart Studios Base.
Microart Studios has a great range of bases. I have one of their Ancient Bases 50x50mm parts that Maelstrom sent me (to replace the missing Scar-Scath base that should have come with the kit.)
Colours I am using:

• Codex Grey: Flagstones
• Bleached Bone: statue, columns
• Knarloc Green: leaves
• Calthan Brown: branches/ roots
• Snakebite Leather:  Base edge

I also had time to do the washes:

• Gryphonne Sepia: statue, columns
• Thraka Green: leaves
• Devlan Mud: flagstones

On reflection I think I should have used Deneb Stone for the columns and statue as they currently look very yellow. I'm hoping though that layering using a Deneb Stone/ Bleached Bone should build up to a lighter overall shade and correct that. Topping it off with a nearly white drybrush will also (fingers-crossed!) help.


One thing I have learned (and still try to remember when being critical midway through painting something) is not to judge a piece until it is finished. (Often everything comes together right at the end and looks better than you think!)


Scar-Scath.
On Scar himself, I went with a very basic set of basecoat colours:

• Tallarn Flesh: Skin
• Boltgun Metal: Weapon
• Snakebite Leather: Belt, weapon grip
• Calthan Brown and Bestial Brown: Fur
• Bleached Bone: rags/ wraps, nails, bone skulls, bone ornaments
• Dark Angels Green: Warpstone chunk. (OK, it isn't really warpstone, but I think I can make it look close for a thematic tie-in! )

These are basically the same colours I use on my clanrats.


Washes:

• Devlan Mud: metal, fur, rags/ wraps.
• Ogryn Flesh: Skin, hands etc.

The next stage, layering, is going to be a big challenge for two reasons:

1. Getting the colours right on the stone/ statuary on the base.
2. Layering those large areas of skin on Scar.

I will try to post another update later this week. Wish me luck!
:-)


Cheers,

*Squeek*


p.s. Super-quick additional photo update - pretty much got the layering and highlights done on the base...

Deathmaster Snikch Finecast Update, Bubbles,and More!

*Squeek*

Managed to get some early work done on Queek Headtaker and Deathmaster Snikch, as well as some assembly on Scar-Skath.

I hadn't worked with any Citadel Finecast before this, so I was very interested to see how this new material would be to work with. 

• Would it live up to GW's claims about crisp detail?
• How would the moulding be?
• What kind of preparation would be necessary?

Well, first impressions upon opening Deathmaster Snikch and Queek were a mix of the good and the bad.

First, the good:

-Detail is quite good.

-Easy to glue.

-Easy to file.

That's about it.

Next, the bad:

Bubbles...

-Bubbles. Some significant detail lost from the casting process meant lots of time working with Green Stuff to fill in unsightly gaps. Maybe I was just unlucky, but these missing chunks seemed to be in particularly obvious places - not something I have ever noticed on metal or other plastics. 

Sure, I have seen plenty of gaps between parts before, but these were whole areas missing on limbs etc.

-Fiddly to remove from the sprue. (Lots of bits that take a bit of time to work out whether they are part of the model or not.

-Thinner areas of the material felt very prone to breakage. (I didn't do anything extreme to see if they were!) A case in point being the Deathmaster's cape.

-Detail didn't seem that much better than metal or regular plastic to me. In fact, some fine detail was broken or miscast.

Hmmm, not so good to my eyes, but what do you think? Let's take a look at the Deathmaster first...

(Sorry that these are a bit difficult to see. I don't have time today to edit the photos with arrows and pointers etc.)

Notice the hole in the leg, above the knee.

Missing material in the center of the cape.

Rats head on the bottom facing us (just above base) is deformed and missing

 On Queek Headtaker, nothing quite as serious, but still annoying considering GW's claims to amazing detail...

Front legs of the rat on the base - at right - miscast/ partly missing.

MASSIVE ISSUES? DEAL BREAKERS?


No. 
In fact, some might argue they are all part of the hobbyist's life. 


That is fine, but as GW charges (I seem to remember) significantly more for these than their metal equivalents, I can't think that the quality being worse would be acceptable to most people. Personally, I want to paint and display/ wargame, not patch and fix. 
BTW, although many people say that metal has less detail, it doesn't seem to be a huge difference to me.


...but maybe I am just disappointed at the time of writing from having to get busy with the Green Stuff...

(It was still sticky at the time of the photo, so I will file it a bit tomorrow.)


Anyway, I also started to work with Scar-Skath, from the Banebeasts range, who I am planning to use as a "counts as Vermin Lord". If you remember, this was the model where I didn't receive a base with the kit when I received it from Maelstrom Games (but I did receive the run-around before everything worked out just fine.)


Note the replacement Micro-Art base that in the end Maelstrom kindly sent me.

 And although I had to greenstuff some gaps on Scar, these were gaps between parts, not filling in chunks of missing model!


What have your experiences been with Finescast and resin models in general?


Cheers,


*Squeek*

Micro Art Studio Ancient Base...

*Squeek*

"Wait? Do you hear it?
What is that sound??

Yes, YES! It is the skittering of verminous feet over the tumbled ruins of our defeated enemies. Could there be any sound more joyous to the ears of the Children of the Horned Rat??"

(Apart, possibly from hearing the lamentation of their women)


Actually, that sound was the paws the delivery man upon the stone floor of my chamber as he backed out of my presence, having just delivered a package to my lair. A package containing a 50x50mm "Ancient Base", manufactured by Micro Art Studio in Poland. (Some of you will remember that this is the base that was arranged for me by Maelstrom Games as they had sent me a model without a base, necessitating a long and drawn-out series of emails about a replacement. My thanks to Tim at Maelstrom for sorting this out - much appreciated.)


Here are a couple of photos:

Now, I doubt that I will be able to paint this up to the level found in the image on the Micro Art Studio website...

Image from Micro Art Studio

...but I am excited to get hold of this as I think it will go really well with Scar-Scath, who I will be using as the Verminlord for my Skaven army. If I can get it right I think it will look great to have him standing over the ruins of a fallen race, perhaps with some Skaven or Giant rats scurrying forward at his command!
;-)


A word on the manufacturer. If you haven't already done so, definitely jump over to Micro Art Studio. I haven't used anything of theirs before, but from what I can see they have an amazing range of high-quality bases to fit just about any scenario or need. I am particularly interested in the range of movement trays. I tend to make up my own by there are times when something that looks really professional would be just right, such as a centerpiece unit or for a unit with a special character etc. (You can also purchase Micro Art Products from Maelstrom Games too.)


To the guy(s?) at Micro Art Studio - great job!
To Tim at Maelstrom - thanks again for sorting this out!


Now, let me slink back to my broken throne and return to my thoughts of domination and warpstone (and cheese, as teatime approaches...)


*Squeek*

Maelstrom Games Customer Service update.

*Squeek*

It's been a long time since I've been on the Chattering Horde due to work and other commitments, but I thought I should post an update on the problems I had been having with Maelstrom over the fact that they had sent me an incomplete shipment.


In mid-June, a Maelstrom employee, Tim, left a message on the post where I had complained about their poor service, encouraging me to get in touch. 


To cut a long story short I:
...received a full explanation of the reason for the problem.
"I'm sorry that up to now you have a bad experience with customer support from Maelstrom Games. This isn't the experience we want our customers to have. "


...was offered a solution.
"In your case I'd like to offer you an quick solution as it sounds like you really need that base - something I sympathise with,  it isn't an ideal situation and I can only apologise."


...was dealt with in a timely and courteous manner.
"Needless to say that you can be sure that I treat this issue with the up most importance and I will personally make sure that a replacement base is issued."


...was informed of the follow-up action that would take place.
"Needless to say that you can be sure that I treat this issue with the up most importance and I will personally make sure that a replacement base is issued."


All good so far. I have taken up Maelstrom and Tim on their offer, and I hope that I will be able to report to you soon that all is well once the item I ordered is in my cold, clammy paws.


Thanks to Tim for making the effort to get in touch, and also for trying to resolve the issue. All I need now is to receive the item I ordered and all will be well! (Ironically, the item I asked for was also out of stock, but I hope that it won't take too long...)


When I get the item, I'll post another update.


In the meantime...


*Squeek*

Scar -Scath arrives...and is unboxed!

*Squeek*

He has arrived...the great lord that my army has been waiting for! I have magic, I have war-machines, I have muscle, and now, NOW I have otherworldly EVIL as well!
(Insert high-pitched - yet still evil - laugh here!)

...or at least I have a model that COULD stand-in as that embodiment of Skaven evil, the scheming Vermin Lord.


I first came across Scar-Scath, Fiend of Vermin, from a post on another blog, and since then have visited the Bane Legions website several times. The models look great and could well accompany any number of different armies, and the range is expanding, with monsters ranging from tree-men to giants. I determined to buy Scar-Scath, as I thought he might be a really good centerpiece for my Skaven army, striding tall among the bent-backed, scurrying Skaven horde around him, massive polearm in hand.

I recently ordered the model from Maelstrom Games and a box duly arrived from the UK while I was on a business trip. I was really happy to get back and see the box there, not least because anything coming in the post from the UK by Royal Mail makes me worry. (Even worse if it is Parcel Force....Parcel FARCE more like) Note that isn't a slight on Maelstrom (I could choose a safer more expensive shipping option if I wish!), just my fears based on prior experience with the UK postal system.

Anyway, the box did arrive, and in perfect shape too! So what is in it?

Let's take a look...

As a total noob with resin miniatures, I appreciate this!

Wrapped up safe and sound in bubble wrap.

Pieces in a bag.

The head of Scar-Scath.

8 pieces.

The pieces are really clearly defined with lots of detail. The one thing I don't quite understand is that there was no base for the model in the box. Is it the case that with resin models people just always want to sculpt and create their own? Perhaps I missed where it said that on the website? It seems a bit strange as the foot (on the right in the picture) looks as though it has a rod molded for insertion in a hole on a base. I guess I will have to find one somewhere...

After getting out the model and making sure nothing was broken I decided to put Scar-Skath next to one of my Skaven to see how he looked in terms of size. Although Maelstrom have helpfully put sizes (H:84mm x W:96mm) on their site next to pictures of each model (so I had a rough idea) I was definitely nervous as I put him next to a Warlock Engineer for comparison. Would he look ridiculously large? or not impressive enough?

Here is the shot...

Yes, he IS rather large (and will look larger with the head on and when carrying the polearm) but I actually think he is going to look just about right! Not a giant - more a very large and powerful manifestation of a summoned being.

Now the challenge is just to assemble and paint my first ever resin figure!

*Squeek!!*

Awesome Verminous New Models!

*Squeek*

There was I, not knowing what it was that I wanted for Christmas, when an interesting post came up in my Blogger Dashboard from Warhammer Fantasy Miniatures Gallery with a beautiful new model of a Chimaera. "Looks cool" I thought, "let's check it out!"

Copyright Maelstrom Games. Picture reproduced without permission.

Please visit www.maelstromgames.co.uk for more info and larger images.

Yes, it IS a cool model, and a beautiful sculpt (not to mention beautifully painted!
I had never heard of the BaneBeasts range before, so this was a great find. Thanks to the original post, I could see that these were available over at Maelstrom Games. Even though I don't live in the UK, I have ordered from them before and so far have found their prices, special offers and their service to be excellent (particularly important when ordering from overseas).

So, having seen the Chimaera I was all ready to keep on checking out other blog updates when suddenly, on scrolling further down the post I came across some other figures in the range. My (beady, ratty) eyes really lit up (red?) when I saw this fellow:

Scar-Scath, Fiend of Vermin...

Copyright Maelstrom Games. Picture reproduced without permission.
Please visit www.maelstromgames.co.uk for more info and larger images.

Here is some accompanying text from the BaneBeast page:


"The depredations and perversions of the Under-vermin are detestable at the best of times, but their base parodies of faith and devotion are almost too loathsome to speak of. Yet gods they indeed worship, gods of defilement and tarnish, gods of the under-earth that no right-minded soul would solicit, gods that ascend from their pits in forms that delight their supplicants and dismay their enemies in equal measure. Scar-scath is such a form, a fiend of the vermin-kind wrought from the earth and the rocks and the corestones, a golem given life through the sacrifice of the hated above-men to bring death to their kind."


Rubbing my paws with glee at having potentially found an answer to my Christmas conundrum, I headed over to The BaneBeasts page at Maelstrom Games... 
...Argggghhh, I immediately found my ratty mind dazed and confused by the presence of another rat-related model that I now wanted to join my warband...


Three Face, the Verminous Horror...

Copyright Maelstrom Games. Picture reproduced without permission.

Please visit www.maelstromgames.co.uk for more info and larger images.

From the BaneBeasts page:


"The under-places of this world harbour many creatures that can only be described as horrors, freakish things that were not meant to walk or crawl upon the earth. The under-vermin are such, foul parodies of man and rat, but their creations, their vivisects, are nothing less than grotesque monsters that only insane minds and cruel temperaments could bring to life. Three-Face is one of them, an unspeakable, verminous horror that melds rats, bovines and arcane workings to power a beast that is truly repugnant, an atrocity of nature that inspires not only terror but a profound loathing of all vermin-kind."


Visions of unstoppable Skaven hordes in my mind, I leapt down from my chair and scampered over to my scavenge pile to begin counting my monies. Surely such beauties would cost many, many warp-tokens?! However, after checking the information, I discovered I probably wouldn't have to ransom my litter to purchase such monstrous assistance as they are relatively affordable for these kinds of reinforcements. (To bad, as due to the high expense I could do with a smaller litter of ratlings round about Christmas...)


So with Warp-tokens counted I sat in front of the computer and, bathed in the glow of the interwebs, browsed the Maelstrom site...
only to find that HORRORS...CURSES! Scar-Scath isn't available until January, but Three Face is in stock now...


Oh, what to do, what to DO?

• Forget ordering them. Buy a huge Christmas cake instead...
• Buy Three Face and wait to see if I like it before ordering Scar-Scath?
• Warp-token budget be damned - order both now!

*Squeeeek!*

p.s. Before anyone asks, I am not associated in any way with Maelstrom Games or the BaneBeasts series, and gain nothing financially from blogging about them.

p.p.s I bow before sculptors Alex Carrasco, Daniel Cockersell,  Sean Green and Alan Huntley and painters Ben Komets, Tim Fisher and Sebastien Picque. I doubt you'll ever read this blog but...amazing job, just amazing!

:-)