Tyranid/Arachnid Overseer and some stuff

I managed to paint up the Tyranid Prime that came in the first issue of combat patrol - I have painted it black with white/blue wings to fit in with the other Arachnids I have - perhaps it should have some red or yellow bits. 

Generally happy with the painting - planning to use as an Overseer bug in Starship Troopers (I don’t really feel like painting anymore bugs … possibly some chariot bugs). 

I have also been off to Cambridge for a course for work for a week, which was very interesting. Took the opportunity to have a punting, walking tour and catch up with some family who live over in East Anglia.

A beautiful city - well worth a visit. Certainly better than the other place. 

During one lunch break a few of us had a look around a classical archeological museum - I do like the Greek stuff. 

Morts

Xenos Rampant - Space Marines versus Bugs!

So I finally managed to get Xenos Rampant to the table in a IP mash up as Space Marines checked out an abandoned outpost only to be set up on by Bugs from the Arachnid empire … not Tryranids! 

I had set up the forces as Space Marines - Lieutenant (Elite), Dreadnought (Fighting Vehicle, with Walker), Intercessors and Assault Intercessors in squads of 5 (but with enlarged squad size, so 2 hits to remove a mini). The Bugs were a Tanker bug, 2 units of 5 warrior bugs, 1 unit of hopper bugs and a unit of Firefly bugs - all the units of bugs had swam, so again 2 hits to remove a model. Due to the actual size of the bug models I think that 2 hits seem right) - also they would take up a lot of a space! The game was played on my 150cm by 90cm table, with deployment in opposite corners. 

The battle of Compound F162 was about to commence …

I won initiative, but the relative speed of the bugs meant that they were get to the compound first. I did forget to put some rough ground on that table - although I’m not sure that it would have made any difference. 

The advancing bug menace!

The bugs are over the wall and will be Wild Charging next turn - they do suffer some damage from the intercessors and dreadnought.

Bugs - thousands of them (9 or 10 actually but it doesn’t sound as good), trying to overwhelm the dreadnought.

Things looked a bit dodgy for a moment - but the armour 6 on the dreadnought made it a tough cookie for the bugs - but it sustained 1 strength point of damage. The marines lost a man. The lieutenant was wandering why he had send the assault intercessors around impassable woods - especially as the hopper bugs had redirected to flank the marines by the wall.

The bugs have fallen back from their assault - time for a breather… I must admit that at this point I thought the balance wasn’t quite right and the Space Marines would have this game …

But no! The lieutenant blasts at the sand bugs - but the hoppers swoop in on the marines - with devastating consequences!

The lone survivor of the intercessor squad cowers behind the lieutenant … then things got very cinematic!

DK activation roll was snake-eyes (blue), which cost him a lot. As I would be able to shoot next turn with the lieutenant. The double 6 is the rally roll for the single marine - he knew no fear! Then the lieutenant obliterated the 3 warrior bugs in front of him … simples, a ready cool moment in the game.  

DK again swoops in on the marine leader with the hopper bugs, and almost straight out of the most cliched 40k story the power of the Emperor of Mankind channels through the warrior and with the slashing of his power sword the hopper bugs are removed from the sky (and game).  Brutal DK and the bugs had now lost 3 out of 5 squads … the planet would be cleansed!

However the bugs had other ideas and proceeded to spit acid at the lieutenant and surviving intercessor, which tragically overwhelmed these heroes on the Imperium.

But all was not lost as the assault Intercessors finally get into action - destroying the firefly unit of bugs … but hilariously failing their courage test and routing from the field of battle … these marines knew fear!

All that was left on both sides were the Tanker bug and Dreadnought …

They briefly tussled, but it was decided that it was time on the game … and a draw was called. 

Walking away, nothing to see here …

The game played fast and fun - I think we made a couple of errors when counting hits to strength points and with some courage tests,  but overall pretty clean rules wise. I think I called it right but buffing the units with increased squad size/swarm, but not increasing the model count. It would have been too crowded. The elite was tough and I am glad that the standard space marines were classed as heavy infantry - I had read that a number of people were running this in their games - also it does give terminators (if I get any) much room to be the bestest. The armoured vehicle - dreadnought again was a tough nut - as it should be - I didn’t give the tanker the anti-tank trait as it didn’t seem to fit the army theme (I might use the blaster bugs for that …). 

 As it was both DK and I had fun and the game played smoothly on the whole. Now I need to do stats for some of the other 40k models I have. 

We then had go at Valhalla card and dice placement game - a quick run through the rules and we were away. A pretty close game but I ran out 25-19. I really would like to play this with 3+ players, as I am sure it would change the dynamic. 

Morts

The last of the Starship Troopers

 So with a tad of effort I have painted the last of my Mongoose Mobile Infantry. They were done to match the ones which I painted for the first edition of Kill Team. 

The one in the middle is one of the originals - the 2 either side are the new ones - I do wonder if I should have tried to press mould the Cadian skull shoulder pouldron which I used on the unit a couple of years ago. Anyway they are done now - so 3 ten man squads of MI to fight the bugs!

Morts

Marauder Platoon

For Starship Troopers and obviously anything else I feel like (Xenos Rampant or Imperial Guard proxies in 40k) I have completed the M9 Chickenhawk Marauder Suits.

As a group of three models - 2 with utility claws and one with a flamer. I would like some extra warning transfers (I did try painting a few, but they were crap so I painted over them). 

The individual walkers - top is a complete Mongoose model and was painted a while ago (which is why the base is a slightly different colour) - I did add a little chipping when I was painting the other 2. The middle one is basically the same, but there was no rotary cannon on the sprue, so after a rummage in the bits box a bolter gun with magazine was stuck on as a proxy (the best option available). The bottom shows the flamer variant - here a Tau flamer has been used because the one in the original kit looked weedy and rubbish. I think the Tau stuff does match the SST ascetic quite well. 

Overall quite pleased with these - not the best kits in the world (need to do the feet on all of them), but they have turned out okay. Might even use them in a game sometime.

Not much sci-if left to paint … must resist the urge to buy more.

Morts

More Starship Troopers - nearly there

I have sat down recently and given myself a stern talking to about all the half finished projects that I have on the go - I response I have ploughed with some more Starship Troopers miniatures. To make the grey Mobile Infantry units up to 10 minis each some heavy weapons troopers.

For the red squad (on the left) a couple of plastic guys - missile launcher and a 40k flamer (because I had one and the actual SST one is rubbish). For the green squad a couple of metal minis (from the heroes of the federation box - which are ok, not a great match for their plastic brethren), another missile launcher (I think it’s meant to be nukes, but missile will do) and a sniper. Painting on this is ok - not a perfect match for the units they are joining, but close enough.

The command figures - well a lieutenant in the centre (another slightly suspect metal miniature) and then a couple of NCOs (in the SST game anyway) - conversions with some 40k bits. I need to put on a symbol so that their rank is identified on the table. So for Starship Troopers I have 2 mobile infantry which have to be painted in the green scheme and 2 marauder walkers left to go (one needing assembly). A challenge to complete before the holidays start properly, but I will give it a go!

Morts

Update - Starship Troopers, Kill Team and Combat Patrol.

With the hot weather it has been difficult to get much painting done, but I have managed the last 5 of the Mobile Infantry Light Armour troopers. This brings the total up to 42 - 4 squads of 10 and a command of a Lieutenant and NCO. 

There are a few more spares (including another LT and NCO, but I think I might see what eBay will bring me for those) - the squad sizes I have work for the SST game, 40k as proxy guard and Xenos Rampant. I have a few power armoured troopers to go and a couple of Chickenhawk Marauder suits and they are done. 

For the Blooded/Blackstone Kill Team I picked up a plasma and melta gunner - I will get these painted with the Traitor Command figures soonish.

The sprues are for 3 Kataphron Destroyers or Breachers for the Ad  Mech. This will mean using the tank as a proxy for a spider/crawler thing I have the figures for an Ad Mech Combat Patrol for 10th Edition 40k. Must stop looking at eBay now … but I think the Ad Mech could do with another command miniature … and the Marines need another vehicle … must stop the mission creep!

Morts

Almost Hallowe’en …

So it has been a busy month September - back to work, returning Thing 2 back to University, some decorating for the new sofa (arriving on the 2nd Oct). And we had the big “O” in at work … seemed to go ok, an early visit might be the way forward.

Have managed to squeeze in a wild camp out on the moor - a rather delayed train journey to Okey (but got some money for that)and sore hips for not inflating the air mattress enough. 

An ominous looking evening - but all was good (apart from the rave a couple of miles away in Fernworthy). 

Sunrise - nice. 

The views north from Hangingstone. 

A look back down the East Okement…

Gaming wise things have been quiet - due to work getting in the way. The Old World rpg which Tiger-King was bullied into running, has failed to restart due people being away (work again) the GM getting COVID (very last year).

Until today I haven’t done much painting - but I did some undercoating yesterday, managed to get some more things ready for the painting table - unfortunately the 2 cans of white primer I had found in the shed were knackered, so my plan for some zenithal undercoating was buggered up - apart from by dry brushing. 

Any how I was able to do a bit with the gunmetal for the scenery and Necrons. 

Large raw plugs to be used as force field holders - seems to work. 

Heavy weapons - I got these years ago for the Starship Troopers. I used the speed paints over the black and gunmetal - I think it works. 

I also did some more speed paints over gunmetal to get some nice effects - speed paints over the metal gives a metallic effect which look good. 

Morts

Mobile Infantry - a few more done

As it has been a little bit busy recently with both thing 1 and thing 2 returning from University (semi permanently and for the summer) I chose to paint something fairly easy from the undercoated “pile” - a few Starship Troopers (light armour) Mobile Infantry. 

Not a bad job - but not the best for these apes. I will have to work out a way of differentiating the squads for whatever game systems they get used in. Only another 17 or so of these to paint. I have enough for a game just need to play one. 

Morts 

Bugs - done!

Well apart from a little basing to be done all of the Starship Troopers bugs are now painted. 

These last two are lumps of metal. I will try and sort out a showcase of the whole army at some point (when the basing is complete), but I have a new project of ripping out some built in wardrobes to do and lots of work to fit in as well, so I will see. 

The mantis bug - a big bestie which should deal quite a big of damage to marauder suits. I when for a basic mantis green - what an imagination. 

Finally the Brain bug - the arachnid master mind. It should have some little (chariot) bugs to carry it about, but when DK and I pick up a used set of Starship Troopers years (and years ) ago at a show there were no bugs in the box. I am hoping to pick up some cheap kids toy bugs to stand in sometime … not seen any yet. 

I am not out of bugs to paint so should get back to Blackstone Fortress next. I have purchased a copy of the new Kill Team compendium, so will look to see how that game plays soon … when I finish my chores.

Morts 

Rippler Bug Swarm

The arachnids now have a swarm of nasty Rippler bugs to rip the mobile infantry apart!

With my trusty dry brush in hand I have managed to paint this lot (well 9) of bugs. 

I went for 3 different colours so I could use them as separate groups of three if I wanted. The turquoise glaze works well over a white base coat for the wings. 

Just need a coat of varnish and they can see action!

I only have the brain bug and an mantis hunter bug to do and the arachnids are done. I will put the mantis on a base as it is a bit fragile (a leg has fallen off in the painting process). 

I have a feeling that these will see action in a game of Xenos Rampant for a game of Starship Troopers … Space Marines versus bugs …. Cool. 

Obviously I should be painting stuff for Blackstone Fortress …. I will start soon on a hero or two. 

Morts 

Back to work - impact on painting

So I have been back to work for a couple of weeks and it has seriously affected my painting output. We have a new platform to get my head around while still having to put things on the old one - nothing like duplicating work to motivate you. 

We have also taken thing 2 off to university, so the house is quiet - I don’t think the change has really hit home yet. 

However I have sat down and dry brushed a tanker bug (not one from the original SST range by Mongoose, but a toy one by Galoob - it is smaller that the Mongoose one but probably more durable and easier to store).

I have also let myself down a bit by getting a copy of the Core Rules for Kill Team …. Which I wasn’t going to as it doesn’t have the stats for any of the factions. Now GW have produced a Compendium of stats for the game - but one of the reviews pointed out that almost all my teams weren’t valid anymore. 

Now GW have published new stats (different from the compendium) ones in White Dwarf. I have bought this issue and it does work with my current Adeptus Mechanicum Kill Team. It will be interesting to see what comes next … especially I have bought the Space Wolves Reiver set for the old edition of Kill Team … I am not supposed to buy stuff … I might have to get the compendium so I can play a game!

Mantic Sci Fi Checkpoint

On the 2nd June I put together the Mantic terrain crate sci fi checkpoint - in the last couple of days I have painted it. 

My old Star Wars RPG character Jargo Khan is modelling the scale of these pieces.

Here we have electro-ducting as generally annoying linear obstacles (these appeared to be columns in the original set, but I couldn’t see how to use them with the stuff I had so they became these things). In the background we have a radar/radio dish and a big gun thing (this is only dry brushed as I am not sure what to do with it).

The military defensive line pieces - dry brushed and that’s about it. 

The watchtower/strong point. 

 The main building - with steps to the roof. 

These have come out rather well me thinks - I added a few transfers here and there. More importantly I have managed to squeeze them into the storage space ….

I do have an issue here - some more things will have to go….

The stuff for black undercoat ready to go ….

The last of the Starship Troopers (apart from the metal stuff), ripper, mantis and tankers bugs and some mobile infantry (I think that I will sell the last unopened pack I have of these and the wasp troopers (I don’t like the figures to be honest) and one of the 2 chicken hawk walkers). Also there are some 15mm Age of Reason - planning to become Saxons. And of course the last of the Blackstone Fortress miniatures. 

Should be a busy autumn of painting…

Morts

More Sci Fi Terrain

It has been a busy few weeks - the better half had an milestone birthday, which due to COVID restrictions meant we had 2 parties (one for family who could make it and one for friends we could fit in the garden - there are a few people to catch up with) either side of the actual day. 

Yesterday I was out helping check point DofE with work - I have to say I wasn’t expecting a 14+ hour day. Again due to COVID the kids training wasn’t as we would have liked, so they we struggling with navigation, the route the leader had picked and the very hot weather - to be fair they did well under the circumstances. 

Anyway on to the important stuff in the world, which has done ok in spite of the pandemic - gaming ... well the gluing things together part bit. I have put together the Mantic games Military Checkpoint kit.

The watchtower. 

The main bastion and walls - and some pipe work stuff. The kit is nice - with some clever features but is a bit of a pain to put together as the connectors can’t quite hold it together when trying out the layouts. I have superglued it now so that’s it. Got some sanding to do on the pipes then a grey spray primer is hit this and some other stuff. It should work well for Kill Team and Starship Troopers. 

Talking (or more correctly writing about it) of Kill Team I pick up the book and cards for the Pariah Nexus expansion - mainly for the new Primaris and Necron Stats. I had read that the rules were rather tied to the Necrons, but I think with some house rules and possibly some spaceship floor plans an interesting addition to Kill Team. We will see. 

Having first face to face miniatures game this evening, so better prep (pack stuff away) for that. 

Morts

Blackstone Update and mischief....

 

So I have finished the first 7 of the Traitor Guard for Blackstone Fortress - taking the painted miniatures to 23 out of 44. So over 50% done. Will put together a couple of the heroes now (I did put together the Ad Mech Enginseer Techpriest). 

I have also started to put together this SST Arachnid mantis bug - I think I will be drilling and pinning it as it seems a tad delicate. 

Then after saying wouldn’t bay anything until I had completed Blackstone Fortress - Warlord Games were selling these at 50% off! I couldn’t let these go.

Something for Kings of War/Oathmark and Kill Team/Starship Troopers. 

Morts

Still no games played - but some more painted.

 A progress update on Blackstone Fortress - the Beastmen painted. 

I’m not totally happy with these - but I don’t think I will be going back and trying to improve on them. They weren’t the painting experience I was hoping for - but when finished off with basing the will do the job. On the plus side I am now over 25% through the miniatures for Blackstone Fortress. Prepped and next to go are the Negavolt Cultists and the traitor imperial guard. 

However in the meantime I managed to squeeze this SST M9 “Chickenhawk” Marauder Suit. 

This will be pressed into service in the Mobile Infantry against the Arachnid menace at some point - I believe I have another 2 lurking about somewhere (I am sure one will join with this one in the future) and no doubt they will proxy for imperial guard at sometime too. 

Morts