Constructing a Necron Tomb Stalker Part 2, Painting

If you were out at Evolution this past Wednesday, you saw me bring the Tomb Stalker out to play. It's about 95% done... I still want to make one more addition. Unfortunately, the TS didn't really get into the battle, (Stoopid phase out), but I will post that battle report soon.

I put more into painting the base then I did the TS. For the Tomb Stalker, I stuck to my Necron Army paint scheme. I start with a black primer, then drybush Boltgun Metal on top. After that, a drybrush of Mithril Silver is added. I picked up some metallic colored paints from my local Michael's store, and I use those pretty often, especially with the Necrons. I use the metallic turquoise to paint the Necron sigil, with a highlight of the sigil itself in shining gold. I then went over the eyes with metallic red. That pretty much sums up how I do it, however, the best trick is the sealer. I use a heavy coat of Armory Matte Sealer. That really dulls the shine of the metal, and gives it a dead, souless, look.

Sorry I don't have pictures of it up yet, but I felt that the basing was more important, and you'll see it in the finished picture shots.

 For the base, I used the standard 50/50 mix of Elmer's glue and water to secure the talus rocks to the base. The Rhino shell I painted with a 50/50 mix of shadow grey and space wolf grey, so that it would have space wolf colors. I then used a heavy wash of black and brown inks to dirty it up.

 Next, I painted the whole base with a dark brown (P3's Umbral Umber). To simulate the blast marks, I used some "grimy black" weathering powder. This stuff is absolutely amazing, and very easy to work with. Look for a product review in the near future.

To finish off the base, I drybrushed a brownish/grey color (P3's Bastion Grey) over the rocks to make them pop. Next, I sealed the base with the matte sealer.

Finally, I glued the Tomb Stalker to the top.




I'll post more pictures in Part 3 of the series, flocking the base, and the finishing touches.

Until then!

Constructing a Necron Tomb Stalker Part 1, Construction

Ah, Forge World. What a cool spiky model.
Curse you! What a spiky model!

With building any large unit, I always really want to put some extra zazz into it, and really make it into a showpiece. The Tomb Stalker is not exception. I really wanted to put an edge on the model.

 In the Forge World pictures, the Tomb stalker is crawling over a piece of wreckage, and I thought that was a brilliant idea. Instead of using the aircraft that FW used, I opted for a Whirlwind hull I picked up off of eBay.
Obviously, I didn't need all the parts, so I just constructed enough of the hull to be convincing. It's going to be wreckage anyway.

After placing the constructed hull on the base, you can see it is larger than the base. This was easy to fix, I just took a razor saw and cut the hull in half.

 Once the hull was cut in half, I placed it on the base again. It was still too big, hanging slightly off of one of the edges. I cut another hunk of the back end of the hull to make it fit.

 Now I lined it up against the base one more time just to double check. Fits perfectly. Now, onto the next step.

 Using an emobossing tool (a glorified heat gun), I melted the hull in strategic places. A heat gun or a hairdryer that gets really hot could work too, I just use the embossing tool because it generates a small stream of very hot air. It is much easier to control than a heat gun or hairdryer. On the flip side, it does get hot, and quick! I had to move my painting mat because it began to warp under the heat.

 As you can see, a few seconds under the heat and the plastic begins to melt. Using a sculpting stick, you can poke, adjust and warp the hot plastic to the desired shape.

 While it is still hot, I placed the hull on the base. Pressing down lightly, to help the plastic adhere. I didn't have to use any glue here, a light bond is all I need, as I am going to sculpt the terrain up and over the wreckage.

 Using some sculpey, (yes, SCULPEY!) I began to fill in the cracks between the wreck and the base. I like working with sculpey for a few different reasons. It comes in just about every color, it only costs about a $1, and it is easy to work with. I know many people prefer to use green stuff, I just can't justify spending that much on such a small amount of putty. (On a side note, I do plan to compare Green stuff/grey stuff/and other 2 part epoxy puttys in a future article). Sculpey is an "oven bake" clay, and will not harden until exposed to heat. Obviously, I cannot put the base and wreckage in the oven, but I

 can use the embossing tool to cook the clay. This is a trick I've used since building terrain up around 'Mechs for Battletech. Sculpey may not be as hard  as green stuff,but it isn't exactly fragile either.
Once the sculpey is hard, you can sand it. I sanded it down to remove finger prints, and add a rough texture.

 The Tomb Stalker's body comes in 12 different segments, and is super poseable. Starting on the tail end, I began to glue the pieces into place, comparing it to the contour of the base.
After assembling about 5 segments, I started from the head and worked backwards. Again, I matched the contour of the base.
Once I had the tail and the head, the mid segments fell into place rather quickly.

 As you can see in the picture, the Tomb Stalker is contoured right over the wreckage.

 I used a few rather large lumps of sticky-tac to hold the TS in place while I worked on the legs. This part was insanely hard and time consuming, as it has 22 large legs, and 20 small ones. Only the large legs need to be positioned, and the claws on the end of the legs are seperate, and can be positioned as well.
I did not glue the TS to the base, so it will be easier to paint.

With the TS complete, it's time to move onto painting. Part 2 of this will detail the painting, and basing of the model.

Until then!

...in which I discuss 40K ideas, and review a local store.

So the other Necron player in the area that I know loves to go heavy on the Necron Destoryers to basically out flank and riddle his opponents with gauss fire. It is pretty effective, as I have been on the recieving end of that fire myself. I also hear it's a really popular tactic, so that makes me want to steer clear of using it. I like to be more innovative with my armies, and definitely make my opponent second guess his tactics against me.

So, after much thought, I've come up with an army list I'd like to try.




It may or may not be a new idea, but tactically I think it will catch a lot of local players off guard. It will be a while before I can field this army, mostly due to having to buy a lot of these pieces yet. Here's the concept:

2 Units of 12 Warriors
2 Monoliths
2 Units with Necron Lords
        - One Unit 5 Pariahs, and a Necron Lord with a Warscythe, Veil of Darkness, and a Destroyer Body
        - One Unit 6 Immortals and a Necron Lord with a Staff of Light, Veil of Darkness and a Res Orb.
1 Necron Tomb Stalker

When I originally did this list, I had some Heavy Destroyers in place of the Tomb Stalker, but I'm jonesing to try that unit out, so as long as my opponent is cool with Forge World, I'm running it!

The tactics are fairly simple. Use the two Monoliths to block line of sight to my lords and their units, and face the portals away from my opponent. If any of my units get into trouble, I pull them thru. With the Lords, last game I used the Veil of darkness/Immortal concept to move and shoot, and it worked really well. I want to use that same idea for the Pariahs. Now, I do not think I can assault on the turn I teleport, but teleporting them behind enemy lines for them to fire will still be effective. Any psychers on the field will have a really bad day. The gauss flayers will wreak their own havoc, and next turn having 6 warscythes in assault range will easily tear down any heavy artillery or Terminators. Warscythes do not allow saves of any kind, including invulnerable, and when they strike a vehicle they roll 2d6+str for their pen. Add to this mix 48 shots a round from my 2 squads of warriors, 2 particle whips from the monoliths, and a Tomb stalker running wild... I think it will be pretty gruesome.

So, SeerKarandras sealed my fate with the Imperial Guard. He gave me three boxes of Greatcoat troopers. These are not "GW" models in anyway, but they do look almost identical to the Death Korp of Kreig models. 52 troops are already in the works.

The kits are really neat, as they come with enough spare parts to completely trick out and mod other mini's. After looking at some of the heavy weapons teams, I am confident I can just buy the basic GW ones, and cut off the heads and swap them for some of the spares I have. Vehicles are the same, I'll just have to adjust the paint scheme. Aquillas and Iron Crosses. Of course, I'll probably splurge on the forgeworld command group and a Gorgon... but we shall see....


On to the store review!!!
21st Century Comics and Games
515 E Grand River
East Lansing, Mi 48823
http://21stcenturycomics.com/

Alright, I'll admit it. I'm, a little biased here. This is one of my favorite stores in Michigan. They have a wide selection of games, GW product, Reaper Mini's, and comics. They also have Battletech Mini's (One of only two stores in the entire state of Michigan that I've found!), and hobby supplies. They carry not only the Gale Force 9 stuff, but Woodland scenics as well. The staff is really cool, and if they don't have what you're looking for in stock, they will order it. They also have a used RPG section, so you can buy RPG books cheap, or sell the ones you are no longer using. Plenty of gaming space too.

The 2 big advantages here are the customer loyalty program and the Battletech pods.
-For the customer loyalty program, you get a stamp on your card for every $20 you spend. On anything. After 10 stamps, you get a 20% discount on your next purchase. Their stuff does run MSRP, but if you are like me, you will pick up a few odds and ends here and there (comics, brushes, paints,books, RPG aids, etc.) , and accumulate your stamps quickly. I turn around and then do a massive purchase (usually of GW stuff) at 20% off. So cool.
- Battletech pods. Yeah. Exactly the same as the ones at Virtual World. A huge cockpit that you climb into, strap in, and are immersed in a full simulation of a mech battle. They have 4 pods, so it's always a great way to spend an afternoon with some friends.

Now the draw back. And it's a doozie. The only reason this place is not my FLGS and my store of choice is that it is right across the street from Michigan State University's campus. You have to pay for parking, and that can get expensive, especially on days that their are big football or basketball games. The traffic that also comes with the sports is pretty heinous too, so I steer clear of East Lansing on those days whenever possible.

Still, the store itself is pretty damn awesome. It's not their fault MSU is a Big 10 school.

5 Stars

 

 

Till next time.....

When I will hopefully have another battle report, and maybe even an evaluation of the Tomb Stalker's capabilities!

Sweet Baby Christmas!!!

Had to post this before I went to bed.

I was just over on GW's site to see what was new with the Skaven Army (seeing as I must defeat the rats now...) and I clicked over on "Advance Orders"... And Lo and Behold, A NEW BRETONNIAN!

Gui le Gros

I have no idea what he is capable of, but in his blurb they say he would be a good leader for a group of Battle Pilgrims or Men-At-Arms.

It even gets me thinking more, is Bretonnia going to get a new Army book? Where are his stats going to be? 

Just a tidbit to stuff in your stocking!

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight!

Rats, it had to be rats...

Mr. O and I have long talked about having our armies face off against each other in Fantasy battle. He plays Skaven, and has been rather partial to the rats for a long time.

We finally got time in to throw down today. 1000 points for a quick game. My Bretonnian army was up for the challenge.

It started off as a three way pitched battle, my wife wanted to try out the High Elves. She withdrew after turn one, so it was down to Mr. O and I.

My Bretonnians had the initiative, and spent the first turn in prayer. His rats advanced on my army and began to chuck their poison wind globes and open up fire with the ratling gun.

Since we had set our armies up for a three way battle, parts of our forces were left way out in the boonies, and were out of combat for most of the game.

Also, having set up long the short edge of the table, my archer's range was not as effective s it normally would have been.

After another turn of positioning our armies, we were finally ready to charge in and get to the hand to hand combat.

The Plague Wind Globadiers took to the trees for cover, meanwhile the Rat Ogres and their packmasters advanced towards my Knights.

My unit of Grail Knights led the charge, slamming into the Rat Ogres in a frenzy. The overrode the Ogres and their Packmasters, and on the next turn met the charge of the Clan Rats that were behind the Rat Ogres.

My unit of Knights Errant kept failing their charges, but kept creeping closer to the Ratling Gun.

My Men-At-Arms made a very impressive long range charge into the squad of Tunnelers that appeared infront of my Bowmen. Despite making such an impressive effort, my Men-At-Arms stayed locked in combat with them for 2 rounds, at which time they broke. The Rats made their saves left and right, and faired much better than I thought they could. It took a charge from the Knights of the Realm to their rear to damage them enough so that they broke. Right here is where I believe I lost the game. My Men-At-Arms were able to reform, but when the Skaven broke, my Knights were unable to ride them down and wipe out the unit.

My Grail Knights were in the thick of it, being charged by the Clan Rats, and taking another charge to the flank by a pack of Giant Rats, AND taking a Ratling Gun in the other side. Oh, and the Clan Rats had an Assassin hidden in their ranks.

Needless to say, my Grail Knights fell to the swarm, and the Knights Errant fell right behind them. That put Mr. O up 2 Kill points to my 1, and their, unfortunately was no turn 6.

Overall, I always enjoy my games against Mr. O, no matter what game we are playing. This was just another example of that. We threw down, put the hurt on each other, and it was a SUPER close game, so neither of us walked away disappointed.

So, yes, Doctor Jones. It had to be rats. They stopped Bretonnia's undefeated record, but I have a feeling if we threw down at 1850 instead of 1000, things would have been different.

Until next time!
When..............

I discuss the Necron List idea I have, Contemplate the Imperial Guard, and do another store Review!

MWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

Life is good.

A little package from merry old England was delivered to me on Monday. :) Pix to come. I'm totally jonesing to take it out and put the hurt on some Dark Eldar with my Necrons.

On to the topics of the day, a store review and a comment on D&D character builders.

Store Review
Pandemonium

(734) 427-2451

1858 Middlebelt Rd
Garden City, MI 48135

I didn't post their website because, well, it sucks... Other than telling the store hours and a gaming schedule it is worthless. Despite the drive (I live in Lansing, a good two hours away), whenever I visit my family in the Detroit area, I try to swing down to Pandemonium to see what they got. Don't expect too much in the way of customer service here, this place is all about the product.

The carry the full line of GW merch, not only 40K, but Fantasy and LOTR as well. They also stock the full line of Reaper Mini's, Hordes, Warmachine, and DnD. It's very very convenient place to find exactly what you want without special ordering it. The downside is that they run MSRP, and there is no club or incentive to buy more or from them.

Two things make Pandemonium stand out. 
1: They carry Forge World in stock. Yep. No waiting on Int'l shipping... walk right in, grab what you want and go.
2: They have Used bins for 40K and Fantasy. The used models are usually a little less than 1/2 a new one, and the come with all the parts. You can paw thru the bins and inspect them and pick and choose what you want. I was able to pick up my King Louen (see previous blog to see him painted) AND a Grail Relaquae with 6 Battle Pilgrims for $40. (Louen by himself is $45). A little Pine-Sol and elbow greasy later.... You get the idea.


Overall, I give Pandemonium 3 out of 5 stars.

Customer Service frankly sucks, the place is nigh impossible to find coming from the north (it faces south along Middlebelt, so you don't even see it unless you are driving North), and it has no enticement to shop there. 
To recap the pros: Full lines IN STOCK, Used GW, Forgeworld!!!, and gaming area aplenty!




Now a quick word on D&D character builders. For 4e, you just can't beat D&DI's Character builder. But if you are a 3.5 hold out like me, check out Heroforge! It is a free program, and it is a spreadsheet that runs in Excel. It has been spot on for all of my characters, and has even caught some errors (oops!) that I have made while advancing my characters. They do have a 4e platform available, but I have not tried it yet, Also, be sure to grab Spellforge while you are there too! Playing a magic user has never been so easy!


Well, that's it for now... Have fun storming the castle!

Recent Paintings

Despite being such a busy holiday time,  have managed to finish 3 rather large and focal pieces of my Bretonnian Army; King Louen, The Green Knight, and a Damsel of the Lady.

Damsel

 The Damsel turned out really well. It's very hard to see in the picture, but the jewelry and scroll have exquisite detail.

I'm much more excited about the Green Knight. Not only did I layer him with 3 shades of green and gold highlights, I used a trick I picked up from painting Battle 'Mechs. I used a drybrush of a color called "Pearl" to give the whole model a shiny and metallic look. Then, instead of using matte sealer, I opted for brush on 'Ard Coat gloss. The whole model just shines, and looks very ethereal.

 His mount just shines too. I included this pic because of how his tail and legs absolutely glow. Now the model looks as intimidating as the character actually is.

 King Louen was a straight up paint. No special tricks or combos here, just a really great model. Beaquis' wings could have turned out a little better, but they still look great.

The heraldry turned out great. I also used a metallic black on the Hippogryph's claws and beak to give them a killing sheen. I guess I would be prouder of King Louen if I thought the model was as good as the Mod I did for Lord Kilmister.








I am still working on my other Bretonnian Lord mod, it took a back seat over the last couple of weeks. I find white such a pain to work with, he just got sidelined. I got the white worked out now, so he is the very next piece I am going to work on. I also started working on another piece of custom terrain, I'll post pictures as it is finished. I also have ~35 Bretonnian Men-at-Arms and Archers in  mid paint.

Plus, I am also getting ready to run a D&D 3.5 campaign, so my gaming future looks rather busy! I couldn't think of a better way to spend these cold months!



Next: That store review I never got to and D&D tools!