Valkryie Finalie

I had finished this sometime ago, sadly I have been very lax about posting. I still have some work to do with the flying stand, but I am happy with the result.

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Valkryie - Flying Stand

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A flying stand for the Valkryie, made from a large GW flying base, a old cd, 1/4" acrylic rod and some plasitic card. I will be adding some detail and basing soon.

Valkyrie

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Just a quick update on The Catachan Valkryie, originally I intended to leave the engines metalic. However I realized that it was too much boltgun metal in one location. Also the customer wanted some teeth on the nose, so I modified a pattern from the Flying Tigers..

How time flies

Wow.. It has been over a month since my last post!I have been very busy during the last month with projects, school and the end of summer activities with the kids. No that the fall is here, I will have more time for painting.

At present I am working on a couple of projects for AAG, an Imperial Valkyrie and Strongpoint. Both are really great kits, with lots of options and detail.
The strongpoint is an excellent value. It includes 2 bastions, 3 flak guns, 2 las cannons, 2 comm towers, 12 double wall sections, 12 single wall sections. The strongpoint can be modeled in various different ways and is really easy to assemble.

It would take sometime to scratch build a similar piece of terrain.

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Also I took sometime to complete a marine for AAG's month painting contest.
This month is "Think Pink" since this Breast Cancer Awareness month. My daughter has been wanting a Pink and Black army for quite sometime. I think this is the beginning of the "Blackhearts" marine chapter.

Imperial Stormbird - Wow!

Recently (last night), I was surfing through the Work In Progress forums for some cool conversion ideas and to see what the rest of the community was up to. During my surf, I found this incredible and inspiring piece of work by Bulldoquk.

It’s a Pre-Hersey Imperial Stormbird, a larger troop transport used by the Adeptus Astartes. It was capable of void and atmospheric flight and could hold 60-100 marines. I first heard of this transport in Horus Rising by Dan Abnett. In the book he describes it as being larger than a Thunderhawk. I had trouble comprehending the Stormbird’s size until seeing Bulldoquk’s work.

Here is a blurb from the 40K Lexicanum regarding the Stormbird.

An aircraft used during the Great Crusade just before the Horus Heresy and the introduction of the Thunderhawk. They are void capable as well as capable of atmospheric flight. The actual pattern type is Warhawk VI. They played a similar role as the Thunderhawk Gunship today, and it had many weapons for a supporting troops while deploying from the front hatch.
They were manufactured on Terra by the Yndonesic Bloc for use against the Panpacific tribes during the Unification Wars. Their wings can be folded or collapsed in some manner. They described as bulkier than the Thunderhawk and less-agile. However, the Stormbird can carry up to the equivalent of a modern space marine company, between 60 and 100 marines.
It is also described as having missiles slung under both wings and a cannon mounted on the nose. Stormbirds are piloted by two marines sitting back to back along with two hard wired servitors. It is not known the actual shape or look of a Stormbird, yet early drawings of the Thunderhawk show organic, large, and VTOL Imperial craft dropping marines on a target. Sources


I am thinking I need one of these for my Crimson Fists...

Tau Piranha

It has been a while since I posted anything, life has been pretty busy. However I was able to complete a Tau Piranha for a painting contest at the local gaming store; ALL ABOUT GAMES - As usual there are several things I don't like about the piece (regarding my painting), but overall I like it. I was happy when it was moved from Forgeworld to Games-Workshop.

As far using it in a game, I envision this Piranha hanging on the edge of the battlefield until it can unload it's seeker missiles. Once it has done that, rushing it for an attack on armor or to contest an objective.

TAU PIRANHA
Cost: 85; Fusion Gun, 2 Seeker Missiles
* The shield generators are there for looks.


Sherpa

Tau- Working List

When I began to collect and paint TAU, I really didn't have an plan. I just collected the cool figures and tanks. So after a couple of weeks searching forums, I have come up with this working list with the models I already own. I think I might be a little lite on the troops section, but I will have a better idea after a few battles

HQ (175)
Commander Shadow Sun

Elite(232)
2 Crisis suits - plasma rifle, missile pod, multi-tracker
2 Crisis suits - TL fusion blasters, targeting array

Troop (458)
10 Fire warriors, markerlight, EMP Grenades,
** devilfish w/seeker missiles (2),flechette discharger
8 Fire warriors, markerlight, gun drones (2)
11 Kroot

Fast Attack (243)
Piranha - Fusion Blaster, w/seeker missiles (2)
4 pathfinders
** devilfish w/seeker missiles (2), flechette discharger

Heavy Support(390)
hammerhead - burst cannons, Ion Cannon
hammerhead - burst cannons, Ion Cannon
2-Broadsides; Targeting Array

The Tau Sky Ray – what a bargain!

This month I shifted to working on my Tau. Originally, I didn’t plan on creating a Tau force, but a while back a good friend of mine left the game and gave me all his models. I had been helping him paint them (two models) and he decided to give them to me. So after a good start and some sweet deals, I have collected a decent size force.

Towards the end of June, I began stripping old paint jobs, and repairing broken parts. A few of my fire warriors are missing their antennas but they will work just fine. I have decided to go with a mobile force, consisting of a few stationary broadsides for support, which means I will need a few Devilfish.

On the subject of Devilfish I would to point out a bargain, the Tau Sky Ray. The Sky Ray kit has the sprues for all of the Tau vehicles (excluding the Piranha). The Sky Ray is only $6.25 more than the Devilfish which includes that nifty hammerhead weapons sprue which costs $15.00 on the GW website.

My present army list consists of 3 Devilfish, and 2 Hammerhead s for a total of 5 vehicles ($187.5). Fortunately I have most of all the vehicles. But if I was just starting out I would have bought 4 Sky Rays and a Devilfish ($200). Although the cost would have been $12.50 more, I would be able to build the following:

3- Devilfish
2- Hammerheads
2 - Smart missile system upgrades.
2 - Burst cannons options
2 -Ion Cannons with turrets
2 -Railguns with turrets
1 -Sky Ray Missile Turret or -Swordfish turret with twin-linked Rail Guns.

TAU Swordfish
White Dwarf # 271,
Tau Vehicle Design Rules
Page 60-61
Points: 260, BS-4, Armor Front-13, Side-12, Rear-10
Weapons: 1 twin-linked Railgun (with sub munitions), 1 twin-linked missile pod, and 1 burst Cannon

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Just some ramblings, Sherpa

Having the Blue, Blues...

Sometime ago I started painting my Crimson Fists force, but I was a loss at which blue to use as the base color. I read the White Dwarf article where Neil Hodgson used a mixture of chaos black and regal blue. Although I liked the results, I was looking for something a little more blue. After a few searches on the internet, I found a blog where the author used GW's Midnight Blue as the base color. I tried it and liked it, so I began painting.

Then life got more involved,I stopped painting and GW discontinued Midnight Blue.

Later when I started painting my Devastator Squad, I was unable to get Midnight Blue. I tried Vallejo's Night Blue, the color was close, but still a little off. So rather than try to mix a custom color (not a good thing), I have switched to using Necron Abyss as the base color. I really like the results, but now my army has two different base colors. ... Aarrgh

Devastators

Devastator: One who lays waste or renders desolate. One who overwhelms, as with shock.

Lately, I have been working on my Devastator Squads.

I really like the Devastator Kit, all the models look really good and I can exchange them with the heavy weapon marine in the Tactical Squads. Also the Devastator Kit (9912101053, $35) is full of additional bitz, enough to build several extra heavy weapon marines. Combing the following kits; Tactical Squad (99120101025, $35), Space Marines (99120101035, $8) and the Devastator Kit, I was able to build the follow Squads costing $78.

Tactical Squad (8);
• Sergeant with bolt pistol and chainsword.
• Marine with missile launcher
• Marine with flamer
• 2 Marines with bolters
• 3 Marines with bolters (Space Marines Kit – 9912010135)

Devastator Squad #1
• Sergeant with chainsword.
• 2 Marine with Las Cannons
• 2 Marine with Plasma Cannons

Devastator Squad #2
• Sergeant with power fist (Marine from Tactical Squad Kit - 99120125)
• 2 Marine with heavy bolters (2 Marines from Tactical Squad Kit - 99120125)
• 1 Marine with Missile Launcher
• 1 Marine with Multi-melta (Marine from Tactical Squad Kit - 99120125)

Eventually I will be adding 2 more Tactical Squads, a Sternguard , Some Terminators and a Dreadnaught . I already have the “Assault on Black Reach” it was a good buy ($60) and it came with Orcs! So with another $70, I would have the following;

1 HQ - Captain
3 Tactical Squads (8 man)
2 Devastator Squads (7 man, 2 marines in each team to soak up some wounds)
1 Terminator Squad (5)
1 Dreadnaught (1)
1 Sternguard Veterans (5)

Or
1 HQ – Captain
4 Combat Squads (5 man)
1 Tactical Squad (8 man)
2 Devastator Squads (5 man)
1 Dreadnaught (1)
1 Sternguard Veterans (5)

Total Cost - $208,
I realize that there are other options to building my marine force, such as Space Marine Battle Force Set. However I really didn’t want the 2 units of scouts and I rather would have Razorbacks instead of Rhinos.

1500, Maybe 40k Radio is right..

So Lately I have been listening to 40k Radio podcast archives. It's really good and informative. I recommend checking it out, if you have already. Anyway the hosts, Spencer and Scott have been talking about playing games at 1500 points. I admit that this sounds good to me.

So in keeping with that idea, I have begun planning my armies to the 1500 point level with a few options. Up until recently I have been just been buying what is cool, and now my armies are totally out of balance with no real predetermined point value. In the past I was more of a painter than a player so this really didn't matter to me.

However several factors have started to change my mind, such as the rising cost of models (even plastic), and GW's inability or desire to maintain army balance and updates in past Codexes. (That is another rant for another time.) So ...

I learned during the tourney at AAG, that sometimes the best or coolest looking army isn't the most successful. So I am now trying to find that balance between a cool, but effective army.

Also by having some direction before purchasing and with my choice not to renew my White Dwarf subscription, I hope to reduce my spending. Hopefully I can channel this saved capitol into another army or may I dare say it another game..

Objective Markers

Recently, I realized that I didn't have any counters or objective markers for my Crimson Fists. I did however have a few odds and ends left over from the battle field accessories sprue, the devastators sprue, a few 40mm and 20mm bases.

I have seen several good ideas on objective markers such as, a articles from the Chicago Terrain Factory, and from ++ From the Warp ++.

However I found an interesting article from The Painting Corps, and I am working on making these objectives of these myself.

M is for May and Marine.

Like most 40k gamers, I have several armies (sometimes too many)that are works in progress. This month I have switch to the Crimson Fists. It could be that a couple of figures that I have been waiting for showed up at AAG or I have been spend to much time at Kantor Base. Regardless May is Marine month. This month I will be working on Pedro, and Devastator Squad. Pictures of progress to follow - Sherpa

It's spring and the trees are bloomin'

It is amazing how time flies and suddenly you are behind on everything. Spring is here and the Yard work has begun...

In my last post, I was talking about my painting malaise, which tends to happen at this time of year. However since I can now use the garage, multiple terrain ideas are coming to mind.

So my first one is Trees! You can never have enough trees.
Sure you can buy them, but they are costly and really never look the way you expected them to be.
I was surfing youtube the other day, when I found “ The Kamloopian”, who has whole bunch of videos on making trees, buildings and other stuff. His videos were very inspirational and informative (Thanks Kamloopian)

Well I motivated by the videos, I began the tree project. Overall, I think they turned out great and I will have some pictures soon.

Materials list –
Several promotional or trash dvds. (free)
Styrofoam; roughly 1” thick and big enough to cover the dvds.
Several wooden dowels or skewers (I don’t know , stole them from the kitchen).
Elmer’s glue or Glue all or PVC glue (Again, I don’t know, I stole this from the kids).
Some Sand (to cover the bases)
Some old aquarium rock (the remains from a sad pet experience)
Some flock (shredded foam form Woodland Scenics, and Static grass from Force 9)
And the most expensive item, 3m heavy duty stripping pads. ($1.97 at Walmart)
Some clear acrylic sealer (Krylon?)

Tools list –Foam Cutter
Another old heavy duty stripping pad for shaping the foam
Paint and an old 1” flat brush for adding glue, painting and dry brushing.




The base

Since my trees were to be used in a 40k or Fantasy Tabletop setting, I decided to group the trees together on a base

First clue the Styrofoam to the dvds, and use the foam cutter to roughly shape the foam into a mound.
Using the old stripping pad, shape the foam and dvd into a more rounded mound.
Next base the mound with sand and aquarium rock, using the old paint brush and glue.
After the glue has dried, use a very watered down mixture of glue and water on the mound to hold down the sand and rock (just like when you base a miniature).

Finally, basecoat, paint, dry bush and seal (clear coat) the base.
 

The Trees

Next take the dowels or skewers and sharpen each end to a point. One point will be used to put the push the stripping pad material on the skewer and the other point will be used to push the tree trunk into the foam on the base.

After crafting trunks (pointy sticks), start making the foliage material from the stripping pads.
Grasping the pad, pull it apart creating a couple of pads that are similar in shape to the original only thinner. Now take those parts and tear them into smaller pieces (not to small).

Select several pieces to create a tree, you should a variety of sizes starting from largest to smallest.
Coat the skewer with glue and push the largest of the pieces of material down on the skewer, repeat the process with each piece going from largest to smallest. This will created a rough conical shape, it is this shape that the foliage (flock) will be applied.

One the material attached to the skewer is dried, spray paint the tree black. This basecoat will contrast with the flock material and add dimension.

Adding the flock
Next using the large 1” brush coat the stripping material with glue in a top down method, similar to dry brushing
This will simulate the appearance of leaves growing on the tree. Since leaves grow on the tops and ends of branches, you want to make sure that you don’t get glue on the underside of the material.

Before the glue dries, sprinkle your choice of color and type of flock on the tree branches. After the flock is dry, coat with clear coat sealer. Put glue on the end of the trees without the foliage and push them into the foam on your bases.

Now as with written text, this may seem really involved, but it really easy and I was able to complete it in a day.

Sherpa

Painting Malaise - Bah..

Like everyone else, I seemed to have been affected by the painting malaise. I started this miniature for the monthly painting contest at AAG, but just can't seem to finish it. Each month AAG has a miniature painting contest, with a theme. This month's theme was "It ain't easy being green", meaning that a majority of the miniature needed to be painted green. So in keeping with the theme, I decided to paint an Autuarch in green. In the beginning I was really fired up for the contest, and had a good start. However after a few set backs, some other household projects, and well .... I missed the deadline. So what to do now? I think its time to test my stripping skills .
What is it about this time of year? .. Bah

Battle for MYR - AAG Campaign (3rd Battle)

Autarch Fritz, I have failed you.. I will now fall upon my chainsword or maybe the power weapon, cause the chainsword might get a bit messy...

Last night was my third battle in 10 years, it appears I really need to hit the books. A few bad moves and a incredibly accurate, powerful Orky, grotling throwing gun thingy (Shokk Attack Gun) devastated my eldar army. So many guardians wasted, in attempt to be safe and effective, sadly I lost sight of the objective. So I am now going to search the forums and review the books for insight, for next week I face the Blood Angels. "TO THE BLACK LIBRARY..Autarch in training".

Second Battle at AAG,

Last night was the second round of the “Battle for MYR” tourney. I loss the battle, but had a lot of fun. My opponent was very gracious, patient and showed a high level of sportsmanship. Since this was only my second battle in ten years, I was really concerned that I wouldn’t be much of a challenge for him. However "insert bogus name here = Racer X" was really good about not pointing out my deficiencies and lack of skill. Also a really interesting thing happened about halfway through, Racer’s friend Speed showed up. Speed is currently working on a Eldar army, and is very knowledgeable about Eldar tactics. Needless to say and much to Racer’s chagrin, Speed became my tactical advisor. Thanks again Speed.

So our 1200-point (approx.) battle was a Seize Ground Mission on a Pitched Battle Deployment. We rolled up 5 objectives, and had quite a bit of terrain. Since we only had a few troop choices each, we were pretty concerned about capturing enough objectives.

So Racer X with his Sons of Prometheus Chapter (Salamander Successor) set up in the NW corner or the table, while I setup in the SW. I was able to make quite a few incredible saves and maintain a safe distance from his marines for the first couple of turns, but eventually Racer X was able to get is heavy weapons to the center of the table. This signaled the end for much of my force, but I was able to get a few good shots in.

Overall I think I did well with my choices, but I was really impressed with my vYper Squadron.
Due to the randomness of the setup for the campaign, I was unable to take any heavy support choices, so my vYpers had pull double duty anti personnel and anti armor. I was quite pleased with the vYpers. The shuriken cannon and holo-field upgrades were well worth the cost. The cannons were great for taking out space marine body armor, and the holo-fields kept the vYpers in for most of the game.

Again I would like to thank Racer X (and Speed) for a great game and conversation.

Sherpa

Army list summary:
1 Farseer (HQ) @ 168 Pts; Singing Spear; Shuriken Pistol; Ghosthelm
Spirit Stones; Runes of Warding; Guide; Doom; Jetbike

4 Guardian Jetbike Squadron (Troops) @ 98 Pts
Shuriken Pistol; Linked Shuriken Catapults (x3); Shuriken Cannon (x1);

8 Dire Avengers (Troops) @ 275 Pts
1 Exarch; 2 Avenger Shuriken Catapults; Bladestorm
1 Wave Serpent @ [135] Pts; Shuriken Cannon Upgrade; Linked Starcannons

8 Dire Avengers (Troops) @ 275 Pts
1 Exarch; 2 Avenger Shuriken Catapults; Bladestorm
1 Wave Serpent @ [135] Pts; Shuriken Cannon Upgrade; Linked Starcannons

1 vYyper (Fast Attack) @ 120 Pts; Shuriken Cannon Upgrade; Bright Lance; Holo-fields
1 vYper (Fast Attack) @ 115 Pts; Shuriken Cannon Upgrade; Starcannon; Holo-fields
1 vYper (Fast Attack) @ 115 Pts; Shuriken Cannon Upgrade; Starcannon; Holo-fields

Campaign for MYR; AAG 40K Night

As I mentioned earlier, I recently joined a 40k Tourney/Campaign at my local game store. Last week we rolled up our army options and bonus points. We were to start with a 1000 points consisting of 1 HQ and unlimited troops, then roll on a chart to determine the rest of our force.

So as the only Eldar player in a group of consisting of a majority of marines (majority), imperial guard, and necrons; I was hoping to get a heavy weapon option. Instead I rolled an elite and a fast attack, needless to say I am most likely out gunned.

Rumor has it my first opponent likes to play Salamanders; which means stay away from the meltas and flamers. So I am going to play the only options I have left; speed and range.

So with limitations of 1168 points of the following 1HQ, 1 Elite, 1 Fast Attack Unlimited Troops; I have created the following list.

Craftworld Morda -

1 Farseer Agarwaen (blood stained) @ 168 Pts
Singing Spear; Shuriken Pistol;#Ghosthelm
Runes of Warding Guide [20]
Doom [25]
Jetbike [30]
Spirit Stones [20]

3 Guardian Jetbike Squadron @ 76 Pts
Shuriken Pistol; Linked Shuriken Catapults (x2); Shuriken Cannon (x1);

8 Dire Avengers @ 290 Pts
Exarch
2 Avenger Shuriken Catapults
Bladestorm

Wave Serpent @ [150] Pts
Shuriken Cannon Upgrade; Linked Starcannons
Star Engines [15]

1 vyper Squadron (3) @ 360 Pts
Shuriken Cannon Upgrade (x1); Bright Lance (x1)
Holo-fields [35]

5 Banshees (Howling Banshees) @ 273 Pts
Power Weapon; Shuriken Pistol; Banshee Mask
Exarch @ [43] Pts
Mirrorswords; Banshee Mask
War Shout [5]

Wave Serpent @ [150] Pts
Shuriken Cannon Upgrade; Linked Starcannons
Star Engines [15]



I will let you know how it worked out; I need to get moving need to build a few models for this weeks game.
Sherpa

40k Night at AAG

I haven't played a game in over 10 years and I don't know the rules all that well, so I joined a tourney. Ok not one of my smartest moves and to add to the stupidity of this action I chose to play Eldar (the only Eldar player), but I figured it would be the best way to learn.

The tourney officially starts next week, but last night a bunch of us got together to have a rumble. It was pretty fun and the players at my table were pretty helpful and shared their knowledge with me. (Thanks, Ryan, Nate and Nick).

It was a good game and I was well schooled. I learned first hand last night, that eldar skimmers are like sharks. If they don't keep moving, they will die and mine did. On the second to the last turn I kept my serpents and prisms stationary (Sorry Autarch Fritz, I should have listened), they didn't survive the turn.

So I lost quite a bit of my army, but it was still fun. I must say that the Dire Avengers with Bladestorm more that made up for their point cost.

All in all, a great night.

Sherpa

Building Bases

It not like I don't have enough projects to do right now, but I started working on the magnetic bases for my Eldar vYpers and bikes. I recently discovered Fritz's video and was inspired to create my own. Honestly Fritz's way is pretty easy and looks good.

However I had a bunch of clear 60 mm bases, some 1/4" acrylic rods, unused rare magnets and super glue hanging around, I decided to "scratch build" my own magnetic bases. Overall I am really pleased on how they turned out. The project was pretty easy, just a little time consuming.

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The bases for the Serpent and Prism are totally scratch built and are an old project. I just love old used cds, they make great bases for large objects and vehicles. They look good and are very stable, a must for the wave serpent.


To make them, I first glue two old cds together for rigidity. Next I take a 30 mm flying base and glue it to the center of the cds. I drill out the center of the flying base so that I can put an acrylic rod through the center.

 


I then build up the terrain on the base using foam core, gravel and aquarium rock. On the vehicle I glue a small plastic tube, which has an inside diameter,that matches the outside diameter of my acrylic rod. This allows the vehicle to be placed securely on the rod, and can be easily removed later.

If I need to make another one of these base, I will record the process for a youtube segment.

Eldar Army List

I was working on my Eldar today, when it occurred to me that I hadnever finalized a list. I had been going off a mental list, but really hadn't assigned point values. So to keep me focused and on track, I created the following list. The list is pretty generic; I may change it to include more vYpers (personal favorite).
If I drop the scorpions and a bike or two, I might be able to get 7 vYpers on the table.

Sherpa

HQ:
Seer Council on Jetbikes;
1 Farseer with singing spear, runes of warding,
-- doom and fortune powers.
3 Warlocks with witchblades and destuctor power.

Elites:
9 Striking Scorpions in Wave Serpent with TL Shuriken Catapults

Troops:
5 Guardians on Jetbikes (last minute objective grabbers)
9 Dire Avengers including Exarch (2 Avenger Catapults and Bladestorm),
-- in Wave Serpent with TL Bright Lances.
9 Dire Avengers including Exarch (2 Avenger Catapults and Bladestorm),
-- in Wave Serpent with TL scatter lasers.

Fast Attack:
1st Squad: 2 vYpers with Bright lances and Holo-fields (anti-armor)
2nd Squad: 2 vYpers with Star Cannons and Holo-fields (anti-personnel)

Heavy Support:
2 Fire Prisms with Holo-fields and Star Engines. (contesting objectives)

Technical Difficulties

My apologies for not posting lately, my PC got a nasty virus, which resulted in a complete reformat, and reload. I also caught a nasty bug from my son. Unfortunately the only way I could recover was bed rest, but now my PC and I are ready for action.
Sherpa

Wooden Clothes Pin Clamp

Does everyone know about the inverted wooden clothes pin clamp? No?

Well you take a clothes pin and remove the spring, invert the wooden parts so that the spring now closes the long narrow parts, instead of the jaws.

Now you have a cool little clamp for those small, delicate pieces.
Well Roy Bourke does and he has a few more ideas on uses for clothes pins. Just don't let mama catch you stealing them from her clothes line.

Sherpa

A great gaming store

I was thinking about what makes a great game store the other day. When I first started gaming, the local game store was the hang out for the disinherited (D&D players and gamers); the individuals that society didn’t really understand at the time. In the past we had to special order our stuff from bookstores, toyshops and hobby centers. Then we needed to locate other players and then find a place to play. Many games were played in freezing garages, next to the family station wagon. Then came a place where we could find all these things at once, the game store.

A store dedicated to the games and only to the games we loved. It was the place you could talk about custom encounter charts, random chance modifiers and fields of fire for hours without someone raising an eyebrow at you. I wasted many days of my youth in the local gaming store without spending a dime, but it was fun. My apologies to those store owners.

So what makes a great gaming store? Is it product knowledge, great inventory, award-winning service, great deals or that firm handshake and smile when a deal is made? Sure all these things are great, but not necessarily the makings of a great gaming store. Don’t get me wrong, I like all of those things and get a little pissy when some of those things are missing, but none of these things compare to a sense of community.

Lets face it we play these game for the social interaction, if not we would all be behind our keyboards playing a MMORPG or an Online RTS. Granted some of us do, but any gamer worth his or her salt loves the intense interaction of an RRG session or a Tabletop Tourney. It is that connection to our community that makes the games alive for us.

Which leads me to believe that community is the key to a great gaming store. Sure it’s nice to have all the great merchandise, product knowledge and such, but nothing beats having a place where you belong. However I believe most successful gaming stores do a great job of supporting the community, but for the community to survive we need to do our part.

In today’s environment when all the stuff that had to be special ordered before, can now be purchased with a click of the mouse. No driving, no searching, no waiting, no interaction, and no community. Sure it’s great to be able to get stuff so readily and in some cases the only way, but we need to be careful or we could all be playing in that freezing garage again.

So before you order that thing online, take a moment pick-up the phone and call the local game store. Sure it might take a little longer for you to get the item and you most likely will pay a little more for it, but that’s the price for community. I for one don’t want to be all bundled up, sitting next to the family station wagon again. It kind of takes the fun out of a natural 20, not really.. woo

40K night at AAG

Tonight is 40k night at AAG, our the local game store. So I think I will go to hang out. I probably won't get into a game, I am still pretty fuzzy on the 5th edition rules. Maybe watching a few games, will help remove the haze.

Sherpa

Land Raider MK1 Project (update)

As I mentioned earlier I am scratch building a Land Raider MK 1, using the templates at the BWC-Archive as a rough set of blueprints. However I did a few modifications such as enclosing the secondary hull sections, there is supposed to be some grating there. The MK II does not have the exposed grating, so I left it off my MK I. Also the tracks on the MK II are closer to the suspension and are more recessed to the tread sections. I liked that look so I attempted to pull the tracks tighter to the tread unit.


I used as MK II Rhino chassis for a size comparison, since I don’t have a Land Raider MK II at the moment. The MK II Rhino is approximately ¾ the size of a Land Raider MK II (estimated from pictures of the two side by side), I tried to keep the same dimensions for the MK I.

For building material I used a layer of plastic card, a large plastic “ for sale’ sign found at the local hardware store for $ 2.27, and some scraps of foam core. The plastic sign is easy to work with, and the layers of foam core add rigidity. I plan on scratch building most of the Land Raider. As time permits, I will add more detail and some bits from other tank kits.


For the sake of scale and reference, I attached the side weapon sponson and hatch from a predator.

I plan to work on the main chassis sometime this week, however my time will be very limited due preparation for the D&D game this week.

"Predator Tank reporting for duty"

So after some soul searching, I decided to get a predator tank with my Christmas cash. It seemed the most logical choice for my Crimson Fists Army, and I felt it will be a good tactical addition. blah blah blah..

Ok it was an impulse buy, I saw it and though it would be cool to build and paint. So I got it. It wasn't really needed for my army, however it does have an added benefit. I am really short on troop transports and with the use of magnets I could make this a PRINO!.


Thanks Shawn and Renn

Also any spare parts could be used in [large booming voice]
THE LAND RAIDER PROJECT.

Sherpa

Dreadnaught Needs a Name

So here is a picture of my Crimson Fists Dreado which is a work in progress.
However it still needs a name, something cool like Furoso or something.

Sherpa

New Camera! (well, new to me anyway)

Lately, I have been taking pictures of my miniatures with a Kodak Easy Share C315. although it has been a great camera for the family photos and survived several dips in the Payette Lake, it does not have the lens for miniature photos. Thus all my pictures are very fuzzy, much like my vision after an all night Twilight Zone marathon. Ya, the old stuff with Rod Serling, like "To Serve Mankind" rocks.
Anyway I was visiting my mother-in-law the other day, and we were digging through her old tech stuff. Ya know the box of cables, old cell phones and cassette players that no body wants or needs. When she found her old Canon Powershot digital camera, andasked me if I wanted to use it. Fully realizing it was vastly superior to the camera I currently use, I couldn't answer YES quick enough.
So now I have a decent camera. Maybe I can finally add some visual content, to go with my incessant ramblings.

Sherpa

Links for taking Miniature Photos:

• TWFigurines


• Karoth


• Tiny Tin Men


• Mini Vault

The MK I Land Raider Project

After the Wave Serpent incident, I had decided to never scratch build a 40k model again. However after seeing some of the scratch built MK I Land Raiders, I have decided to build one.

I agree with Wildhermit that the MK I's odd rhombus shape is creepy. However I am going for the nostalgia, and that oddity that is 40K. So where do I find a MK I? Nowhere at present, and which MK I? I have seen two different variations of this kit. One with the drive train exposed and hull extended to cover the drive train.

Personally, I like the one with the hull extended. So it looks like I will have to build one. I joined the BWC-Archive group, a great bunch of individuals with a lot of neat reference material. I've made a sketch of changes I would like to make to the basic model. I am striving for retrofitted MK I.
It should match the rag tag appearance of my Crimson Fists army. At present I don't have any pictures, but hope to have some soon.

Sherpa

Land Raider MK I or MK II, that is the question

So I had sometime this week to sit and reflect on my Crimson Fists army. Its a pretty small army compared to my Tau and Eldar armies, but I have always like them. I first got hooked by their history and the battle for the farm scenario in the first edition of 40K (Rogue Trader). I doubt the army will ever reach 2000 points in size.



However I was thinking that I needed a few Land Raider(s), but since I am building this army on a tight budget they might be a bit costly. Like my Wave Serpent saga, I decided to see what I could find online. Who knows maybe I would find a MK I to salvage. At present no luck, however I did find a group that had the plans to scratch build a MK I and a couple of really great posts from Bell of Lost Souls and Warseer.com.

So the question is; MK I or MK II? I love the nostalgia of the MK I, but the MK II is a good looking machine. If I decide to build a MK I, it would most likely be a cross between the two.

Sherpa

Hey Hey Back in Ulthwe' (Black) or not...

After seeing the "Way of the Saim Hann" by Fritz and Reading about Pete Foley in the "Tale of Four Gamers" by Games Workshop. I have decided to complete my Eldar Army.
My Eldar Army has been an epic saga, one which spans decades, yes decades. I began collecting Eldar when there was only 5 models available, during the Rogue Trader Days. Later when the Harlequins were released I was the first in line at my local game store. I had planned to model my own Craftworld: Morda Hai, using a Blazing orange and Green Color scheme.
However after collecting several models and partially painting several squads. I then for some reason decided to leave gaming, and gave all my stuff to a friend. Who sometime later put much of it on ebay or traded it. I missed the whole 40k 2nd Edition time period.
Anyway 15 years later, I was back with a vengence and still back. I began collecting Eldar like crazy, and immediately fell in love with the Ulthwe'. The idea of fielding an entire army of black really appealed to me, just prime with flat black and well ... you are done. It must have appealed to everyone else, cause that was all I saw on the tables. Yes there was the occassional Biel-Tan, Alaitoc and Iyanden, oddly no Saim-Hann (must have been the cost), but most cases it was Ulthwe'
So I decided to play a Ulthwe' variation, mine would be negative version, bleached bone and black. Then halfway through, I decided that bleached bone was boring and moved to Bilous Green and Scorched Brown, that lasted until I was half way through my army. To shorten this blog a bit, lets just say I am getting really good a stripping paint from plastic.
Well now I am back to my original Craftworld: Morda Hai and it's color scheme. I may change the name, but the Blazing Orange is here to stay. I don't think the enviroment can take any more of my stripping process.

Sherpa

Always room for Jell-O (Eldar)

A friend once told me that no matter how full he was; he always had enough room for Jell-O. My friends, that is the way I feel about Eldar vehicles. It seems that no matter how much I collect, I would like to get another kit. I like the vehicles, the vYper, the Falcon derivatives, and especially the Flyers by Forgeworld. To me, Elder vehicles look graceful, deadly and swift and it all started when I got my first vYper for my birthday.

At the time I only had some Swooping Hawks as my sole fast attack unit, realizing I needed something with a little more kick I began reviewing my options. Jet bikes are nice, but I never really understood them, to me they looked like Eldar on flying snowmobiles. The vYper on the other hand was bad ---. It was fast, had holofields and could put out some serious firepower when needed. I spent a lot of time on my vYper, and it looked great. There was to be a battle with the Tyranids, and this vYper was going to dominate the board. Estatic I went wage war with the Tyranids.

I had won the first round and immediate let the vyper lose on my enemy’s flank. It streaked across the battlefield to reach its first target. It looked great on its clear flying stand. I swiveled the bright lance around to the target. This was going to be glorious. Would I blast the target to smithereens or strip away at it, one wound at a time? I rolled the dice and missed! Not disheartened I waited for the next turn; surely this incredible vehicle would make up for its poor performance then.

It died on the first volley by the Tyranids.

Well regardless of the my vYper’s performance, I was bitten. To this day I still have to resist the urge to buy more Eldar Vehicles. I have good days, and some bad with this addiction. Today I have 6 Vypers, 2 Wave Serpents, 2 Fire Prisms, and 2 Falcon/ Serpent combos. One would think that I have enough Eldar Vehicles, but well there is always for room for more. Jell-O anyone

By the way check out the blog ”The Way of the Saim Hann” by Fritz. There are some great pics and battle reports, but most importantly Autarch Fritz shares his knowledge on Tactica.
*Kneeling in Reverence*
Thank you Autach Fritz, may your blade slay many Mon Keigh.

Sherpa

Amrybuilder 2.2c Data File for Eldar

So while I was working on the datafile for "The Forge", I did discover an Eldar Data File for the latest codex, originally written for 4th Edition. The rule verification may not be current, but the point value and powers are. It is datafile: EL AllEldar HV27.zip. To make this file work, you will need to download the 40k armyfile: 40k3v3p45.ab from Filefont and import it to Armybuilder 2.2.
Next you will need to unzip EL AllEldar HV27.zip in the C:\ArmyBuilder\data directory, this will overwrite the older eldar file. Launch Armybuilder 2.2c and you should see the new codex.

Sherpa

An Alternative Army List Tool

Well my version of Armybuilder is now officially obsolete. I don't have the lastest version 3.0, and all the data files for 40K 5th. Ed are for now for 3.0. Armybuilder is a great product, and I used version 2.2 quite a bit. ThThe latest version is even better and is very reasonably priced. However with my budget being tight, I can use the $40 somewhere else. So I have been looking for a less expensive alternative.
Currently I am checking into "The Forge" by The Digital Foundry. It is a low cost (Free) alternative to Army Builder. It lacks some of the rule verification and some of the cool features of Armybuilder, but all in all it is a very usable product.
As with Armybuilder the key to The Forge is the data files, which are archived at Yahoo.com. I am currently working on a new data files for the Eldar and the Tau. I hope to eventually have a new data file for the 5th ed Space Marine Codex. If you can't afford Armybuilder (an excellent product), "The Forge" is a nice alternative.

Sherpa

Happy New Year

Greetings Everyone and Happy New Year,
We wish all well this up coming year. However with the New Year comes the New Year Resolutions. So among the usual resolutions, I have resolved to finish an Army, maybe two this year.

Sherpa