Merry Christmas from Sign of the Aquila

Hi all.

Just a quick post to wish you all a wonderful (possibly hobby filled) Christmas from myself and Zebulon. Have a nice day.

Blackmane and Zebulon

End Times Nagash (Short) Review

Hi all.

So I haven't posted anything since I went on my sort of hiatus. However I have recently finished reading the End Times Nagash (the big book not the novel) and I thought I would do a brief review.

Firstly is the sheer amount of new background that is contained within the book. For me this was the main reason for wanting to read the book as I love the background material. Even so there was a lot to take in so I definitely wouldn't recommend trying to read the whole thing all in one go. I'm not saying it wouldn't be possible, but I feel if you rushed through it then you maybe wouldn't take it all in. 

I like that even though the story mainly revolves around The Empire, Chaos and The Undead a few other races get small parts. In the case of the Elves (all 3 kinds) and the Skaven they go on to get their own books detailing their involvement in more detail. So for me having a few sections about the Dwarfs (my fantasy army) was nice even though it doesn't go very well for them at all. The battle at Valaya's Gate was for me both an epic and very sad moment. 

I felt the conclusion of the book, which mainly focuses on Nagash's war with the Tomb Kings, was a good way to end the opening act of the story. It's not often that the background stories venture in to the Land of Dead so I really did enjoy this part of the book. War between armies that can't be killed and don't know fear or fatigue led to a very different pace in terms of how battle unfolds. It added a certainly sense of relentlessness which carried over into the story as a whole as the story relentlessly strove towards the climax of the first part of the End Times story. 

Overall I really enjoyed the book and I'm really looked forward to having the time to dive into the End Time Glotkin book.

Well that's all for today. Thanks for taking the time to have a read and please feel free to leave comments be they good, bad or somewhere in between. 

Blackmane

Blackmane's Sort of Hiatus

Hi all.

It's been quite a while since I posted anything to the blog. The reason for this is that in June I moved into a new flat and then it took a while to get my hobby stuff set up. 

Unfortunately I have also found that currently I have a lot less time than I had hoped to actually sit down and do some painting and such. 

So this had led me to make the decision to take a sort of hiatus from the blog. Essentially I won't be posting much, if anything, in the way of actual model related things like work in progress models, finished models, etc. However I have no wish to leave the blog entirely as I hope somewhere down the line I'll be able to make some time for painting and such and therefore start posting again. 

In the meantime however I have agreed with Zebulon that I will try and do some other posts like reviews of Warhammer and 40K books that I've been reading. 

With that I will say my sort of goodbye and I hope I'll be back properly sooner rather than later. 

Blackmane

Blackmanes Birthday Present: Imperial Fists Contemptor Dreadnought

Hey all today I bring a little post of what I was cooking for Blackmane's birthday, I wanted to do WIP posts, but that would have given the surprise away! So being the Dreadnought fanatic that I am, I decided to do something special for Blackmane's birthday;

Scrap Iron Hands: Iron Captain WIP

Hey all, here's an update on my scrap Iron Hands Project, which you can see the introduction to here. The first thing I decided to work with on my project was the Iron Captain for my force (start at the top and work down eh?) I'm still on the look out for other bits to flesh out my force, but doing so as cheaply as possible, I've procured an incomplete techmarine who is going to be my 2nd Tac Squad sergeant :

As well as another joblot for £4 that has various bits and pieces, also bits for 4 heavy weapon, 2 Heavy Bolter, 1 Plasma Cannon and a Lascannon too. Though they are from the new plastic kit, they are incomplete, meaning I'm going to have to convert some backpacks and bits, which is fine because Iron Hands love their tech and I'm sure the Mechanicus don't mind them testing new STC variants ;) and also I get to make them look really cool! But I digress.....

Scrap Iron Hands: Zebulon's Latest Muse

Hey all, Zebulon here once again after a lengthy hiatus with a brief post of my latest plan and project! As you can guess from the title, this is about my latest Iron Hands project. I've started to build a small Horus Heresy force and instead of sticking with the Ultramarines 30k counterparts, I decided I'd go with the Iron Hands. Firstly I've always had a soft spot for the Iron Hands and their love of technology, seeing the releases from Forge World drew me in very quickly, I absolutely love their Gorgon Terminators and Iron Father, not to mention the brilliant Ferrus Manus. Secondly, Blackmane has opted for Emperors Children in the Heresy. Since he is my most long time opponent, it makes sense for me to get their bitter rivals too! It's only a fledgling force as you can see below

Random Project: Ogre Pit Fighter

So today I found myself doing another link in my chain and after corroding the gut armour, I found myself messing with the arm options for another Ogre I got in the same job lot. I originally was going to just try and give him a mongolian style hat, but he slowly developed into something else.....

A Painting Chain

Hey all, just a little post today on something I'm trying, which I find really useful at the minuet. I'm doing a painting chain. The idea is that you do a little of something that you're working on every day, doesn't matter how big or small, just so long as you do something.

I got into the habit of not painting for weeks on end, sighting that I was too busy. That isn't in fact wholly true, as I'm sure anyone who reads this will agree, life outside of the hobby world demands a lot of our attention, as this is, indeed, a hobby, part of our greater life that we enjoy to the fullest. I felt that I needed to try and flex in some hobby time, or at least be able to do it on a more consistant basis.

This is where "The Chain" comes in. I got this idea from my housemate, who was having the same problem with his drawings and he got this idea from Jerry Seinfeld. He would work on a little joke or something everyday trying not to break his chain. It's worked wonders for my housemate and now its making me more productive too.

I got a few ogres in a job lot and there was a nicely characterful ogre in that bunch which I thought would be a good starter for my chain. He was just white and brown when I got him (as you can probably still see from the Gnoblar in the crow's nest) and after just doing a little bit a day, he's coming on very nicely! Plus doing this has helped me tackle my flesh problems and so far they've come out quite well! I didnt matter if I just gave it a wash, did some highlights or just base coated an area. As long as I did something not to break the chain!

He's not for a new army or anything like that, but he and his kin could be use in Mordheim as various Orge mercenaries. The chain though is really helping me, it gives me that little bit of hobby time, its gives me a rewarding feeling that something is looking really good and also it's helping me with techniques, mixtures and applications all in 5-30mins a day. If you don't do this and felt the way I did, I would definitely say give it a go. Even if its you just leave one brush and colour of paint out it's something and can really help with you productivity. Give it a go!

Zebulon

Dark Angel Space Marine Librarian WIP

Hi all.

Today I bring some pictures of the next model that I've started work on. In this instance it's my take on the Dark Angel Librarian that was in the Dark Vengeance box set. Like the Dark Angel Company Commander from the same box that I painted quite a while ago, I've chosen to do this model purely because I like it. He may see action alongside some Space Marines in the future but he won't be part of a Dark Angel allied army or anything like.

So lets get on with the pictures.

 More after the jump.

Dark Eldar Haemonculi Complete

Hi all.

Today I bring the completed Dark Eldar Haemonculi that I've been working steadily on for the last week. 

Lets get to the pictures.

 More after the jump.

Painting Challenge Results

Hi all.

Just a quick post this one. 

The results of the poll for the Urien Rakarth challenge stand at 2 votes for myself and 1 vote for Zebulon. That gives me the win in this challenge by 1 vote. 

Thanks for everyone who had a look and to those who voted on our small poll. 

Blackmane

Painting Challenge Quick Reminder

Hi all.

Just a quick reminder that the voting for mine and Zebulon's Urien Rakarth painting challenge ends tomorrow. 

If you haven't seen them then mine (Blackmane) can be found here and Zebulon's here and the poll can be found on the right hand side.

Thanks for having a look.

Blackmane

Dark Eldar Haemonculi WIP 3

Hi all. 

Today brings another WIP post on my Dark Eldar Haemonculi. 

Warmachine Initial Impression

Well as you can probably tell from the title, this is a Warmachine post. I'd never played Warmachine before a couple of weeks ago. The style of the models had put me off picking up the game for ages, but a couple of friends had invited me down to their games night for an intro game and I thought why not...

Dark Eldar Haemonculi WIP 2

Hi all.

Another day and some progress to show on my Dark Eldar Haemoculi that I posted about previously. 

Lets get to the pictures.

 More after the jump.

Ultramarines Venerable Dreadnought WIP

Hey all, a little post on a soemthing something ive picked up! 

Dark Eldar Haemonculi WIP

Hi all.

Today I bring a couple of quick pictures of a Dark Eldar Haemonculi that I've been working on. After doing Urien Rakarth I felt like doing the generic haemonculi that I've had for a while. It's the finecast model that was available until the new plastic model came out.

So lets get on with the pictures.

Painting Duel: Zebulon's Urien Rakarth

So the time is up and as im sure you've seen both myself and Blackmane have finished our Rakarths and here is mine:

Painting Duel: Blackmane's Urien Rakarth

Hi all.

So today finds another painting challenge completed with both myself and Zebulon painting Urien Rakarth. As with all our painting challenges it will be up to you good people out there on the internet to decide who has won. 

So lets get down to the pictures of my Urien Rakarth. 

More after the jump.

Lilith Hesperax Complete

Hi all. 

Today I bring a post that has been a long time coming. I finally got round to finishing off Lilith Hesperax for my Dark Eldar. I started her some time ago but then I moved back to the city where I'm now living and just didn't have time to get her finished. Well I've now managed to work out some time in which to paint and so things are finally getting done haha. 

So let's get on with the pictures. 

Hello! I'm TV's Adam West: Batman 1966 Complete

Hi all.

Today I bring a post on my Batman 1966 model from Knight Models. 

I've found I really like a lot of the models that they have put out for the Batman miniature game. While I don't think I'll ever actually play the game (but who knows, maybe sometime in the future) I do like the models enough to buy some just to paint. I've also got the Riddler to do at some point and Iron Man from the range of Marvel models.

So lets get to the pictures. 

Painting Duel: Urien Rakarth

Hi all.

So today saw the end of mine and Zebulon's Cato Sicarius vs Ragnar Blackmane painting duel/challenge. And with that we have decided to dive straight in to the next one. 

Painting Duel: Cato Sicarius vs Ragnar Blackmane: Cato Sicarius Pictures

Hey all, 

             Today I bring my half of the painting duel, all be it a little later than planned. As you can see above, the model I purchased was second hand, but it was metal! So I was very very happy with that! Anyway on with the pics:

Painting Duel: Cato Sicarius vs Ragnar Blackmane: Blackmane Pictures

Hi all.

Today I bring my pictures of the Ragnar Blackmane model that I have painted for mine and Zebulon's latest painting duel. 

I have to say I really enjoyed this one as it got me to paint one of the few remaining named characters I had left to paint for my Space Wolves (the others been the original metal Bjorn, Arjac Rockfist and Muderfang). 

So now to the pictures. I do have to apologise for the lined paper in the background of the pictures as I had no plain paper at all. 

Painting Duel: Cato Sicarius vs Ragnar Blackmane Update

Hi all.

Just a quick update on the Cato Sicarius vs Ragnar Blackmane painting duel. The end of the challenge was meant to be yesterday, Sunday 1st, however Zebulon requested an extension until midnight tonight which I was happy to grant if it meant Zebulon got the chance to finish. So tomorrow both will go up on the blog for your good selves out there on the internet to vote for and decide the winner. 

Well that's all for today. Thanks for taking the time to have a look.  

Building Mordheim: Lazer Cut Gallows

Hey all,

              Today I bring a quick update on some gallows I got for Mordheim. Similar to the clock tower that I blogged about before I got these rather neat gallows from the same store on eBay;

Painting Duel: Cato Sicarius vs Ragnar Blackmane

Hey all,

              Today I have a quick update on a duel myself and Blackmane have started as of today. We haven't done one of these in a while and I thought it was about time to get going again! This time it's Ragnar Blackmane vs Cato Sicarius. Ironically for me, Sicarius is one of the last Ultramarine heros I have left to get (I believe its now just Telion left) despite being the Captain of the Second Company, which I've been collecting for many a year.... I picked up my metal mini off eBay for £5 and thought it perfect a challenge. Ragnar Blackmane I believe is also the last mini for Blackmane to fill out his Space Wolf HQ's.

The start date is today and we finish on March 1st for a week of voting!

Well thats all for now better get cracking,

Zebulon

Army of the White Hand: Saruman

Hey all today I bring the final post of Blackmanes spectacular Xmas presents, Saruman!

Army of the White Hand: Ukuk-Hai Scouts

Hey all,

Today I bring Part 3 of the divine Xmas presents Blackmane got me this year and for the first time ever I have Scouts!

Army of the White Hand: Uruk-hai Pikemen and Swords

Hey all,

today I bring the second post on Blackmanes rather devine Christmas present. As with the wargs previously, I recieved 22 Pike and Sword Uruks.

Army of the White Hand: Warg Riders

Hi all,

today I have the first post about the rather amazing gift Blackmane and Brooke got me for Christmas! (A little late I know). First off we have these 6 rather beautiful War Riders from Brooke:

Zebulon's New Mordheim Skaven Warband Pt.1 : Rat Ogre

Hey all, 

today I bring a quick update on my Mordheim project playing admirably my Middenheim border patrol warband were annihilated by the Undead in my last game and so I have decided to retire them from active service and competition. This has allowed me to try and do a Skaven warband instead! Those who have seen the blog beofre will know I am partial to Skaven and this seemed like something I's like to try! 

Hello! I'm Adam West (Batman 1966 WIP)

Hi all.

Just a quick post to show the very beginning of a fun little project I've started painting the Knight Models 1966 Adam West Batman. 

Christmas Present form Zebulon

Hi all,

I hope everyone had a good Christmas and New Year.

Today I bring a post on what Zebulon got me for Christmas. I've wanted the model for quite a while is one of my favourite characters in the Black Library books. Zebulon got me Colonel Commissar Ibram Gaunt and painted him up as well. I have to apologise that the pictures are not the best as I didn't have time to set up the light I normally use when taking photo's for the blog. So here we are some pictures of my Christmas present. 

Building Mordheim : Lazer Cut Clocktower

Hey all,
so before the madness of Xmas I was planning on building some proper scenery for Mordheim. I've posted on this before here and here but felt that particular project was pretty awful in hindsight (it's been a while since we've played Mordheim and the WIP scenery just seemed to look dire). The new plan is to build more, but out of better materials then cardboard!

As I was looking on eBay for items I stumbled across as lazer cut clock tower from TT Combat that I thought would look very tasty as a piece in Mordheim. I was going to turn it into a crazy Skaven clocktower, but it is unfortunately smaller than I envisioned, anyway it's still a very nice piece!