Sunday, April 27, 2014

Taurox Prime: Fire Engines of the Imperium

The Taurox, definitely one of the more controversial kits in recent times. You either loved it or totally loathed it. But like many GW kits it would eventually fit into the range as we get used to the model and accept the fluff in the wider scheme of the 40K universe. 

I honestly vomitted in my mouth the first time I saw the leaked pics. And I thought to myself that's money saved. But as I looked at the model in various colorways it slowly settled down as an "ok" model. 

Initially I contemplated painting up the Scions & Taurox the same as my main Guard army, Cadians which were blue and white. But after reading the fluff and the Militarum Tempestus codex I realized that they operated more like an external strike force from the usual Guard regiments. So I wanted to paint them up as striking and different as the rest of my Guard regiments. (Cadians were Blue, Catachans were Green/Grey and Steel Legion were Russian Green). 

I settled on a Red & White colour scheme to make them stand out from the normal grunts. And went on to do a little research on real world red/white schemes. I then came across my local Civil Defence forces Fire Engines. 
Started out with the usual Black Primer and worked straight into the airbrushing. Did a basic post shading with white and then the model was hit with a generous spray of Vallejo Model Air Italian Red. I also worked on the armour of the Scion troopers as well.

 The next highlight step was with Vallejo Model Air Orange.

 Working the details I began with the metal areas with Citadel Mithril Silver.
 Followed by the usual black wash all over to shade and dull it down. I used Army Painter Dark Tone. Which is extremely similar to the old Citadel range of washes Badab Black. So similar i suspect it's the exact same stuff. It even smells the same. Don't take my word for it go smell it for yourself.
 After all the shade was dried I applied the White colours. With my usual method of painting white, Citadel Astronomican Grey followed by a few coats of Vallejo Model Colour Foundation White.

After all the paint was dry I put on the transfers and the model was all set.
Now my own Fire Engines are ready to get into firefights of their own!

Monday, April 21, 2014

Airbrushing Imperial Knights WIP 90% complete

It's been awhile since I last painted my Adeptus Mechanicum Knight (as shown below in the centre). I took almost 15hrs (about a week worth of evening sittings) painting him up. Painted everything really slowly, exploring every nook and cranny of this amazingly detailed miniature. And after I finished him, I was officially burned out. I put him aside, along with the two other Knights that I had assembled. Not wanting to go near another knight model.
Well after almost a month since that happened I suddenly had the urge to paint up the sad knights quietly  in the corner of my display cabinet. So I dusted off the airbrush and went to work on them. And in typical fashion I rushed through them and got them up in 2 days. 

This was the part where a lot of the work was done very quickly, majority of the skeleton of the Knight was simply pure metal. I used the quick Zenithal method and went with Vallejo Model Air Aluminium (one of the best aluminium's out there!) 
Next was something that I tried for the first time. Pre-Shading. All this while I have used my airbrush spraying on layers upon layers of lighter colours to build up the highlights. But with the success of my fellow gaming mates using the pre-shading technique achieving really smooth transitions I went to do a little research (Energie posted some links in an earlier post) and I was eager to give it a try. 

One thing I could not come to grips with was how "messy" the pre-shading was done. With a white base coat then spraying in the "shades" or the blacks into the miniature. This felt like a very time consuming and tedious process all rolled into one. 

Therefore I reversed the process (not laying claim to anything here I'm sure it's already been done before maybe) and I went with my usual black base coat, however spraying on the whites as highlights instead. 

As you can see the results look similar to pre-shading the normal way but with a much neater outcome. The best part was it was done really quickly too. 
The next step was simply applying the desired colour. In this case Vallejo Model Air Yellow and French Blue. Just a few even coats and the reversed pre-shading works its magic!
I then went one step further and applied highlights the traditional way. Just spraying a little of the lighter colours onto the raised areas for even more dramatic highlights. I used Vallejo Model Air White and Sea Blue respectively. 

Once that was done I can safely say the armour work is complete! 
Another view of the models after all the airbrush highlighting.
Here is the pic of the armour done. If you compare the first completed knight in the middle I did not use the pre-shading technique, you can see the less pronounced highlights on the red as compared to the yellow and blue knight. It's too late for me to go and do it again for the red knight. But it's all a learning experience I guess.
I then rushed through the detailing for the knights (using the experience I already had painting the first one) and I was amazed how much faster I was applying paint onto them now that the model is familiar. 
The gold was done as the same style I did my Sanguinary Guards many years ago. A base coat of Citadel Mithril Silver. Followed by 2 coats of Citadel Gryphone Sepia wash. Always a quick and easy way to produce a nice shaded gold. 
In the previous knight painting post I already talked about how wonderful the Knight transfers were. And here I am singing praises once more. Without them the Knights would never have looked so good. 

Once the transfer were set in place the entire model just pops!
In my painting haste ( an easter weekend worth approx 8hrs) of rushing through the 2 Knights I completely forgot to take progress pics of the yellow Knight. 

But here they are, all three Knights in their 90% painted glory.


Thursday, April 17, 2014

Video Batrep Spotlight: StrikingScorpion82

I have been following this channel for a long while now. His real name Luke and his brother is James. He runs an excellent YouTube channel that chronicles not only his games, but also handy tips on painting. His painting is clean, crisp and most importantly, beautiful.


This is the latest batrep he put up and it is just inspiring so I thought I would spread the word. I hope you guys enjoy it. Do say hi to Luke and James to encourage them to keep making those beautiful batreps.


Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Eldar 1850 Army WIP

This is fresh off the game I had with Patrick on Sunday. I thought I would share my works in progress including those I have completed. The game with Pat has also shown me that this list may not be competitive enough if I am serious about contending for podium. 

Do bear in mind this is a work in progress and that I will change out stuff in my list as I play more games and gear myself up for the September GREX 40k Invitationals. 

5 Dire Avengers and supporting Serpent armed with Twin Linked Scatter Lasers and Shuriken Cannon

Farseer Turendas

Wraithknight

Jetbike Squad Mear

I do need those Altansar runes to complete the canopies

War Walkers - currently on my table and is being detailed

Farseer Firanir

Jetbike Squad Geir

Both squads Seir and Geir waiting for their Guardian riders

Jetbike Squad Seir

Warp Spider squad Iyalith

Close up of the Spiders

Warp Spider squad Quan


Guardian Squad Addan

Guardian Squad Bennan whose armour need to be redone
The astute among you will notice that some of the models (i.e. Squad Bennan above) are quite different from other parts of the army. It's because I painted them 10 years ago and am in the process of updating them. I will repaint them once I complete the Wraithknight and War Walkers as this will allow me to field this army at PI, one of our LGS which imposes an All Painted or No Play rule.

A part of me also wants to do touch-ups on the Spiders for the contrast between the armour and mesh suit seem to be missing. A simple thinned down black wash and then highlighted back up to purple. Right after the Wraithknight! 

Monday, April 14, 2014

Batrep: 1850 Eldar Altansar vs Salamanders Space Marines

Finally managed to get some play time with our resident tournament goer, Patrick Poh, or better known as BatrepPat here on ABO. He plays at tournaments regularly and places regularly in podium. Let's jump into the game proper.

Pre-game

Eldar Altansar, 1850 Points
HQFarseer: Jetbike, Witchblade, Runes of Witnessing
Farseer: Jetbike, Witchblade, Runes of Witnessing
TroopsDire Avengers x5: Wave Serpent (TL Scatter Laser, Shuriken Cannon, Holo Fields)
Guardians x10: Wave Serpent (TL Scatter Laser, Shuriken Cannon, Holo Fields)
Guardians x10: Wave Serpent (TL Scatter Laser, Shuriken Cannon, Holo Fields)
Jetbikers x3
Jetbikers x3
Jetbikers x3
Fast AttackWarp Spiders x8
Warp Spiders x8
HeavyWar Walkers x3: Each armed with Scatter Lasers x2
Wraithknight: Heavy Wraithcannons x2


Things I need to paint


Jetbikes need some drivers

Army ready for war
Space Marines, Salamanders Space Marines 1850 Points
Chapter Tactics: Salamanders
Command Squad: Veterans with Meltaguns & Bolt Pistols x4, Apothecary, Drop Pod
HQ
Vulkan He'Stan, Forgefather (Iron Resolve)
Elites
Legion of the Damned: Legionaires x4: Meltagun, Multi-Melta and Sergeant: Chainsword, Combi-weapon
Legion of the Damned: Legionaires x4: Meltagun, Multi-Melta and Sergeant: Chainsword, Combi-weapon
Troops
Tactical Squad: Space Marines x8, Sergeant with Chainsword and Combi-weapon, Drop Pod with Stormbolter
Tactical Squad: Space Marines x8, Sergeant with Chainsword and Combi-weapon, Drop Pod with Stormbolter
Tactical Squad: Space Marines x8, Sergeant with Chainsword and Combi-weapon, Drop Pod with Stormbolter
Fast Attack
Assault Squad: Space Marines x6: 2 Flamers and Sergeant: Bolt Pistol + Chainsword
Heavy Support
Centurion Devastator Squad: Centurions x2 and Sergeant: 3 Grav Cannons and Grav-amp
Thunderfire Cannon
Fortifications
Imperial Bastion with Escape Hatch and Icarus lascannon and Heavy Bolters x4

Pat's army

The mysterious Legion of the Damned

Old school flame! 

They are without jump packs in this game

Lovely banner

Another banner
Psychic Powers
Warlord got Prescience, Guide, and Doom. Rolled for Strategic Warlord trait and got Master of the Vanguard

The other Farseer secured Guide, Eldritch Storm and Prescience

Deployment was Vanguard Strike

Mission was The Relic

Table was set up by the lovely guys at Titan Games. We rolled off and Pat chose to go first. 

Deployment
3 Centurions and a Thunderfire Cannon. The Escape Hatch was located in that building which was Fortified
Did not realise that you cannot shoot at a Fortifications that is not occupied, meaning I could not take out the Imperial Bastion unless Pat moved his men into it.

I kept most of my units in Reserve except for the Warlord, 3 Serpents and the Wraithknight

Hid my Warlod in this building
Did not try to seize initiative.

Turn 1
With a loud crash, Pat dropped a unit of Marines right next to my back field
Note: Pat only bought 8 Marines in each Drop Pod but deployed 10 in game! Honest mistake I am sure.

Vulkan drops right next to Warlord with the intent to hunt and kill

The 3rd unit drops next to my Wraithknight to support the kill

Pat moved the Centurions into the Bastion

Fires into Wraithknight and kills it off. First Blood 1VP

Vulkan and passe takes out my Warlord, netting him 1 VP. The Tactical Squad takes out 2HP from my Serpent

In my turn 1, I deployed the Guardians from the Serpent and focused all fire into Vulkan and passe

The other 2 Serpents lent their fire into the ruin and I managed to kill off Vulkan. 1VP for Slay the Warlord

End of Turn 1
Turn 2
In come the Legion and another 2 units of 6 Assault and Tactical Marines, all armed with Meltas. He daisy chains the centre one to capture the relic


First unit advances to take out my Serpent

While the other envelops and kills off some Guardians

The Tactical Squad immobilizes my Serpent 

While another manages to destroy it and kill off 3 Guardians in the ensuing explosion

Assault Squad then flamed the Guardians killing them

Another concentrated volley destroyed my other Serpent forcing my Avengers to disembark

Killed off another 2 Avengers using Bolt Pistols

Charged the Serpent and destroys it

Eldar Turn 2 saw my Jetbikes and War Walkers turn up. 
For some strange reason my both units of Warp Spiders and Farseer did not want to turn up.

Concentrated fire on the Assault Squad
I was aware that I had nothing that could penetrate that Arm14 Bastion so my only chance of winning this game was to kill the Tactical Marines off while they were still outside. The Walkers were armed with Scatter Lasers.

Moved my jetbikes out to prevent death to template
Ray: I think here is where I may a critical error. I should have sped one unit of Jetbike to Pat's back table to secure Line Breaker. 

Turn 3
Pat proceeded to delete two of the War Walkers

Thunderfire Cannon took out a few jetbikes and pinned the unit on the right (the one with the dice on '1')

While his other unit start running back into the Bastion to tuck the Relic away

Combined fire killed off my Avengers

Turn 3 Eldar finally saw the arrival of my Warp Spiders. I chanced dropping them next to the Tactical Squad otherwise I would have lost the game. Unfortunately for me my 2nd Farseer decided to not turn up

With only 2  models from Troops left, I had no choice. Dropping my Warp Spiders to rescue my Jetbikes would have lost me the game as Pat would just move his Tactical squad into the Bastion. I had nothing to damage Armour 14

I opened up on his Legionaires and killed off 1 Marine with the Jetbikes

While the rest of my Warp Spiders hosed down his Tacticals. They surprisingly still had 3 men surviving from 30 shots

The last War Walker killed off 2 more Legionaires

This was a desperate gamble
It was at this point that I felt I had lost the game. Even with my ace up my sleeve turning up, I could not wrangle the Relic from Patrick. There was nothing I could really do but to try to draw. He had First Blood and Slay the Warlord while I had Slay the Warlord but no First Blood. My Jetbikes needed to survive Turn 4.

Turn 4: The turning point


Pat killed off not only the 2 last Troop models, he also destroyed my War Walker, effectively denying me the opportunity to capture the Relic

I badly needed to kill this unit but it survived the last turn. Pat deleted the other unit of 8 Spiders with his Centurions

My Farseer finally appeared at Turn 4. Done with tea time it seems

I moved my last unit of Spiders in the Eldar Turn 4 to shoot and if that failed engage his Marines. 

Thankfully shooting killed them off so I moved the Spiders out of range using their 2D6 jump pack move
Turn 5 - The Conclusion
In Pat's Turn he opened up and destroyed both the Farseer and Spiders, effectively tabling me. 

End game
Wow, a true ass kicking there! I had never been tabled before and this was truly a humbling experience. Learning from the master himself is both refreshing and humbling. Even then, this list isn't his most competitive list! Pat was telling me that this is a fluffy list.

I noticed from this game that understanding the rules beyond the core rulebook is important. He knows how to use the Bastion, effectively gaining 24" in one turn using the Escape Hatch.

I also realised that I need Bright Lances in my list to handle ARM14 stuff.

Keeping the Wraithknight out of 24" is critical against these Centurions, even with cover saves, it was not going to be enough.

Really glad for this game. It really made me realise that in order to compete this September, I needed a stronger list. Pat has made suggestions which include a very sickly blue species of Xenos or a very killy star of future telling unit.

Changes are coming! 

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