3rd Awr-Range Wardens (Quar Fidwogs - Part 8)

Heavens to Murgatroyd, I found myself with a couple hours once more this weekend for hobby!

To finish out my second basic Quar Fidwog infantry squad, I slapped some paint on their Fynrydhad Squad Support Tractor. Same tiny kit as the previously painted version from the first squad, just a couple different items of stowage. 

A little white sponge-dabbed on the tracks and lower carapace so it will match better with the Winter theme of my Fidwog.

Losh the tractor commander is new to the regiment. He's kept mostly to himself to this point, afraid one of his squad-mates will out him for being underage. Being only an adolescent, the regiment recruiting officers would never have accepted his application to the ranks, but Losh painted on some extra spots on his snout and so they didn't think twice that he might not be an adult yet. 

 

Bits of stowage from the bitsbox, painted in drab colours to contrast from the burgundy hull. Scrappy #2 painted to indicate which squad this tractor is assigned to. Purple skin on the driver, my fav to paint so far.

I stuck a spare infantry backpack to the side of the turret to show the driver is planning for an extended period of service out in the field. 

And here it is with it's Squad #1 partner. Shame that the rules really don't work well with more than one of these at a time, but for Xenos Rampant I think I can make them work easily. (That is, when I find time to actually play.)

This new tractor needs a coat of flat varnish still though, so forgive the glare.

And a pic to show off the completed second squad which also finishes off the Fidwog Infantry box. I've just some more Specialists, a Courier and Syrnol (Major) left to paint so VERY close to "Fully Painted" for this project which feels good. 

I've been having issues with my cheap Light Box so today's post features some bad paint deskphotos, apologies.

Last for this post I realised in my previous post I had missed highlighting one of the painted troops, my Anti-Tank Lancer! These guys lug about these explosive "Grafaenk Mk4 Lances" that they literally throw like javelins at armoured targets to destroy or disable them. Obviously the range on these things is mostly determined by the strength of the Quar that is throwing them, so one would have to get pretty up close and personal to be at all effective. Suffice to say, casualties amongst these Anti-Tank Specialists can be rather high...

Most consider Specialist Orven to have a "screw loose" and not just because he's tasked with the most dangerous task on the battlefield. He's always the one trooper in the regiment who seems to hunt down trouble, whether it's attempting to take down a Tokish Ailthean tractor head on or stepping up to the largest Quar in the Regiment just to prove who's toughest, it's almost as though Orven has a deat wish. 

Love the pack of "Lances" on his back. Kind of eager to paint up the second Lancer for my Fidwogs.

That's it for now. Hoping to get another WW2 East Front house done when next I'm presented with a hobby opportunity to post about. 

Hope all are well and safe out there,

- Dai

3rd Awr-Range Wardens (Quar Fidwogs - Part 7 & Season of Scenery Part 2)

Another chance weekend where I was afforded time at the hobby desk whilst my wife and her sister and Mum went shopping!

And so I present yet another Quar update to showcase the troops from my second squad of Fidwog infantry, an Anti-Tank Lancer and the cutest trio of "Fidwog Fydo's" you ever did see. 

These plastic infantry kits are lots of fun to assemble with plenty of options to help customize poses and so forth and that's even before adding some 3D printed arms and accessories (Like the below shown pair of soft caps.) to further personalise. 

The Fydos themselves are 3D prints ordered directly from the Zombiesmith Miniatures website - smaller than I was anticipating but otherwise lovely crisp sculpts with a huge amount of character that were loads of fun to paint up.

Group pic proving that even I can "batch paint". Kinda. 

As with the members of the first squad, here are individual closeups and some blurb to give them more character.

han-Gaefyn Alchaehyl is "han-Gaefyn" in name only. Half the day he seems to be high, smoking some mountain weed or other. His squad members do appreciate how his drug usage helps keep the squad LMG operator cool under fire though.

Gaefyn Chir is a local from the Awr Range area, coming from a small gold mining settlement near the 3rd ARW outpost. His father was killed, serving in the 3rd ARW during a Tokish incursion and so Chir felt honour-bound to enlist once he turned of age to follow in his father's footsteps. He both wields his father's aged rhyfle and sports his soft-cap. 

Gaefyn Marn also wields an aged rhyle though no-one else in the squad knows where it came from. Marn is known to "appropriate" items, often selling them on to others in the regiment. Questions are rarely asked though as his ability to source hard to find comforts has become very much apopreciated.

Gaefyn Raessi is the cousin to Gaefyn Chir. He too wears his father's outdated softcap in honour of his parent's sacrifice at the front. Raessi is known to take silly chances in battle, only the Ancestors know how long his luck will hold out before he is called to their number. His cousin feels responsible for Chir's safety and is constantly checking over his shoulder.

This is Yawdryl Fynn, a no-nonsense squad leader, or at least that's what he thinks. The truth is his Quar see him as just "loud noise" and don't take him seriously at all. Luckily they are well trained enough in the regiment to perform their duties at a more than efficient level. (Fynn also has a reputation for visiting the single Dynas (Female Quar) in the local villages far more frequently than the other squad members. His appetite for their... "services" is well known.)

The following pics are of a trio of Fydo's, canine companions and guards the 3rd ARW use in the narrow passes and mines of their alpine territory. In the Clash of Rhyfles rule set they are fast close combat critters that I'm excited to try outwhen I next get to play.  

Fydo's in the Clash of Rhyfles are typically illustrated and painted up with more normal "dog" fur colouring, browns, black, white etc. I felt mine needed to stand out more so I went with some whimsical bright schemes instead which I felt was lots more fun.

Rus is the only male Fydo in regiment's kennel. He can be a little erratic whilst out in the field, but he is the best tracking Fydo of the three.

This sculpt has the Fydo cocking his leg to pee. I took that as an excuse to glue on a small length of paperclip for further effect. Think it turned out pretty good.

Cam is a good girl and the kennel-master's favourite. He claims she is as smart as any Quar. Rhyflers at the garrison joke that he'd probably leave his wife for Cam the way he speaks so fondly about her.

Was a little worried using pink on this one due to it looking a bit "Cheshire-cattish"?

Duro is the youngest of the Fydo pack and still learning the ropes. She seems happy following the others though and should prove a capable addition to the 3rd in time.

Tricky to tell with the lighting in the first pic but this little fydo is having a good scratch at her cheek with her back foot.

Last up for this post is another of the 3D printed WW2 East Front buildings I previously posted about - the Russian Orthodox chapel. This is a very nicely detailed print and I really enjoyed putting colour to it. The interior also has detail and I even glued in some bench-pews but my back was killing me so I called it quits. I'll come back to the interior another time. (Probably when I add Snow effects.)

And that's it for this post. Hope all are safe and well out there. It's supposed to be 105 degrees here today... If I don't melt, maybe I'll be able to post again should time allow for more hobby.

- Dai

3rd Awr-Range Wardens (Quar Fidwogs - Part 6)

 Another quick post. Couldn’t get more painting done but I did have opportunity to assemble the final few Quar for my Awr-Range Wardens project. 

These are made from the Fidwog Infantry and Specialists sprues along with some 3D printed bits to add some extra fun flavour. 

Left to right - a third Marksquar (sniper) for my force, a kitbashed Company Cook and an Anti-Tank Torpedo chucker. 

Next up I’ll get basing paste applied and prime these guys so they’re ready for paint. 

Like I said, short post. Hope to get more stuff done sometime this week. 

Stay safe and well out there,

- Dai

3rd Awr-Range Wardens (Quar Fidwogs - Part 5)

 Just a quick WIP post to show I've not been entirely idle on the hobby-front. Almost all the remainder of my Quar Fidwog are now assembled, primed and paint begun applied.

I added the ground/mud brown colour to all of their bases and gold to all helmets. Then went on to work solely on the remainder of the second squad of infantry (3x Rhyflers, Yawdryl and han-Yawdryl.) and an Anti-Tank trooper (Bloke with the explosive spears) to make the batch painting feel more manageable. 

Painting time got interrupted by responsibilities though so only the burgundy layers of the uniform*, dark grey for the rocks and dark mustard for the yellow base applied at this date. 

Here's the Draxian Painting Chart updated to reflect what's been done:

* - I don't normally prime minis black, but decided to go with it this time to help make painting quicker. Burgundy is a dark brown base, dark burgundy then a lighter burgundy. These will all get a brown wash which will provide my desired result of a nice rich finish, see my other Quar posts for how that looks.

Not sure when I'll get more painting opportunities coming up, but I hope in return you all are finding loads of time to get your projects moving!

Stay safe and well out there,

- Dai

3rd Awr-Range Wardens (Quar Fidwogs - Part 4)

 Wasn't expecting to get any hobby time recently, but this hot and sweaty weekend provided me a few hours whilst watching some World Cup action. 

I managed to get this little 3D printed Quar "Caerten" (Captain-like rank) mostly painted up for my Fidwog. Not sure I am sold on the colours of his spots(?) and he needs a spray of dulcote, but he's about 99% done I feel. 

"The Old Man" is what his men call him and with so many markings on his hide, it's easy to see Caerten Aet Pyr'sen has been around a long time. Infact, Pyr'sen has been in the Fidwoggian military since the earliest days of the Crusade's uprising, bringing his calm brand of leadership to the Quar beneath him. Unbeknownst to his men, Pyr'sen has actually lost all 4 sons and his wife to the conflict against the Crusader menace; his seeming cool and calm are mere coping mechanisms of a sad Quar who has nothing left to live for, but the soldiers who serve under him.

Caerten Pyr'sen himself would never partake of spirits, but a hot and strong cup of coffee can be regularly found in his possession as he strides about the garrison checking on his men.

This Quar's left arm is part of a bits kit that I thought would be a perfect addition for an old officer who is unconcerned with any dangers that might be present.

(No) Prize for anyone who can identify where I got his scabbarded sword from? *

Along with the Caerten, I also managed to put together this lot for the next round of basing, primer and then paint. 

Also a not-prize for any who might be able to identify that oil can on the Squad tractor? **

Lots to get on with, but I have to say, these little weirdos are very fun to construct and paint up. A nice break from the drab colours of WW2.

Hope all are safe and well out there and let's hope USA can keep up that great level of play in the World Cup!

- Dai

* The Scabbarded sword is actually an old Warhammer40K Catachan Guard bit that was molded with an attached water bottle which I carefully cut off. 

** The Oil Can comes from the old original Warhammer40K Space Orks plastic kit that I owned as a lad. Sometimes keeping random bits for 40 years pays off? 

*** Post Script: Seems the issue of posts not popping up on blog rolls has hit this little blog too. Guess I'll wait and see how it all plays out, and I'll research if there's a fix or some such in the meantime. Frustrating!

Works in Progress

 Lots going on at my hobby station of late! Nothing actually completed, but work progresses on a number of projects per the pictures to follow. 

These are 3D printed Universal Carriers for my 2023 WW2 Greeks project. I found them on Etsy for a steal. What arrived were nice crisp sculpts, though of two different types of Carrier, but I can work with that. They were crew-less though, so I found some spare Soviet infantry and started hacking away and whilst the end result looks somewhat crude up close-and-unpainted (Crew's helmets look close enough to those worn by the Greeks to me.), I think they'll do just fine on the tabletop from 3 feet! I also needed "pintle-mounted Bren Guns" on them so sourced some nice metal bren guns from The Assault Group in the UK, trimmed a paper clip down to stick them upon and drilled holes for the pintle mounts to settle into on the Carriers. Finished result I think looks good enough for gaming! 

*More on said Greeks in a future post.

Sticking with the vehicles theme here's a German Panzer IV Ausf-H that is primed and ready for paint. I plan to add this as an alternative tank option to my Late War Winter Germans collection featured previously. "Where's the era appropriate Schurtzen?" I hear you ask in my addled schizoid brain, well dear reader those are going to be built and painted separately for ease of assembly and painting. 

Along with the tank, featured here are three Soviet riflemen that I had bits left over to build after crafting the Carrier crews shown above. Thought it would be good to have a few spares in squads where I didn't include a Light Machine Gun toting fellow. They need some basing pumice adding then priming prior to being ready for paint.

A less exciting option - these are some mdf tree bases I found on Etsy. After our last game in my previous post, I realised that I need not only more fencing and trees themselves, but also some better defined bases for the trees I do have so they stand out more for gaming purposes. (Line of sight, etc) So far these have been assembled, gritted with sand from a Monterrey area beach, sprayed dark brown then highlighted with a lighter brown craft paint. All that's left is to apply snow, though I'm trying to figure out how best to go about this step in an effort not to use up all of my Woodland Scenics  snow flock but still applying enough for the bases to look good on my Winter table set-up? I'll see what I can come up with.

Last up is a second batch of mdf fencing for much talked about Winter setup. (I did not feature the first set, for some reason, though honestly they are not really exciting enough to feature in their own post, right?) Simple 2-piece kits that I found in an online sale years ago. They have been primed the same dark brown as the tree bases and given a light dusting of white spray paint. Next step will be to pick out the vertical posts with dark brown and then apply snow effects and the odd grass tuft. Densmol was right, one needs far more than just one set of fencing on a 6x4 foot table!

No progress made on my Dieppe Canadians as I've not been in much of a mindset for painting lately, but I feel that'll change next week, so hope to have something new and actually "finished" to show off soon!

Stay well out there.

The Chaos Genestealer Cult Was Always a Thing (Part 4 - A New Year & more WIP's)

There’s a lot that’s been happening my end that explains my lack of posting these past months.

My lady and I got married, we also moved to a larger apartment and then add in all the traditional Holiday fun that comes with attending my wife’s family gatherings. No complaints from me on this though, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being welcomed into her family and returning those sentiments as best as I can.

On the hobby side of things, a New Year is here once more and I’ve at least not been completely idle, O no.

I’ve been slowly assembling some of the model kits I have sat on my hobby shelves in preparation for the projects I intend to get done this year.

 A Kellmorph for my Chaos Genestealer Cult from my Kill Team box. "Chaos" cos he has horns alright? Actually, I really liked the stock sculpt as is, but realised he would look like anyone else's and he also needed something "Chaos" about him, so yeah - horns. I like them, though there'll be some cursing as he tries to get through the lower doorjams.

Next, a Games Workshop Leman Russ tank that was a birthday gift last October from a very good friend. The kit doesn’t seem to have changed that much since the Leman Russ was first released (I got one on release day even) and went together pretty well. In lieu of the wholly uninspiring commander mini that is supplied on the sprue, I instead stuck in an old re-casted Forge World Imperial Guard tank commander that I’d had in my bits box for around the last 10 years. I’ve also added Genestealer Cult badges on it’s hulls and a Chaos back-banner cut down to show it’s leanings toward the Chaos god Khorne.

After that, I got inspired by the preview picture of a future supplement for Bolt Action, D-Day (Brit/Canadians) and began putting together a Warlord Games Churchill tank that I built as a Mark VI. The kit was not at all simple to assemble like the Leman Russ as the instructions were bloody vague. After a few evenings of cursing and fingers glued together, I finally ended up with this beast. Not a bad finished result and like the Leman Russ above, I used an alternate metal tank commander (Produced by CompanyB) as the one on the sprue was awful.

Somehow the rear didn't sit flush against the lower chassis, so I had to get creative and cut down sprue pieces to fill the gap. It'll do for me.

Lastly and assembly completed just last night, is this full section of Commonwealth infantry by Warlord Games for my Dieppe Landing project. These lot were a flippin pig to assemble and I had no fun at all during the process. Why on earth the designers thought that making all of the water canteens, pouches and so forth separate was a good idea, or that separate arms and weapons was “fun”, I have no idea… I’m not even sure I’ll make the remaining 15 in the box the process was so painful. Any future additions to my commonwealth will be metals for sure, though once done this ten-man squad at least looks half decent.

And that's it for the now. New place doesn't have a spot to spray paint at and I'm not sure I could get away with trying to do so on my balcony, but I'm going to see if I can't sneak in a late night effort. In the meantime, I'll be assembling more things to empty my shelves a little more and try to get posts up at least once a month as that's not really asking too much now, is it???

The Chaos Genestealer Cult Was Always a Thing (Part 3 - more WIPs)

Just a quickie. Managed to get two squads of Brood Brothers assembled. These are the  Imperial Army types who have fallen under the Genestealer Patriarch's influence and so are now ready to rise up and take up arms against their former Imperium masters.

First squad is made of a mix of figs that I've had in my collection for years. I wanted to show these off as though they are the mix of random regular citizens and others that might fall under the Genestealer influence. From Imperium factory workers, to underhive gangers to Actual Imperial army deserters and a Bounty Hunter to lead them!

Second squad some might recognise as some old 80's plastic Imperial Gaurd with some modern GW Genestealer Cult additions (heads, pouches, etc) and also the odd pair of 3rd party resin arms here and there. I have a 2nd squad of these to assemble still.

And that's all for the Chaos Genestealer Cult for the now. Next I plan to finish getting the Brood Brothers assembled and ready for priming, then on to the Kelemorph, a regular Hero to these crazy gene-scum!

The Chaos Genestealer Cult Was Always a Thing (Part 2 - WIP)

A quick post to log some work in progress on my Chaos Genestealer Cult. Started cleaning up and assembling a couple Brood Brother Infantry squads and my army's commander, a fearsome Genestealer Patriarch and it's cute familiars.

Brood Brothers are supposed to represent military units that have been subverted to the Cult's cause, adding their military training to the armed might of the Cult. The Army list allows one to take basic infantry, Heavy Weapons teams and a few of the vehicle choices that the Astra Militarum Imperial Guard army book allows for regular Guard forces (Leman Russ tank, Sentinal walkers, Chimera APC's, etc.). Seeing as my Cult represents a more militaristic style organisation, I have 3 infantry squads, 3 weapons teams and 3 Chimera APC's in my initial army list.

The first Brood Brothers Infantry Squad in my army is made up of a ragtag mix of Planetary Defense Force, Guardsmen who've deserted from their respective regiments and civilian underhive dwellers. These minis range from 1980's through to early 2000's.

Just a quick pic so quality and composition is a bit rubbish. I like to paint arms separately as I can't stand trying to get behind them (And typically feck up a paint job) if they are pre-attached.

The second Brood Brothers Infantry Squad is made up from the original GW Imperial Guard plastic kit that I somehow still had in my unpainted mountain. (The 3rd will be as well.) I've added Genestealer Cult heads and accessories to add a little extra character to them. (They'll get a similar addition of Khorne markings though these will be painted on like the 1980's original Chaos Cult.) I've also used some 3rd party resin arms for these to add a little more variety and also because I'm not sure I have enough of the original kit's plastic arms!

Still some more arms to sort out on this lot. No Heavy Weapons in these squads either, just a flamer each. I plan to drive them up in the Chimera APC transports (Those will be a post for the near future.) and unload them to hose down their enemies t close range. They'll probably get chewed up pretty badly in return, but I like the idea of these lads being very disposable in any case. 

Lastly for this post is the Patriarch himself. (Herself? Itself? Who knows...?) This is the one of two original sculpts that were made for this character back in the late 80's (I think sculpted by Bob Olley?). The other was a seated version which made for a lovely vignette, but not great for gaming. This fellow is quite a bit smaller than the current plastic version, but I like him enough. To make him look a little more imposing and even a tad daemonic, I added some shoulderpads from the Purestrain Genestealer kit which I think add enough.

I think he originally came with 3 little familiars (Like psychic manifestations of it's intelligence or something) but one was lost along the decades since.  

As with the minis shown in my last post, I plan to base all of these en masse once I've assembled everything and then I'll prime those that require it so I can get to painting. After seeing how they work, I've been interested in trying out those new GW Contrast paints to see if I can get the rank and file troops done quicker. But more on that at a later date.

Cheers