Time flies eh? I started this year's challenge, painting the Blood Drinkers 5th Company, appropriately with the 1st Tactical Squad and their attendant Rhino, managed to squeeze in a couple of pieces of terrain(a 3D-print designed by Doctor Spork, not scratch built I'm afraid), and all of a sudden it's the end of the month.
My aim was to combine some of the brightness of 2nd edition Space Marines with some Rogue Trader inspired features and some of the markings from John Blanch art. I used a few new techniques to help things along. After priming with dark red all over and bright red from above, I used a wash of contrast paint mixed with medium and brown wash to establish the brownish red scheme. I used a makeup sponge to quickly apply the mid tone and first highlight, and contrast paint to start off the yellow markings, which made the aquilas much easier to paint than I remember. After finishing the main colours I used a coarser sponge to apply chipping damage.
I spent a bit of time cutting and repositioning arms to get a variety of poses. The marine armed with heavy bolter is a Long Fang with some of the Space Wolves detail clipped off, he has a really nice advancing pose I think goes well with a Tactical Squad.
The Rhino started off in an extremely battered state. I used aluminium tubing to repair the exhaust pipes, WWII tank stowage to replace the missing storage box and cover over badly battered areas of hull, restored the boltguns with those from a bike, and used my son's 3d-printer to replace the roof hatch and dozer blade. The smoke launchers I unfortunately had to replace with later edition spares. The paint scheme is mostly 2nd Edition, but with placement of markings somewhat inspired by rogue trader Rhinos. I may come back to it and apply some more rust and weathering but for now I'm happy enough.
For a bit of variety I painted a Medic in a half and half scheme; I plan to paint all the character models this way.
This came to a total of 431 points:
Lastly, here is my offering, a Kev Adams night Goblin:
Absolutely love these guys. Beautiful paint job with a really cool retro vibe. Love them.
ReplyDeleteFantastic job. Brilliant to see a restored Rhino and the choice of a much overlooked chapter.
ReplyDeleteThe reds and yellows on these are spectacular, well done. That's a lovely restoration of the MKI Rhino, nice weathering, too. The half-and-half apothecary really stands out, and the terrain is really effective, too.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see more of these guys!
Beautiful old school aesthetic on these! And those 3D printed ruins are spot on, I might have to get me some.
ReplyDeleteI've gotten a few make-up sponges but have yet to try them, what's your impression on them, worth the hype?
I found it really quick and easy to highlight edges and upper surfaces with them
DeleteIncredible first squad! And great job repairing that Rhino to such a nice state - I know from plenty of personal experience that that's a big job in itself!
ReplyDeleteYou've done amazingly on getting such a nice smooth red, and the yellow accents are perfect. And great banner! Can't wait for more of these
Well, what I can say... Space marines on a Rhino are something always appreciated, and you did a great job here!
ReplyDeleteGreat painting and photography. The first pic could very well be straight from the pages of an old White Dwarf. It was also interesting to read about the painting techniques. I already have some sponges, but I haven’t tried them out yet
ReplyDeleteAbsolute classic! That first shot with the terrain is 👌. Love the restoration of the rhino, awesome job!
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