Rhinos and Small Birds

Now 150% more Space Spartan! Thanks, Chapterhouse Studios!

As my regular readers will be suspecting by now, I'm a bit of a fan when it comes to "third party" components. I've purchased a bunch of awesome looking crests, helmets and shoulderpads that I got to supplement the GreekoSpartanyRomans™ feel of the Ultramarines, from companies that aren't in any way affiliated with Games Workshop. Not to mention the resin models and extra transfers from Forge World, who are.

And yet GW themselves actively pretend that the only way to customise your models is by either purchasing entire box sets/blisters to get the pieces you need (they discontinued the bits mail ordering service) or using Green Stuff to make your own.

WHAT MADNESS IS THIS?

Some of the non affiliates are clearly making items that are meant to be used with the IP (intellectual property) of the Warhammer 40,000 universe, while others are just in the same scale and happen to be compatible. Out of the companies that I've purchased from (I'll list them all at the end of this post), Chapterhouse Studios are by far the most hilariously brazen in terms of "HEY GUYS YEAH WE TOTES DO SPACE MARINE STUFF AND WE DON'T GIVE A BUNCH OF GRAPES" to the extent that they'll happily show a bunch of GW models with their bits tacked on, all over the front page of their website.

Raaaahr I'm a heavy handed metaphor for big business! 

Unsurprisingly they're also getting the pants sued off them by GW. I wish them good luck.

So all this has been building up in my head after the manager from my local GW store asked me not to post up any more images of my space marines that featured third party bits (one crest and a helmet in a squad of ten guys) onto their facebook page. This, as they say, urinated all over my rice crispies. I didn't really hold it against the manager himself, who's a fairly nice guy from what I can tell and who understandably doesn't want to get in trouble with his higher ups. The higher ups in Games Workshop especially renowned for being a swarm of humourless arco-flagellants who would sell their own grandmothers as limited edition figurines if they would work out a way to make them stand still on a model base for long enough.

No, my irritation was really just aimed at the company itself, which is compoundedly* annoying because I have no-one to aim my irritation at who's going to bother listening. So instead I'm here telling you all why I think Games Workshop going after third party people is badwrong. In handy numbered list form!

Credit: some disgruntled gamer on 4chan 

1. Games Workshop's IP is about as original as Marcel Duchamp's moustachioed Mona Lisa. Yes, it's a fantastic setting. Absolutely, it combined existing elements in a new and interesting way. But it combined existing elements. 'Lasguns', the god-emperor and psychic navigators? All come from the Dune series. The Chaos symbol? From Michael Moorcock's Eternal Champion series. Most of the races? LOTR in space. A whole bunch of the original game itself? Go look up Laserburn.** Going after a tiny company for daring to show some copyrighted figures when they've wholesale stolen half of what's currently licensed just seems cheap.

2. Everything from these third party guys, everything you can buy... the thing that they all have in common? They're put onto or around GW models. You need to buy a GW model in order to make use of the third party bits. Without the space marine body my crested helmet is going to have a hard time hopping around the board blasting xenos scum. The whole point of third party company success is that they make things GW can't be bothered making. They're the equivalent of small birds that live on the backs of rhinos and keep their ears clean. As opposed to leeches.

3. There's no possible way this looks good with most people. Clearly, some fans who refuse to criticise the things that they love will defend GW to the hilt. But amongst the online community, I guarantee you that for every one person defending the corporation another nine will be siding with the little guys. The steady stream of nine to fourteen year olds who've been bought a box set for Christmas have absolutely no idea about any of this, and coincidentally there's often a culture of real dismissal towards the online community amongst store staffers. This lasts for about as long as it takes for the kids to find almost any popular 40K forum and then suddenly this cultivated attitude backfires and the staffers just look like tools.

The bits catalogue is kinda like this. But with less stuff. 

4. At the end of the day, in a hobby that's already expensive and during a global recession where most people are feeling the crunch, it's a jerk move to blatantly suggest in magazine and blog articles that gamers should go out and buy, say, an entire box of Eldar just for the head crests. And yet GW do this. Rarely directly of course, they just drop the name of the pack or blister where the featured part of this week's awesome looking conversion happens to be found, and let you work out the rest. Oh, they still have an online bits catalogue, but... yeah. It's a tad sparse.


Extreme example because I love being a hyperbolic so and so: the beautiful conversion piece at the bottom of this GW blog entry would have cost me NZ$469 to make just for the major parts, as I can't order any of the pieces separately. Let's say you're living in the USA and not getting horrendously price gouged like we are, the components work out just shy of 250 bucks. CHEERS GUYS.

Meanwhile, Privateer Press now do an online parts ordering service with over 4000 bits available for both the Hordes and Warmachine game lines. Slightly ironic given that the PP games have nowhere near the amount of variation and range of model that you get in GW lines, in regards of either troop weapon and gear choices, or conversion options.

So that's my reasoning why GW going after or even ignoring third party companies is an issue. Obviously there's other factors at play here. Ever since they went into licensing their IP into other arenas such as books and computer games, GW have had to tighten their grip on the reins. There'll be  economic sense behind how they're handling it, though I guess I'm arguing that this isn't really enough, if you want to go from being a good company to a great one. There's a symbiotic relationship that's being ignored (or condemned) by the larger party who's still benefiting.

That's enough rambling from me for one night, anyway. I don't intend to be ragging on Games Workshop that often, but sometimes a geek has to say things. Here's the promised list of people that I get my bits from.

Chapterhouse Studios. They probably need your custom badly if the lawsuit with GW is still in progress! They make the crested helmets and shoulderpads that my corporal in the top pic uses, plus a whole bunch of other stuff. They deliver promptly and make decent models.

Armorcast (it pained me to leave that U out). I haven't ordered from these guys yet, but I plan to. They make cool looking cinematic effects for your models, such as muzzle flashes and missile launcher smoke trails. They also do a cool range of decals for things like books and purity seals that I plan on checking out.

Pig Iron Productions. They make the scout helmets that I use. They were lovely and not only sent me out the helmets nice and quick, but they gave me double the amount I paid for.

Secret Weapon Miniatures. I got the greek style crests from these guys. Another website with awesome service, they chucked in a cool piece of resin scenery for free that I can use as an objective marker.

Forge World, of course! The fancy bits and bobs that mainstream GW don't make. Completely awesome range of decals, resin models, etched brass symbols and other goodies. A wee bit pricey depending on what you're after, but the delivery time from the UK to NZ is amazing.

I've got some other websites bookmarked that I don't think I'll ever personally use, mainly just out of personal preference. Scibor's Monstrous, Kromlech and Galeforce 9 are all fairly well known 3rd party places that specialise in a huge variety of goods from custom miniatures, to bits, to entire crafted gaming tables.

Our new character model, Shmoboute Shmuilliman!.

I definitely recommend that you check out this list and get yourself some extra goodies for your armies if you find stuff that suits. The only down side is that staffers at the local GW store might give you the stink eye if you ever play there with models rocking some third party bling. Personally this doesn't bother me in the slightest since I'm only intending to play against my mates, but it's something to keep in mind.

* Yes that's now a word. 
** To be entirely fair the same writer took his laserburn ideas to the 40K universe. SHUT UP IT TOTALLY COUNTS.

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The Top Brass

Token swanky angled product photo.

This update is all about sergeants and Forge World etched brass symbols, so I hope you appreciate the comedic genius that went into writing the title.

These things just come to me!

Part 1: Sergeants

His headbutts are mighty. Like Hercules with a Volkswagon strapped to his head.

So here is Veteran Sergeant  Daceus, all done like. Pretty pleased with the overall look. I think the extra decals really help him stand out as a command squad character, plus of course the mark 5 armour, crest and banner... basically he's bling tastic. Big fan of the Forge World power fist too. 

Wielding his mighty frozen popsicle of justice. 

First Sergeant Kallistus came together decently. The extra level of highlight definitely shows -  I took him all the way up to Spacewolves Grey and his armour pops that much more. Very happy with the cloak, especially given what a pain in the valves it was to stick all the pieces of transfers into place.

Taken right before the Standard Bearer shot the photographer in the face
for not praising the Emperor loudly enough.

Aaaaand here is the Command Squad so far. Still to go: the company champion and the apothecary. Then comes the biggest decision yet of 2011: what to paint next? I'm thinking the next tactical squad at this stage.

Part 2: Etched brass 

So shiny. 

I really love Forge World, they make the coolest things. And the etched brass symbol set for the Ultramarines is no exception... in fact I would say it's a close second to the transfer page in terms of my favourite purchase from them so far. Just look at it!

For those of you who haven't had a good close up gander at one of these, I've taken a few close up pics and highly recommend you get one, if your army lends itself to such a thing. They also make sets for a bunch of other Chapters, the Inquisition, etc.

So very shiny.

Here you can see a size comparison. It was smaller than I realised it would be, but it's so packed with cool little symbols and plaques that I don't mind in the slightest. There's enough stuff on this to use on a lot of models.

I'm just gonna shut up and let you check out the rest of the pics, free of my jabbering.

The last pic shows my testing out a plaque on the side of a rhino with some putty. I know some people paint over these, but I'm going to leave the plaques just as they are. The larger plates especially look way too nice to paint over, in my opinion. I might end up painting over some of the tiny Ultramarine symbols that are destined to be placed onto marines, though.

And that's it for now. I'm gonna mess about with some of these symbols over the next few days, and will post up some pics showing what I came up with, plus any particular tips of use that are discovered.

Have a saucy Saturday, everyone. 

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Friday SOTU: the 6th

"GENTLEMEN. I LOVE THE NIGHT LIFE, I LOVE TO BOOGIE."

You just never know when a SOTU is going to sneak up on you. On this week's painting state of the union, I go into the sordid details of  First Sergeant Kallistus' cape, plus an almost finished Veteran Sergeant Daceus who has a penchant for fine cheeses. 

Is it even possible not to read on? Yeah, I didn't think so either. 

For when one Ultramarines symbol just doesn't cut it  

Wanting to do a snazzy looking cloak but possessing all the freehanding abilities of a crazed emu farmer with no hands, I once again turned to that great tool of cheaters and scoundrels: transfers. Picking out one of the two pattern lines from the Forgeworld sheet, I cut it up into small sections and carefully laid each section along the base of the cloak, with small gaps where it was unavoidable. 

I think the only part here that I brutally messed up was the last segment on the right. I should have cut it in two, since it goes over a dip without the proper appearance of bending inwards. Not a huge deal and after some further finicking about it came out okay looking anyway, but it's a lesson for next time.

This way... to the dry cleaners! 

And like all the great TV cooks say, here's one I prepared earlier. So after the decals dried I carefully joined up the missing segments with some white paint. It came out a teensy bit sloppy in places since it involved a bit more freehanding than I anticipated, but fear not! The next step was dry brushing on some dirt along the bottom of the cloak, and like the cunning weasel I am, I used this to cover up the worst of the blemishes. For the dirt I first used Calthan Brown, and then a very, very light brushing of Snakebite Leather.

Finally I gave the red highlights a bit of a boost, ran over everything with gloss varnish to seal it all in, and then gave it a last coat of matt. I think the end result is pretty decent.

Handshake?

Veteran Sergeant Daceus is also close to being finished now. Here he is looking resplendent in blue and gold with some of the same patterned trim along one of his shoulderpads. 

The sand is white because the glue is drying.
In case you were wondering. 

 And here is some more detail.


There you have it. I am actually hoping to develop some freehanding ability at some stage. Right now I'm still rocking the pain medication from a fairly extensive toe injury, so once I'm off that I imagine it'll be easier to get my hand in.

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Setting The Standard

Nothing beats a good leaf hat.

Company standard bearer is done and dusted. The rest of the Command Squad is progressing at a steady pace. Happy Monday!

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Obligatory Painting Blog Post 1: Desk Setup

I googled 'nerd police' and this is the best I could come up with...

Well, I've managed to resist doing this post so far but the Hobby Blog Police finally caught up with me today. I waited for them to stop wheezing and offered the sweatier members a sit down and sugary biscuit and eventually they told me that there's a certain number of blog posts that hobbyists have to do. It's written down in a charter or treaty or something.

So without further ado, I present the first in a completely random and sporadic series of Obligatory Painting Blog Posts: all about my painting area. With a handy pic and numbered list!

It's got tiny numbers on it! Click it like you mean it.

WORK STATION NUMBER KEY FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE

Also with occasional pointers and tips for your edification and to make you read through the whole thing.

1. All important cup of tea. It's possible that some painters can operate without one of these, but such creatures are clearly alien heretics and should be dealt with accordingly. 
2. Water container! Keep it clean kids. Especially after using metallic paints. Also don't confuse with 1. and dip your paintbrush into your tea. Cough. 
3. Brush cleaning paper! Somewhat better than absent mindedly wiping your brush on your jeans.
4. Novelty cup for storing brushes and things. I keep my good brushes capped when not in use. Also present: clippers, craft knife, etc. The usual stuff. More importantly is your choice of novelty cup. Do you go for a ceramic skull? World's greatest dad? Captain Janeway? Choose wisely. 
5. Glue and things! For basing and sticking the cat to the ceiling. 
6. Apparently I was possibly high or concussed when plonking the numbers down, as I managed to miss both six and and fifteen. Lesser men would go back and shamefully hide their mistake, but not I! See my missing numbers! 
7. Finished dudes. I keep them close by for comparing looks, checking details and so on.
8. Painting stands! I use a bunch of old medicine containers from my recent convalescence, and to make them less likely to fall over I filled them with glass beads. Each one now has a nice heft to it and is very stable. Extra useful when living in an earthquake zone or a T Rex habitat. 
9. Watered down PVA glue! Also for basing! When I've dipped my marine in basing sand I then drip watered down glue through the glued on sand, to help cement it in place. I do the same thing with the flock that I use for grass, which makes it go nice and stiff (phwoar!) and prevents it from coming off. 
10. MEGATRON WILL CRUSH YOU PUNY FLESH CREATURES.
11. Paints! I don't have enough to put them on fancy stands or anything yet. 
12. Bits pile! Sometimes found in the bits jar when I feel especially tidy. But let's face it, most of the joy of having a bits collection is being able to go diving through it like Scrooge McDuck. 
13. Cutting mat! Very handy for cutting, spilling paint, spilling superglue and otherwise spilling things and acting like a total ham fisted clutz. Also lends an air of artistic cred during WIP photoshoots. 
14. The box of waiting. This is where assembled and undercoated models live. Sometimes they cry. I ignore them.
15. See point 6. 
16. Ziplock bag of transfers! I keep all my decals nice and safe in a sealable bag. The last thing you want is all your lovely transfers getting moist or licked by the cat or set on fire or stolen by aliens or accidentally placed all over your sleeping partner during a caffeine fuelled rampage at 3 am. 
17. Test models! Everybody needs test models. They are the Wretched Ones, the crappy old school marines who are made to suffer through the indignities of battle scars and highlighting experiments and occasionally being thrown across the room in anger and then retrieved from under the couch in a few weeks. So other people tell me.
18. A wet palette. For those of you who don't know... take a plastic container. Put a sponge in it. Pour in enough water so that the sponge pools around your finger when you poke it. Place some cut out baking paper on top and smooth it down. SUCCESS! You can now put paint onto it, and the palette keeps your paint nice and wet for many hours. 
19. Piece of plastic that I use for a dry palette. Says it all, really. 

And there you go! If you read through all that then I hope you were at least mildly entertained or possibly learned something new. If you managed neither then you at least learned not to read through my numbered lists in future. Your life is richer! 

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