Blog discription

What will you find here? Ramblings from an aging gamer-miniature painter. When I first started out in this hobby computers were in their infancy and finding other gamers could only be done by going to conventions or as in my case bumping into somebody who happened to see me reading "Panzer Leader" on the school bus. Look how far we have come! The internet has allowed our small community to be able to connect on a level I never dreamed of when I was but a small lad. What I do hope you will find here is something interesting from one wargamer/miniature painter to another. I paint miniatures somewhat decently, so I will be posting some pictures of my work, and perhaps a review or two of games and/or miniatures. Most of all this is just about having fun and anything I post here is meant to be for that reason.

Sunday, February 21, 2016

Showcase: Saga Rus Princes Druzhina

Well I finally got my Druzhina (2 points of Hearthguard and 1 point to upgrade) done for CincyCon this coming March. Shields, spears, sword/bow case, and quivers have all been attached and painted. The countdown continues and wondering if I'll complete the rest of the army in time. Working on some foot now so I have something that can go into woods and fight.

When I painted up and posted about some Frank Cavalry a bit back I complained about the spear hands being closed hand and having to drill them to place the spears. Now after having to two part epoxy the spears into open hands I can see the madness of my complaint. Now I'd much rather drill the fist and only have to add a little epoxy as opposed to the gob (which I over did in some cases) I placed on these. I painted the area black and lightly dry brushed grey around the area to try and make it blend in more.

Shield transfers are by Little Big Men studio and the rest my work. I'm showing them in two groups because of how I had to take the photo's in my little home made light box.

 

....and the second group.

 

As always thanks for looking.

Cheers
Kevin

12 comments:

  1. Wow, awesome work Kevin! They are really something. Love the lightbox, too. How did you make it?

    Cheers,
    Aaron

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for the compliment Aaron. The light box was very rudimentary, enough to fit my needs. I took a card board box and cut the top off and one side off (figure out the size you need). I then took printer paper and paper clipped it to both sides and placed one on bottom. The back I use a piece that is slightly wider than the box so the paper bows away from how you face the box. I have two swing arm lamps with 60 watt refective flood lights with a soft lens (coated lens). With a light source from two directions and the white paper to help reflect the light you get a nice distribution. I set my camera for tungsten lighting and use macro settings to take pictures no futher away than 24 inches. Then I crop the photos and post the size I want seen for viewing. I try to select ones that would have you looking at figures from arms length, the way you'd see them in real life.

      Hope that helps.

      Cheers
      Kevin

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    2. Very useful, thanks Kevin. My photographic skills are rubbish, so I will look at following your advice!

      Cheers,
      Aaron

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  2. Very few can take a fully mailed figure and make it look this good. Kev, you have a talent I search for. Very nicely done.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Skip. One and a half weeks and you'll see them up close and personal. Can't wait!

      Cheers
      Kevin

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  3. Great job! Can't wait to come over and see all of your work. :)

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Terri. We should make it a movie day and dinner! I will set out the armies I have on parade for your veiwing pleasure.

      Cheers
      Kevin

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  4. Figs are brilliant. Very much like the spears.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Dave, when I get you sucked back into ancients I'll show you how to do it, and then you can come up with your own style. I've always enjoyed your painting tecnique.

      Cheers
      Kevin

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  5. They look great Kevin. I've been shying away from painting cavalry, but will soon need to take the plunge if I'm ever to get my Ancient Briton army completed.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Lee, are you talking Arthur period? I heard rumor that Gripping Beast might release an expansion for Saga around Salute. I hope the Rumors are true, I've collected Romano Brits and Saxons (For Dux Britanniarum) so very excited!

      Cheers
      Kevin

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  6. These boys are indeed pretty and from the looks of the battle board quite effective in (and around) a melee.

    But only if they can move! Hehehe....

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