Showing posts with label Hobby. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hobby. Show all posts

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Finecast Review: Astorath

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Hello all, Slick here with a review of a recent Finecast purchase. I picked up a Finecast Astorath recently and compared to the metal one I had I'm very impressed with the detail and ease of assembly on this one. There was quite a bit of flash and mold lines were kind of bad in parts but overall great quality and not too much prep work was involved.

Assembly was a breeze. No pinning necessary and ready to go in a few minutes. $20 ish is probably a bit high for something this size but so far I'm impressed with the Finecast. I've also picked up a Terminator librarian to replace an unopened metal one I had. No assembly yet but a quick inspection revealed no real flaws on the model. I'll be painting up this Astorath shortly.

What have your experiences been with Finecast?


Sunday, April 11, 2010

Hobby: Washes and what they can do for you

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Hello followers of the Fiberglass Demon;

I really doubt that I have actual followers after one posting, but here's to being over confident.

Last time I talked about the importance of quality basing on your models and what it can do to improve the overall look of your army. This time we are going to delve into something else that can make a good painter's models look great. Washes! That's right kids, those little pots of watered down colors that you put on after the model is done. (most of the time)

The first and most important thing about washes is knowing which color to use on the paint job you have chosen for your army. This usually comes down to deciding if you want to brighten the look or darken it, and what the main color in your scheme is. There are washes for just about every color and if a color does not have a wash you can make one by simply adding water to the color you are using. For a darker look you want to use a darker shade, i.e. Hunter Green wash over Catachan Green paint. Or vice versa to lighten a paint job. What this does is simple and amazing. The wash settles into the detail crevices of the model creating the look of layers that give a model more depth. The more depth you can give a model the more real it is going to appear. Drybrushing is another way to accomplish this but that is for another article. Learning to combine the two will help even more.

The two main things washing does are bringing out detail in your model and add depth to your paint job. Many times the model will appear to be missing something when you have picked out all the details and have no way to add more. If this happens and you can't view the model as done then try washing it with a basic color, my favorite wash to use as a generic color is Delvin Mud, thank you goes to Carlos Fernandez of the Game Preserve for letting me in on the secret of this little gem. This color is awesome for coloring almost every part of your model and most surfaces will get a good result from applying it. It gives a used look to clothing and makes medal weapons look battle used.

Models can also be washed on their bases. It adds shade to gravel or sand and gives a darker shade to bases that are lighter colors. This is another one of those things that just makes a model pop a little more and gives a completed army that extra touch that can win a best paint award.

In my next post I will be showing the results of a model I am painting for a poor lost soul who is a friend of mine. He has asked me to put the brushes to Kharn the Betrayer to add to his World Eaters force. This poor lost soul writes a post on this site as well, under the name of Son of Horus. Send this poor lost man a message and bring him back to the service of our beloved Emperor. I will be posting step by step what I do as well as pics of different stages of completion. So stay tuned to see the results.

Glory to the Emperor!

Until next time, introduce a friend to our great hobby and keep the dice rolling.

Your resident painting guy: The Fiberglass Demon

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Hobby: Thoughts on Basing

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Hey there dice rollers:

It's your friendly neighborhood painting guy. This will be my first column on this sight and admittedly I don't have much experience with this kind of thing so bear with me. Today we are going to discuss some of the finer points of basing.

It is this humble modeler's opinion basing makes or breaks a model in it's finished state. A good base can make an average model look good and a good model look amazing. The flip side of that is a bad base can kill a models look in the same fashion. There are lots of things that you can do right and lots of things you can do wrong. I am going to discuss a few of both here.

Things not to do:

1. Do not limit the options for a base just because it is in the same army as other models with there bases already done. Repeating the same technique over and over will give a fielded army a cookie cutter look on the table top. Also having a uniform base with varied detail work on seperate units allows the army to look good on verying types of battlefields.

2. Do not over detail a base. To many things going on at one time gives the model an overdone look. This takes away from the paint job and wastes time. I'm not sure about anyone else but my hobby takes a great deal of time and wasting it not only keeps me from getting more done but also takes away from other things you may need to be doing.

3.Stay away from color coding the verticle sides of the base in order to separate different units. Having models with blue or yellow or red verticle bases makes your army look like a clown painted it when it is fielded. You can mark the bottom side of the bases with numbers or even colors in order to separate them.

Things to do:

1. More than one level to your bases will make them pop. Weather you are using green flock or sand adding static grass or some sort of stone in order to give the base a three deminsional look will bring the paint job on your models.

2. A uniform type of base is needed in order to make a completed army look good on the table top. Be careful to avoid making them all the same as we talked about before. Keep the details veried but all of your units need to look like they should be on the same battlefield.

3. Maybe the most important piece of advice I can give is the one the fewest people do when basing there models. Paint the base before you detail it. If you are using sand then paint the base beige before gluing the sand down. If its flock then paint it green and so on. This will take away the look of black or gray from showing through your basing and taking away from the work you are doing.

Next time we will dicuss how using washes can help and hurt your models look. Anyway, I hope these tips help you even if it is only a little. Until next time keep painting and basing and enjoy our great hobby. Pass it on to someone else if givin the chance.

Till next time
The Fiberglass Demon

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Hobby Guide: Weathering

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Hey all, ever wondered how to add a weathered look to your vehicles? Check out the following how-to guide from Forgeworld which makes use of the weathering powders they recently released.


Monday, October 12, 2009

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Hey all, time for another GW Newsletter:

The Games Workshop North American Newsletter October 2009
In this issue: In Hobby Centers This Month | Hobby Center Birthdays | Hobby Center Grand Openings | Independent Retailers | 'Ard Boyz | Tournaments | NAS Careers

Upcoming Events & Activity

Below is a selection of events and activities near you. Go to the Community & Events to find out what other events are happening near you.

In Hobby Centers This Month

See all up and coming events in the North American Games Workshop community in the Events Calendar

In Hobby Centers This Month Planetstrike Mega Battle on Saturday, October 17th. War of The Ring Battles on Saturday, October 27th. Celebrate Halloween with GW on Saturday, October 31st.
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Hobby Center Birthdays

Gather for an Imperial Birthday Celebration for your Hobby Center. The ceremony will include gaming, prizes, and limited items for sale!

Hobby Center Birthdays October Birthdays Throughout the coming months, each Games Workshop Hobby Center and Battle Bunker will be hosting a Birthday Party to celebrate the founding of their location. Each party will feature gaming, prizes and a variety of limited edition items available only at these events such as water bottles, key chains, pens, and posters. ITEMS MAY VARY, so stop by your event to see what's available!
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Hobby Center Grand Openings

Celebrate the founding of your new Hobby Center with a weekend full of gaming and activities. Check September’s White Dwarf for a special coupon to use at these Grand Opening events!

Grand Openings October Grand Openings For the Grand Openings coming up on October 17th, make sure you get your 10% off coupon from the October issue of White Dwarf! This coupon is exclusive to the Grand Opening Hobby Centers on October 17th and 18th ONLY so make sure to get down to those stores that weekend! There are October Grand Openings at Hobby Centers in Illinois and California. Check the website to see which stores are celebrating this month!
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Independent Retailers

Enjoy our new Independent Retailers that carry Games Workshop products and be sure to check out some of the cool events being run near you. To find a store near you, search using the Store Finder on our website.

Independent Retailers Independent Retailers Each month, more stores are added to our every growing list of places where you can find Games Workshop product. Check out these newly added Independent Retailers now carrying Games Workshop product!
October Independent Retailer Events October Independent Retailer Events Enjoy these October Events at an Independent Retailer near you.
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'Ard Boyz

'Ard Boyz Tournaments are a three-part, competitive series of events hosted by Independent Retailers across North America. Unlike the traditional tournament format you may be familiar with, that takes into consideration your painting and sportsmanship, the 'Ard Boyz Tournaments focus on one thing and one thing only: how well you play the game! These tournaments are the place to field that nasty list you felt guilty about playing, or that massive horde army you couldn't hope to paint it in time.

Warhammer ‘Ard Boyz Semi-Finals Warhammer ‘Ard Boyz Semi-Finals Prepare for the Warhammer ‘Ard Boyz Semi-Finals on October 24th. Do you have what it takes? Check the website for the full Warhammer ‘Ard Boyz schedule. Also, two to three weeks before the event, there will be a downloadable rules pack, a list of retailers near you where you can play in the Preliminary or Semifinal events, scenarios, and more.
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Tournaments

Here are some of the upcoming tournaments this year. For a full list of tournaments and events, check out the Events Calendar online.

Alamo Tournament Alamo Tournament Come finish out the 2009 GW Tournament Circuit in sunny South Texas at the ALAMO International Grand Tournament. On the weekend of November 7-8, come to San Antonio for a last taste of summer and a weekend of laid-back Warhammer fun.
Da Grand Waaagh Tournament Da Grand Waaagh Tournament The battle will take place on the U.S.S. Hornet in Alameda, CA, October 2 - 4. The Carrier USS HORNET is a national treasure, having participated in two of the greatest events of the 20th century -- World War II and the Apollo 11 manned space mission. Two fighter planes will block off our gaming tables. Not only are playing on a WW2 aircraft carrier with lots of history, we are supporting a non-profit organization.
Mechanicon Tournament Mechanicon TournamentThe MechaniCon is a three-day convention focusing on bringing a new Warhammer 40,000 Independent Grand Tournament to the North East. We are also teaming up with other local clubs and they have events to offer as well. Come join us for a tournament, play in our many demos, enjoy special events, and help the charity auction. Check the website for full event details.
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NAS Careers

Check our CAREER SITE for details of our current open positions in North America.

Hobby Center Managers & Sales Management Jobs Hobby Center Managers & Sales Management Jobs We are currently looking for enthusiastic people to fill the roles of Sales Management, Hobby Specialists and Store Managers.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Painting: Eavy Metal Masterclass - Painting Faces

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Hey all, if you struggle to paint faces, then this is the article for you. You'll have to register on GW's site, but it is well worth it. Learn how to paint all kinds of faces not just human ones.

It's nice to see GW really stepping up the web content on their site.

Friday, July 3, 2009

Hobby & War of the Rings: Magnetizing WotR Movement Trays

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Hey all, a quick WotR update here. I decided on magnetizing all of my movement trays for WotR. While most of the plastic ones basically lock into place and you can move them around without any tipping over etc, I'm going with this route to keep transporting them simple as I plan on transporting them in companies, ready to go. It'll also come in handy so that they'll stay on the trays while they're being transported, especially the metal stuff (aka 90% of the Easterlings range lol). Comments welcome!

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

News: Citadel Brush Set & Brushes

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Hey all, there are releases besides Planestrike coming :) A whole new range of brushes available as the set pictured here for $55.70 or individually. The new range contains the following:

"one Citadel Fine Detail Brush, one Citadel Detail Brush, one Citadel Standard Brush, one Citadel Basecoat Brush, one Citadel Large Brush, one Citadel Wash Brush, one Citadel Stippling Brush, one Citadel Small Drybrush, one Citadel Medium Drybrush and one Citadel Large Drybrush."
An interesting new release and it adds some new brushes such as the stipling brush. Gotta like the look of them too. I would check hobby and art stores and compare prices on similar brushes before rushing out and picking these up. Still, a very nice new addition to the painting side of the hobby. What do you guys think?

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Favorite Retailers: Magcraft

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Looking to magnetize your fantasy army for easier storage and transportation, and to not have them tipping over while you move them? Then look no further than Magcraft! They have rare earth magnets of all shapes and sizes for a good price. Their shipping is fast and cheap too!


I picked up 100 mags for my various fantasy armies and they are definitely useful! This can save you a lot of time especially if you're playing a horde army and really helps prevent minis (such as top heavy ones) from tipping over. Well worth checking out.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Hobby Tip: How to use the Citadel Spray Gun

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YouTube Video demonstrating the use of the Citdael Spray Gun - really helpful!

Monday, January 12, 2009

New Warhammer Fantasy FAQ is out!

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New FAQ for Warhammer is out - please download it and read up!

Note on page 2

"Q. If a model on foot with a mundane hand weapon is armed with a pistol as well, does the pistol count as a second hand weapon in close combat?
A. Yes, it does."

Duellists just got even better (again)!

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

KR Multi Cases

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http://www.kaiserrushforth.com/ - For mini storage and transport. They're based in the UK but have free international shipping!

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Armorcast Muzzle Flash Effects

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Want to add muzzle flash effects to your army? Check this out then:
http://armorcast.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=758&osCsid=4a012e26c09eb4ac417051396154aedf

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Warhammer Magic Cards

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Thanks to Rick for this find: http://www.warhammer.baronwolf.com/magic%20cards.php

Contains virtually everything although the dwarf rune list is rather incomplete.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Favorite Retailers: Zuzzy Miniatures

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Here is a link to zuzzy miniatures, they make some really cool rubber battlemats that have lots of detail moulded in. They don't have a really big range rigth now, but what they have looks great and I'm sure they'll be adding more. Check them out here.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Privateer Press Scultping Tools

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Picked this up today. 3 tools for $10. Its a pretty good deal considering GW sells their one and only scultping tool for $6. These are varied enough to allow for all kinds of sculpting work. A great product by Privateer Press! (GW should take some pointers from this)


Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Dragon: Asarnil

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Here it is! The fully assembled HE dragon kit which I'll be using to represent Asarnil! I removed the dragon from the rock perch and mounted him on a brass rod so that he looks like he is flying.

I've still got a lot of conversion/green stuff work to do on the base before he gets painted.



Monday, March 10, 2008

Magnetising Bases & Movement Trays

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Started on a project to get bases and movement trays magnetised. So far I have a cavalry movement tray and the 10x2 xbow movement tray magnetised. The next step will be to go buy some more metal sheeting and mangets as well. Having seen how much of a convenience it is to take this extra step for an army, I think its well worth investing the time to do it. It will also speed up the game itself since your troops won't be falling over if you accidentally bump the unit and removing casualties will be simple as well.

This is also a good idea for those looking to up their painting scores at tournaments as conversions factor into that score as well, and magnetising an army contributes to the overall look of it.

I would highly recommend that for horde-style armies (eg skaven, orcs/gobbos, vampire counts)

some pics coming soon



trying to get magnets but damn hobby lobby is closed or closing every time i go there , srsly who closes at 8pm on a friday? wtf



Ok, picked up some magnets at HL , $3 for 10, not a bad deal, although theyre a bit on the big side so I'm gonna have to find smaller ones for cavalry bases



anyway , here are some pics of one of my Xbow units fully magnetized :)






Gravity? pfft

Eventually I'll get around to magentizing every unit in the army - its definitely worth it, especially for those difficult to rank up units




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