Prototype Thunder Cavalry Model Arrived!!

Hi guys,

Well I got my prototype Thunder Lizard Cavalry model in the post today.
As discussed before, I am planning on using one of the Gamezone Predator Lizards as a 'counts as' Thunderwolf model for my Crimson Fist Army.

I quickly blu-tac'ed the figure together and used a set of the Ravenwing biker sergeant legs to quick a quick feel if it will work... and it will!!!

HUZZAH!!!

Here are a few photos with Sergeant Grimm to give you an idea of scale:









I really think it will be able to work.

Now the next question is do I use the robed legs (and that would mean robed chest as well) or just modify some regular biker legs. I had no intention of using the robes for the cav, but I am now leaning that way as it will make them stand out even more - besides riding a big ass raptor! - but I think it will actually look pretty nice.

Thankfully the Predator model has the rider as a completely separate piece. I was a little worried I would have to grind off some Dark Elf legs but it looks pretty straight forward to be honest.

The only other problem is that that the Gamezone model will need a bit of putty work as there will be some major gaps otherwise. I can live with that.

Overall I am really happy with the Predator model as a base as it is nicely detailed and looks very aggressive. I think the scale will be spot on for my marines. Let me know what you guys think?

PS - Here is a LINK to the painted predator pic I used from CMoN.

Deathwatch Kill Team - WiP - Sergeant and more marines

Hi guys,

I got a few more marines completed now.

Here they are:

Crimson Fist Sergeant - Combi-Flamer / Powerfist




I was lucky to pick this games day sergeant off ebay and have been looking forward to having him done up for a Kill Team. Really looking forward to painting him up. Still thinking of a name.

I am happy with the combi-flamer. Its pretty hard to see in the picture but it is done in the same style as my previous attempt for Sergeant Grimm - LINKY

Blood Angel Marine - Combi-Melta


Here is my second attempt at a combi-melta.


Space Wolf Marine


Nothing special to write about...but I like this guy.

Wolf Brother Marine


I originally had this guy with a chain sword in his left hand but it looked a bit funny so I replaced it with an Auspex instead. I think it looks a bit better with the looking down pose.

Soul Drinker Marine


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Well this rounds out the first five done. I am going to work on another five or so then attack them with paint.

Deathwatch Kill Team - Soul Drinker

Hi guys,

Just a quick WiP photo of my Deathwatch Kill Team. I have built four so far, but I wanted to quickly share my Soul Drinker member armed with a Combi-Melta.



I am pretty happy with the combi-melta overall. He is the first of six to be armed with combi-melta's this way. Initially I was going to use the metal DW bolter as a base but unfortunately the metal bolters are about 1/3 thinner that the plastic ones so the melta part on top wouldn't fit as I intended. Oh well.

I have built up two DW bolter marines (Space Wolf and Wolf Brother) and a Sergeant (Crimson Fist) with a combi-flamer and powerfist. I will post some more WiP pictures soon once I got a combat squad done. I am in the middle of doing a Blood Angel with a combi-melta as well. I am trying to use as many 'embossed' pads as possible.

Other chapters I am thinking of adding will be:

- Black Templar
- Ultramarine (once I can find my embossed UM shoulder pad)
- Imperial Fist
- Flesh Tearer (with a chain axe as well)
- Silver Skulls or Mortis Legion

I plan on using the squad as a 'counts as' Sternguard unit in games and intend on building two full squads once I get some more bits. In the short term I will be using them in some local games as a "kill team" for skirmish games.

Heavy weapons wise, I want to do a marine running with a maybe a box fed heavy bolter (think scouts) to give it that suspensor feeling (from the old DW rules) and probably two heavy flamer marines.

I am two minds for the heavy flamers to be honest as I feel I may be better off with combi-flamers so I can still take advantage of special issue ammunition. I have to make at least one just for the cool factor though. :)

Musings: Had a slight problem this week

Hi guys,

Just a quick one why I have been very quiet of late on the blog.

I just got out of hospital today after having my appendix removed from emergency surgery. Looks like I got it out just in time as it was ruptured and leaking - just before a full blown blow up. I have been in the hospital for a few days due to the extra risk of infection (from the leaking) while they pumped me full of antibiotics.

Anyway, a routine scheduled immunisation appointment with my GP (as my wife and I are going over to Europe soon) turned into me skipping the shot and being rushed to the emergency department.

I am on the mend now with three extra holes on my belly from the 'key hole' surgery. I don't think I will be at work this week, but I am hoping to knock over some painting if I can sit without too much pain. Got to play it by ear I guess.

Cheers!

Rant: CMoN Issue follow-up - its all sorted now

Hi Guys,

Just a follow-up to my issue with CoolMiniOrNot. Chern Ann Ng from CMoN was able to sort out a refund for me and a credit for postage. Its probably the best that could be salvaged from an unfortunate turn of events.

Here is the email below:


From: chernann@coolminiornot.com
To:
Date: Tue, 6 Jul 2010 00:20:16 -0400
Subject: RE: CoolMiniOrNot Inc.: New Order # xxxxxx

Hi Darrel,

First of all please accept my apologies for this screw up. I believe this happened just as we were transitioning shopping carts and this transaction was cancelled in error along with other test transactions.

I have refunded your transaction as the item is not in stock at currently. Please also accept this coupon for $9 which will defray the cost of shipping on your next purchase:

Best regards,
Chern Ann Ng
Director
CoolMiniOrNot Inc.


I do want to stress that CMoN did respond really quickly on this once I ran the issue up the flag so to speak (yeah yeah...aussies and their stupid metaphors). So, please order with them. My issue definitely looks like it was an isolated 'unlucky' issue. Overall I am very satisfied with the outcome overall.

On a side note CMoN will be organising to have Gamezone figures done in the US so they should be more readily available in the future from August on.

Rant: Thunder Lizard Cavalry hit a Snag

I am annoyed...nay furious. A little like Mr Furious you could say.

Nothing gets me going more than really crappy customer service.

Anyway, my Thunder Lizard ‘counts as’ Thunder Wolf Cav has hit a snag thanks to the kind folks over at the coolminiornot store. It appears that my recent order for the awesome gamezone lizard cav has been cancelled – and without a refund or any communication at all from the store. Awesome!




I have sent of a not so nice letter to the coolminiornot store asking for a ‘Please explain’ for the lack of communication before kicking off a dispute with the bank.

You see, here in Australia, we are kinda used to not receiving goods from most online stores for anything for three to six weeks. So, since it had been about seven weeks since I placed my order I was about to send coolminiornot an email for a status update. I checked out my account online and to my shock my order was actually cancelled! But it gets better…they didn’t even send me an email to tell me that my order was cancelled or even bother to process a refund. How very nice of the guys.

This is totally unacceptable from any company. Customer service is something I am particularly passionate about so this irks me on several levels.

Anyway, I actually want the model more than a refund as I want to use it as a prototype for my Thunder Cav. And if all goes well and the conversion turns out ok I was planning on ordering 10-12 of these guys – enough for at least two wolf lords, two iron priests and two units of four cav.

I will keep you posted on my ‘experience’.

Have you guys had any positive or negative experiences from the store at coolminiornot?

Hobby: Vallejo Primer

Well after getting completely jacked off with crappy primer & undercoat sprays I have finally bitten the bullet and got some primer to run through my airbrush.

I picked up both Black and Grey Vallejo Primer to give it a whirl. I will be sticking to black primer for my Crimson Fist marines but will be shifting to grey for any new projects. The primer is ‘airbrush ready’ so should not need any thinning to use. It can also be brushed on as well.

I will let you know how it goes but at $15 for 60ml from a local hobby store - Hobbyrama it seemed reasonable if it works; especially given that it’s just over $30 for about 200ml. WIN!

I have read some mixed reviews on the product but I figure it can’t be worse then the issues I have had with the crappy GW sprays and other ones I have been trying to use. In fact I expect to see an improvement. Will keep you posted – it might even be time for my first review. :)