Monday, July 29, 2013

Brother Vinni's Commissar

I recently placed several orders from independent miniature producers in an effort to support the little guys and add some unique flair to my Imperial Guard army.  One of the purchases I made was for a beautiful Commissar figure from Brother Vinni's.

The single figure, including shipping, set me back about $15.  Not a bad price considering it was shipping from Russia and the standard GW model is approximately the same price before shipping.  I received the model about 20 days from the day I ordered it.  I've shipped orders to Russia and experienced 30+ day shipping times so I was excited to get it so soon.

I am very pleased with my purchase.  The model was well cast and had very little flashing and practically no mold lines.  The detail is on par with GW's newer line of fine cast models.  Scale wise it is a perfect fit for an IG army and, aside from being a great looking model, I don't think you'll be able to pick it out as a 3rd party product.  After he's been painted I'll add my Brother Vinni's Commissar model to the gallery page.




In addition to the Commissar model Brother Vinni's offers a great line of unique 28mm models. Video game fans of Fallout, Bioshock and Mass Effect will enjoy the selection.  They also have a selection of other minis including fantasy, other scales and bits.

Brother Vinni's doesn't have a standard shopping cart but if you e-mail them an order they will send you an invoice via PayPal in a flash.  The customer service was great and there was no delay in getting my order processed.  I'm sure I'll be picking up some of their Fallout series soon.

So if you're looking for a unique addition to your table top gaming or just a fun miniature to paint give Brother Vinni's a try.


Wednesday, July 24, 2013

40K on your E-Reader!

6th Edition rules, updated with FAQs, is now available on The Black Library's website for download onto your ipad, nook, kindle, or other e-reader.

http://www.blacklibrary.com/games-workshop-digital-editions/Warhammer-40000-The-Rules.html

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Leman Russ Battle Tank

After acquiring two Leman Russ Battle Tanks on Ebay I wanted to add some adaptability to them.  My first thought was to go with some type of magnet system but considering the basis of any cannon is a tube, I went with a collar system instead.  The idea being that a single size collar sits in place of the cannon and other attachments slip onto/into that one.

I started by cutting off the original cannon, which had already been modified into a Vanquisher by the previous owner.  Onto this I attached a short collar made of 7/16th inch tube styrene from Evergreen Scale ModelsI can slip alternate cannons into/onto this collar changing the Leman Russ for whatever threat awaits it.
Left to right, Punisher, Battle Cannon, Demolisher
The Punisher Gatling Cannon was constructed out of 1/16th inch, 1//8th inch 3/8th inch and 7/16th inch styrene tubing.

To make the Demolisher Cannon I used three different diameter tubes. The outermost is 1/2" in diameter and 7/16" long. Inside that is a 7/16" diameter tube cut just a couple of millimeters shorter than the outer tube. Inside that is another tube 3/8" in diameter and 7/16" long. Once glued together (one inside the other) you get a short little barrel that has a 7/16" groove which the slip collar slides right into.
A detailed view of the rear of the Demolisher Cannon and the various tubes used in its construction.

To make the Battle Cannon I used a length of 3/8" tube with a small length of 7/16" tube for the muzzle brake. The vents in the muzzle brake were cut out using a razor saw, hobby knife, and my miter box. 
Leman Russ with slip collar.
Leman Russ with Battle Cannon
Leman Russ with Demolisher Siege Cannon
Leman Russ with Punisher Gatling Cannon

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Keep modeling, modeling, modeling... just keep modeling, modeling, modeling!

More detail posts on my process will be added later on  for now here is just a taste of some things I have in the works.  Working on some additional vox caster guards men, my regimental standard and a custom Sly Marbo.

My custom Sly Marbo is converted Catachan Infantryman.  A 3rd party pistol from my bits box stands in as his ripper pistol, the fuel tank from a flamer has been converted into a melta-bomb and his demo charge has been made out of some styrene and bits.  Joints and about a third of an arm have been filled/sculpted using Apoxie Sculpt as well as a cool beret.







My Regimental Standard has finally received his flag.  It was created with sheet styrene and shaped with a heat gun.




Colonel "Iron Hand" Straken

My most recent completed miniature is my army commander Colonel "Iron Hand" Straken.

This was my first attempt at simulating illumination from a point on the model itself.  I'm happy with the results.  I used a dry brush technique with a light blue to simulate the cast off light from the charging plasma pistol.

 Wood grain completed with dark wash and a light dry brush.
Eyes are much easier when there is only one!



The Colonel's adamantium skeleton.

Sunday, July 7, 2013

Coming Soon!

Combining my love of tabletop gaming and 3D modeling I have designed, completed and ordered a 3D printed master model for a kit I plan on making available here on my blog for purchase.  The kit will come with an Automated Weapons Platform (AWP) and multiple weapon options all cast from resin.  Below are examples of the AWP and two different weapons options.  More weapon options will be available upon release including a Super Heavy Machine Gun, Heavy Duty Flamethrowers, and Surface to Air Missiles.  All weapons are designed to be mounted with magnets which will be included in the kits.  Furthermore, the turret rotates on both the vertical and horizontal for full range of motion.

AWP w/ Heavy Machine Guns

AWP w/ Rocket Pods

© 2013 Christopher Porche