Just a couple of shots from the Saturday Morning Moderns (SMM) group at the shop. They still play about every other weekend, and are always trying out new scenarios, rulesets and teaching new players. Here they are running an introductory scenario for a couple of newer players.

Lately they have been dabbling more and more with PicoArmor as well as the usual 6mm. The have also been running some very interesting what if scenarios (e.g. Korean War II, a Chinese/Russian clash, etc.).

If you ever have an interest in joining the SMM group, check out the forums on the webpage for Treadhead or stop by and let the staff know. They can get you in touch with the guys.

Until next time…

Cheers!

Dan

A while back I posted some shots of  a converted Tyranid Carnifex that one of our regulars (Ben R.) had done. Well I found that I had a few shots of his completed army as well, so here they are. The army is really impressive, especially the basing. The whole army has a swamp theme to it, which is reflected both on the models with hanging greenery and foliage on the creatures, and the bases with swampy water puddles, broken branches and more greenery.

I try and emphasize to folks to not underestimate the effect good basing can have on a model/army. Here is an excellent example – the models are painted very well, but they really pop with the whole themed ground effect and such. I recommend to anyone who is considering a themed force (be it 40K, historicals, or whatever…) to give consideration to the basing as well as how to actually paint the army. You don’t have to go crazy, just keep it simple, but a well thought out and executed plan can really make your army look great.

And a great looking army inspires not only the general, but also anyone who happens to walk by and is looking for a new game to try.  Whether we like it or not, visual coolness definitely plays a big part in whether someone decides to try out a new game.

So the next time you are starting a new force, give some thought as to the basing theme as well as the painting scheme of your force. I don’t think you’ll regret it!  

Until next time…  

Avoid the swamps!  

Dan

Now that the Combat Cards for unit based actions are out, we have begun playtesting the modern skirmish cards (squad sized, man-to-man action). Here are a few shots of a recent game using my WWII forces (German v. American Paras). The playtest went well, though it revealed several areas that need addressing. All in all though, we are well on our way to getting those done too.

One note for the picture below – a few posts ago I mentioned how I had finished some new teams for these forces, and that I needed to refurbish my existing armies to match using the new techniques. This shot distinctly shows the differences with the “new” team on the right, and some old method single figures on the left. They aren’t too bad, but you can see the improvement.

Well, enjoy the pictures and look for many more as we ramp up the playtest schedule.

Until next time…

Keep your head down!

Dan

Recently I promised a look at a 1/48 scale pre-painted WWII tank that I was in the process of “prettying-up” with washes, pigments, etc. Well, here it is!

The model is a Pz IV H from 21^st Century Toys (now defunct). I applied a wash/filter over the very basic paint scheme that it came with. I have then used my new favorite technique for rusting (layers of Mig Pigments) on the tracks and the exhaust muffler. While the muffler isn’t quite complete yet (it needs another detailing wash), you can get a feel for how it is going to turn out.

The tank itself still has to have the pigments applied to give it a nice dirty/dusty effect, after which the whole thing will be sealed for protection. The whole process is going to yield a very nice looking model for my 28mm skirmish games, but without a lot of work (washes are easy…).

Unfortunately, for my American forces I have to build a Sherman tank from scratch – a Tamaiya 1/48 scale model – but it doesn’t look to be too bad. I will apply the same finishing techniques to it, so I am hopeful it will turn out as good if not better.  

Well, until next time…  

Happy washing!  

Dan

Just a quick entry today to show off our newest addition to our aerial collection flying around the shop – a TBF Avenger torpedo bomber from WWII. The thing is huge with a 3’ wing span!

Originally it was a pre-made, pre-painted model that was going to be hung with the greatest of ease. Unfortunately, during the process of getting it hung up, it took a nose dive from about 7’ up and shattered on the floor. I spent another two hours reconstructing/repairing it – including having to use a massive (1/8”) pin in the propeller and 3/8” rods in the wings to solidify it.  Because of the reconstruction effort I am going to take a little credit for building it! J

Anyway, the shots give you some idea of it’s cool appearance and it’s size relative to some of the other aircraft we have hanging.  

Until next time…  

Happy flying!  

Dan

I just finished up some 25mm WWII teams for skirmish gaming, and I thought I would post some pictures of my handiwork. I know they could be detailed a lot more (like the faces) but as I still have to rebase the other mini’s and paint a few more, they will have to do for now.

The MG team are from the Old Glory 25’s line Berlin or Bust, while the US paratrooper bazooka teams are from Artizan Miniatures. They were painted using my usual methods of base coating, washes, rough highlighting and then a glaze. Not the most detailed, but very fast & efficient with decent results.

I also took a 1/48 scale pre-painted tank and “prettied” it up with some washes, drybrushing and Mig Pigments, but those shots will have to wait for another day.

Until then…

Enjoy!

Dan

These are a few shots from one of the 6mm Micro Armor games that were played during the shop’s “Operation Cobra” WWII campaign using the Combat Cards. A lot of good games were played, with some interesting campaign results. Personally I had a so-so record (a couple of wins, a couple of losses) so my impact was about a wash.

MY GERMANS TRY AND HOLD THE LINE

THE AMERICANS OCCUPY A TOWN

Despite some early German successes, the Americans were able to pull it out in the end and the Operation was saved! The German players have vowed revenge on the next go-round, so we will see what happens.

ARE YOU SURE THIS IS SUCH GOOD PLACE TO MAKE OUR STAND...

Until next time… 

Cheers! 

Dan

Just a couple of quick shots of some great model conversions our regulars have done. Both are from the Games Workshop 40K line. The first is a pretty clever addition of a Necron Warrior emerging from the energy field on a Monolith. Trent N. (yes, the same one that works at the shop) was the mastermind behind this one.

The other figure is a winged Carnifex made by Ben R. Ben is an art student, as you can probably tell from the great basing and colors used (please excuse the rather poor quality of the pictures, it ain’t easy taking shots in the middle of a game J). The wings are stunning, and really make the figure a dominant part of his army.

Congratulations guys on jobs well done! 

Until next time… 

Thought for the day: Just Play! 

Dan

I now have the final pre-production copy of the Combat Cards, and as I write this, they are in the process of being printed. This means we may actually have sets for sale before the end of the decade!

I have a picture of how they will look - of course there are a lot more cards that come with a set, but you get the idea. This has been one heck of a road to get to this point, but the future looks very promising. The printers who are doing the job are very good; they have already made suggestions for improvements on future versions of the Combat Card family of games.

Anyways, I am glad to almost be over this hurdle and ready to get these out to folks. I may even be able to stop taking the medication for my nervous tic. J  

Until next time…  

Hail to the almighty press!  

Dan

One of our employees (Trent N.) bought himself one of the really nice Games Workshop modular terrain tables a while back. He has been working hard to get it finished which he finally did a couple of weeks ago.

Recently they got in a game on the new board and it looked great. I was very impressed how easy they are to finish, transport (with the handy bag that it comes in) and just how good they look on the table top.

If you stop by and ask real nicely, I bet Trent might just share with you the secrets to completing one for yourself (and be sure and ask about the super-secret discount on buying one of the tables… J).

Until next time… 

May all of your flock stick! 

Dan

I recently finished up a trio of T34/76’s in 15mm for my Russians Front forces. They turned out really well – I was especially please with how the Mig Pigments rust the tracks and weather the hull. In addition, I have become much more aggressive in using washes and filters to get the vehicle to a color I like.

THE NEW TANKS...

IN ACTION

To honor the new vehicles we had to (of course) use them in a scenario. The battle was to be a meeting engagement between German and Russian forces in a Russian village circa late summer 1944.

THE VILLAGE BEFORE THE FIGHT

THE FARMHOUSE FIGHT

The scenario proved to be a lot of fun, with the fight coming down to one particular farmhouse and the back-and-forth struggle to secure it. In the end the Russians were able to retake the house, which gave them just enough victory points to claim a win. 

UGH, PANTHERS...

The new tanks gave n excellent account of themselves, although one did fall victim to the guns of the German Panther tanks. L Oh well, they are off to an excellent start with more reinforcements on the way!

OVERVIEW OF THE FIGHT

Until next time… 

Beware of hunting Panthers.

Dan

These shots are a little out of date, but I thought I would put them on the blog to give some recognition to the Necromunda players who played in the inaugural league awhile back. At the end of the league the administrator (Chris L.) even had an awards ceremony complete with certificates and trophies.

A NECROMUNDA TABLE

SOME OF THE GANG

The group really had a great time, and has been working on their “gangs” ever since. I believe they will be kicking off another league or campaign of Necromunda sometime in the very near future, and from the discussions around the shop it looks like their turnout may even be bigger this time around! 

SEE THEM PLAYING IN THE BACK...

I really enjoy their leagues, as their terrain layouts are pretty impressive – not many games have terrain set-ups that are as much as two-feet off of the tabletop. The banter and trashing talking also took on a life of its own – dare I say reaching “art form” status in some cases?

MOST NOTORIOUS GANG AWARD

Anyways, I think it suffices to say the next go ‘round is much anticipated!

Until next time…

Fear the Eschers!

Dan

It has gotten out of control…it is overwhelming…it has almost reach insane proportions. The popularity of Warhammer 40K at the shop has grown to the point of threatening the sanity of the all of us “normal” gamers! On our 40K nights the shop is typically packed to capacity, and even on other days there always seems to be a game in progress somewhere in the shop. 

I jest, of course, about being cursed with the Games Workshop fanatics – anything which encourages folks to game and get together for a sociable time is always a good thing. The passion with which the 40K’ers approach their games though, is pretty impressive. They know their lists, their opponent’s list and pretty much any obscure rule needed. The other thing I find really amazing (and pleasant) about these folks, is the friendly way in which they conduct themselves and play their games. There are no arguments over rules, raised voices over outcomes or even bad words about foes. They are truly a very friendly and welcoming crowd.

As an example, on the Warhammer Fantasy night (Mondays) a couple of new 40K players wandered into the shop having just heard out about us. Once the regulars found out that the new guys wanted to get more into 40K, a half dozen of them dropped what they were doing, gave the new guys a thorough tour of the shop and ran them through some teaching games. Now that is friendly - and dedicated to your hobby! As it turned out, one of the new guys picked up a store membership later that week and both have become regular fixtures at the shop.

We do enjoy having the Games Workshop crowd at the shop – they are a very fun bunch with a good sense of humor. And while not all of us appreciate the game the way they do, we can all admire their devotion and passion towards the hobby! (Now if we could just get some of them to actually paint their minis… J).

Until next time…

Hail to the bucket o’dice!

Dan