Tools of the Trade: Essential Modeling Supplies

Many tools help make this hobby an even more enjoyable one!

This is a modified version of something we wrote for volume 3 of the digital magazine 28. 

The miniature hobby is continually defined by the release of new, exciting miniatures, and most of our budget goes towards purchasing new plastic models to fuel our obsession for converting tiny warriors. An often overlooked, but incredibly important, aspect of this hobby is the tools used to build, convert, and paint these models. Over the years, we have discovered that purposely investing in quality tools can dramatically aid in the creative process and remove a lot of frustration and headaches. In this post, we wanted to talk about some of the most helpful tools we use and why they are important. The article will be split into two sections, the first talking about the tools used to build and convert models, and the second part talking about painting.

Building a Bandai RG MS-06F Zaku II

"Victory is the greatest tribute we can pay those who sacrifice their lives for us! Rise, our people, Rise! Take your sorrow, and turn it into anger!" - Gihren Zabi

Last month, I rediscovered the world of Gunpla when I built a MS-07B Gouf model created by Bandai. It was a fun learning process, one that resulted in a nice looking model with relatively little time investment. The Gouf was one of Bandai’s cheaper models, a High Grade (HG, 1:144 scale) kit with relatively few parts. Taking what I learned, I wanted to try to build one of their more complex kits, seeing what sort of articulation and color differeationation the kits could have. This led me to their Real Grade (RG) line of models. RG models maintain the 1:144 scale of their HG counterparts, but have an increased part count and many have an internal skeleton underneath the armor plates, reminiscent of the larger Master Grade kits (1:100). I found one of the original RG models (circa 2010), a Zaku II, and wanted to let you know what I think of it.

Space Marines: Raptors

A dagger in the dark is worth a thousand swords at dawn.

After being suitably impressed with the First Strike starter boxed set for Warhammer 40,000, I decided that some of the models in the set might be a good place to experiment with painting. Aside from painting the majority of Dreadwhisper for the Curse of the Alabaster games last winter, I have not painted another model in my entire long history of being involved in the hobby, letting that all fall on Adam’s shoulders. Having no particular use for the push-fit Primaris Space Marines that I assembled from First Strike, they seemed like the ideal place to start to learn the particulars of painting. I also had an extra cast of our True-scale Space Marine, and figured his large size would also be a good way to ease into the process. After some consideration, I selected the Raptors Space Marine Chapter to paint my first models as. I always loved the drab military look of their chapter, reminding me of Sherman tanks from WWII. Conveniently, I also had most of the colors that I thought I would need from a Vallejo Model Air paint set for German/Allied WWII models.

Rainbow Warriors Project: Chaplain Painted

Blessed is the mind too small for doubt.

I recently posted pictures of a Chaplain that I converted for the Rainbow Warriors Project, an initiative to promote diversity and inclusiveness in the miniature wargaming community. I was able to devote the last week or two to painting the model, and am happy to show you pictures of the completed model sans base. All of the bases for the army are being painted separately by Dan from the Lonely Havocs, to help unify the force. Any thoughts or comments on the model are appreciated!

Dragged into Turbolasers Episode 25: Painting is more than just acrylics!

When painting, there is always something new to try.

In this episode we talk about our journey through painting, how over the years we have developed our own style, but also how we have started to experiment with different types of paints and products to push our skills further. We spend a lot of time talking about our efforts into using enamel and oil based paints, as well as some resources that you can use if you want to learn more about them or how to best use them.

True-scale Black Templar Space Marine

No Fear! No Pity! No Remorse!

Despite the release of the new Primaris Space Marines, which we think would be an excellent foundation to create “true-scale” Space Marines, we have not given up on our efforts to create more anatomically correct Space Marines. We created silicone molds to cast our most recent attempt at a true-scale Space Marine, and as a proof of concept built a Black Templar Space Marine. I am pleased to say that this Black Templar is finally complete! With this post I want to talk a little about the painting process and show the completed model.