Sons of Orar blog

[Ravendove]

Even a man who has nothing can still offer his life.

+++ Thought for the day +++

http://wh40k.lexicanum.com/mediawiki/images/d/d4/Oraromega.png

Sons of Orar

A Space Marine Project Log

 

This thread will chronicle my progress on a new Space Marine army from start to finish. Though the history of the Sons of Orar has been lost, what is known is that they revere Orar, an Ultramarines Captain who won great renown in the wake of the Horus Heresy, and claim him as their spiritual patriarch.

 

Why a project log?

I am a notoriously slow painter and prone to flutter between projects. I'm hoping that by steadily logging my progress I will be able to stick with it and see it through. Be warned, updates will be sporadic and occasionally few and far between. Nonetheless, thanks for reading!

 

Colour scheme

I have already done some test models and found a simple, effective technique that works well. I am aiming for a good quality tabletop standard. I will be using the following paints for the following areas:

 

Armour

Army Painter Red, P3 Khador Red, Blazing Orange, Baal Red Wash, Devlan Mud Wash

Pads, Helmets

Skull White, Fortress Grey, Vallejo Ghost Grey

Black

Chaos Black, Adeptus Battlegrey, Codex Grey

Metal

Boltgun Metal, Badab Black, Chainmail

Gold

Iyanden Darksun, Gryphonne Sepia, Burnished Gold, Shining Gold, Mithril Silver

Eyes, Gems, etc.

Dark Angels Green, Snot Green, Scorpion Green, Skull White

Cloth

Graveyard Earth, Kommando Khaki, Bleached Bone, Skull White

Leather

Scorched Brown, Bestial Brown, Snakebite Leather

 

So that's it for the introduction

I've already had a ton of Forgeworld bits and most of the plastic kits shipped, even completed a few test models, so in the next couple of days I'll start blogging properly and get a load of in progress pictures up.

 

I will also cover how I plan to solve the Shoulder Pad symbol issue and some methods of converting the older marks of armour for some variation. If people are keen on the colour scheme maybe throw in a step-by-step tutorial. I've got some scenery on the go too and maybe that will get lumped into this log.

 

Somewhere along the line, there might even be a pet picture!

 

But...

...since it's considered rude to start a project log off without any pictures at all, I will leave you with my test model: Company Champion in Mk3 armour. Shield is by Scibor with the V scraped off and replaced by a FW Brass Etch Ultramarine symbol. I would take a more up to date picture, but am at work.

 

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4088/4974088139_3b3ea0ffc1_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4108/4974087269_843ff95711_z.jpg

 

 

A broad mind lacks focus.

+++ Thought for the day +++

 

Getting started

So here's what I've got to work on so far. Forgeworld MkIII armour, Ferox Bolter set, Red Scorpion Veteran set, Gale Force 9 magnetic bases, tons of extra plastic bits ordered from bits sites, a Tactical Squad, Razorback and a huge box of Space Marine bits from various sets over the years.

 

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4089/5021124432_0c2c678d6d_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4125/5021125212_abb21cf767_z.jpg

 

Oh, and a wardrobe full of sprue!

 

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4112/5020516603_f59005543e_z.jpg

 

Tactical Squad A

So I decided to start with a the Tactical Squad. Here are the first half in their semi-assembled glory. A mix of marks of armour, sergeant armed with an Infernus Pistol (counts as Combi-Melta) and a Missile Launcher guy on the right. You'll notice arms are not glued on - this is to make painting chests and bolters easier.

 

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4112/5020479761_00e153143d_z.jpg

 

Any pieces that are going to be white (shoulder pads, Sergeant head) will be sprayed separately. Seen here, mounted on cork so for ease of spraying while holding.

 

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4133/5021094520_db72655ace_z.jpg

 

You'll also spot Sicarius in the background, who I will be converting to represent my Captain eventually.

 

 

If a job's worth doing it's worth dying for!

+++ Thought for the day +++

 

Here's a shot of some of the first painted marines in the squad. Sergeant is finished, two marines are mostly done (missing arms still) and the last bloke is awaiting the overcoat of red. So far, he's been undercoated (Army Painter Red) and washed twice (Baal Red, then Devlan Mud in recesses only). After that, I cover the armour plates in Khador Red. Lastly, thin highlights are done with Blazing Orange sparingly on top edges.

 

Khador Red is a paint by Privateer Press for their Warmachine line. It's essentially Blood Red, but I find it gives better coverage.

 

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/5020491057_e0da41e2f3_z.jpg

 

Behind them you can see the finished shoulder pads, while arms and bolters are awaiting undercoat.

 

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4147/5020497277_e85d5f4c83_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4126/5020502987_3232e1ceec_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4124/5021118330_e2d39dcc91_z.jpg

 

Looking at these photos, I think the Pistol casing is highlighted a bit too brightly. Instead of Codex Grey > Fortress Grey, I might go with Adeptus Battlegrey > Codex Grey. You'll also notice the Purity Seal hasn't been painted - I haven't yet decided which colour to use for the wax. Red just seems to blend in too much, while green is used for the eyes. What do people think is a good colour to use on red armour?

[Captain Mick]

Great painted models, cant wait to see more. Keep up the good work :rolleyes: .

[Metal Apostle]

Hot diggity! This is looking awesome! :rolleyes: will be watching this...

[eggroll]

Great looking models and really dig the round shield. Keep posting the progress

[Slyen]

Wow. What you have so far is rather well done. A couple of questions though.

 

First off how did you reposition the champion's arm to allow the sword to be held?

 

Secondly do you intend on using the brass etchings that Forgeworld makes as the shoulder pad mounted chapter badge? If so I am looking forward to seeing how you do it as I am attempting to do that with my marines :blink:

 

As for the purity symbol I don't know. I can only recommend doing my favorite red for them which has a darker color than what you are using with a purple tint. Something like Scab Red, followed by a wash of purple, followed by a highlight in blood red. But as you said, you don't want to do it in red so I have no idea besides something with a blue or purple tone?

[Ravendove]

Wow. What you have so far is rather well done. A couple of questions though.

 

First off how did you reposition the champion's arm to allow the sword to be held?

 

Secondly do you intend on using the brass etchings that Forgeworld makes as the shoulder pad mounted chapter badge? If so I am looking forward to seeing how you do it as I am attempting to do that with my marines ;)

 

As for the purity symbol I don't know. I can only recommend doing my favorite red for them which has a darker color than what you are using with a purple tint. Something like Scab Red, followed by a wash of purple, followed by a highlight in blood red. But as you said, you don't want to do it in red so I have no idea besides something with a blue or purple tone?

 

Thanks for your input. To answer your questions:

 

For the Champion arm, that is a standard sword-holding arm from (I think) the Ravenwing upgrade sprue. What I did then was cut away the hand and elbow from the Mk3 arm (leaving just the wrist guard) and carefully bore through the arm using a drill piece as thick as the arm itself. Using a round file to clean up afterwards, what I essentially did was 'hollow out' the arm behind the armour plate, allowing me to simply glue it on to the sword-holding arm after some filing to smooth it down.

 

I'll be repeating this for the rest of the Command Squad eventually (Apothecary and Standard Bearer included), so I'll take some photos as I do it.

 

Secondly, I have tried using the FW Brass Etchings but found it very difficult to add to shoulder pads. You have to bend the brass around a very awkward curve and if I'm honest, it doesn't look very good. After the Tactical Squad is done, I'm going to tackle the shoulder pad icons.

 

You've given me a good idea with the purple there. I'm going to see how that looks. Thanks.

[S. Bloodhowl]

;) :wub: 'nough said

[Marshal Rohr]

Well done. Well done, indeed.

[KhornateKiller]

U Sir have some nicely painted Red&white Mini's :)

 

Love you test model I have that mark armour to but a bit scared to try converting the left arm for fear of trashing it you have pulled it off remarkably ;)

[Pig Of Sparta]

Well, you put my Sons to shame. I like the direction you're going in with these, I'll be checking back often :rolleyes:

 

James

[Pulse]

These chaps are looking fantastic. Absolutely loving the Company Champion in the mkIII, brilliant. The red colour is very crisp indeed, lovely.

 

Will you be making the vent recess' in the Sergeants helmet darker? I think that would set the white off nicely!

[Dosjetka]

Very nice! :D I really like that sergeant with the infernus pistol :P

 

Ludovic

[Shortsonfire79]

Wow great stuff. Great great stuff. I like the red you achieved. Even if you used a red undercoat ;) (Cheatin by my books)

As for your purity seals..maybe...purple? Like Slyen said, purple sounds like a great idea.

The scouts look good too, although one of the poses looks uncomfortable (sitting with the leg extended resting on a rock)

And yes Sparta, he does put your sons to shame :) Just kiddin :)

[Rogan]

Misconception warning!

 

There is no such thing as a "finished" army. That's a common misassumption people often make; in fact, an army always provides the chance to add a unit or two, eventually ending like this. Mind you, although it's epic, it's certainly not Epic. ;-)

 

Jokes aside - I think your Sons of Orar look great. They'd have been my chapter of choice, had I not chosen the Ultramarines as my army. This kinda makes me superior to you, doesn't it? *lol*

[Ravendove]

Will you be making the vent recess' in the Sergeants helmet darker? I think that would set the white off nicely!

It's likely I will revisit the squad as a whole after it's "done". A big reason for me doing this blog is to get feedback and criticism on small things I would normally overlook, in an effort to better my painting. Thanks for your input - this is definitely something I will look at. I've had some comments from other people that the white is 'too bright' - what do you think?

[Ravendove]

Listen not to the alien, look not upon the alien, speak not unto the alien!

+++ Thought for the day +++

 

Tactical Squad

 

First five Tactical Marines are now pretty much done. Purity Seals to go and some other small bits to tidy up. Next up is finishing the Missile Launcher and an additional four 'running' marines to go with the Sergeant. One of these will carry a Meltagun.

 

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4086/5034711378_7f8503d905_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4125/5034095189_7f9ce5508a_z.jpg

 

One thing this blog has made me notice: I need to set up a photobox with proper lighting, as these tend to come out differently if I'm taking pictures in the evening. Orange highlights are a lot harder to see when the miniature is baked in yellow light from a lamp.

 

Command Squad

 

I've started experimenting with different colours for Power Weapons. Still not happy with this, but I think it works a lot better with the red than light blue. It definitely needs to be more 'glowy'. Instead of building up from a Gretchin Green -> Skull White + Wash, I might try going from Dark Angels -> Scorpion Green + Wash.

 

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4119/5034714252_628f0204c9_z.jpg

 

Here's a sneak peek at the Command Squad Standard Bearer, in a pose held together by green stuff. I haven't yet decided if the whole squad should be without helmets or carry shields.

 

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4125/5034093569_8e83f21014_z.jpg

 

Purity Seals

 

Testing out a simple purple here on a test model. Hormagaunt Purple base, with 50% white added as highlight. It looks quite muted, but I don't want to detract from the model too much. How do you guys think this looks? Would blue or green or darker red work better?

 

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/5034096587_a90c154102_z.jpg

 

Finally...

 

Some pictures of a Land Speeder with magnetic bases in action! I'll post some more detailed pictures of the Land Speeder tomorrow. :lol:

 

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4131/5034106525_b2e5384211_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/5034109299_ee29cfa7bf_z.jpg

[batu]

Love them :thanks:

 

I woud paint the purity seals green, the eyes are already green and i woud suggest you reduce the amount of colors. Green is also a wonderfull contrast to red. By the way your red is fantastic , is the red spray from army painter any good ?

 

Sons of Orar are a wonderfull opportunity to use these new FW heresy bits. You seem to be a talented fella so i think you will youse them wisely.

 

I made the same experience with shoulder pads and etched brass its, it just doesnt work. I guees you have to try freehand.

 

Im sorry the only criticism i have are the bases, they are to empty, but maybye they are not finished yet.

 

Keep on with the good work, I will stalk your project with interrest ;)

 

 

 

[Ravendove]

Im sorry the only criticism i have are the bases, they are to empty, but maybye they are not finished yet.

Correct, the bases are not done yet. When finished, they will look similar to the Land Speeder base (brown, muddy with grassy bits).

[Captain Mick]

This is gonna be a great army, great painting u did so far. Well done :) .

[augustmanifesto]

what did you do for the bases? also, that gold is particularly stricking --- how did you achieve it?

 

you sir, are a BITNOTE

 

also, purple as a purity seal color looks good. I would also try green, which would contrast more.

[Dingareth]

I have that same lamp, God bless Ikea eh?

 

Looking good, I just think you should clean off the edges of the base to make them smooth and beveled like regular 40k bases.

[eggroll]

New models look great. One thing...I see you've drilled out the heavy bolter on the land speeder using the normal pin vice drill bit which is way too small for the heavy bolter barrel. Maybe try and find a bigger drill big and enlarge the bore or just paint the middle black. it looks really weird having a tiny hole on a heavy bolter barrel.

[Pulse]

Thanks for your input - this is definitely something I will look at. I've had some comments from other people that the white is 'too bright' - what do you think?

I would agree that the white may be be a little too bright, but i don't think that takes anything away from the model at all! I do think though if you were to darken the recess' of the vent that might go some way to reduce the brightness of the white or at least pull the eye from the overall brightness. :)

 

As for your musings over the command squad i think it would be nice to see them with shields, they don't all have to be wielding them but you could have a few models with shields on their backs and this would add a sense of unit cohesion.

 

I have to agree with batu and suggest that you try green for the purity seal colour. :)

[Ravendove]

A small mind is a tidy mind

+++ Thought for the day +++

 

Rhino

 

In between doing the Tactical Squad, I've been slowly putting the Rhino together. So far we have the interior completed and the outer shell basecoated. Side panels are white with red detail (to match the Shoulder Pads). Forgeworld Ultramarine Brass Etch icons are used for the Omega symbol.

 

Here are the parts that need partial painting before assembly, as these compose the interior. White undercoat, Bleached Bone basecoat, Gryphonne Sepia wash in the recesses, white highlight. Quite simple, but looks good.

 

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4106/5047995527_56d5a0954a_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4126/5048615910_3a9ef359fe_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4088/5048616396_43f4d488a1_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4087/5048616904_f469e16bf3_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4125/5047997471_1d273cc745_z.jpg

 

Yellow on the hazard stripes is done with Iyanden Darksun base, Elf Flesh for left/top line highlight and Snakebite Leather for right hand side line highlight. Simple, but an easy way to give off a slight embossed effect. Tomorrow we tackle the hull: washes, highlights and detailing!

[Pulse]

Great work, the rhino interior looks very nice indeed!