Honda Posted October 9, 2011 Author Share Posted October 9, 2011 "I've been a busy, busy bee" <a cookie if you can name the movie and the character> this week. Alas, it has mostly been in the "grunt work" part of the hobby, primarily getting the guys ready for priming. http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d187/hkowabunga/Custodes/DSCN9284.jpg http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d187/hkowabunga/Custodes/DSCN9287.jpg So that meant drilling and pinning, as after they are finished painting, I'll be putting them on their bases in a secured fashion. I'm pretty big on making things durable, as they are toys and they will be "touched", so why not build in sturdiness when you have the opportunity. So I do. However, I'm still in a building mood, so it wasn't all drudgery... http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d187/hkowabunga/Custodes/DSCN9291.jpg http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d187/hkowabunga/Custodes/DSCN9289.jpg http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d187/hkowabunga/Custodes/DSCN9294.jpg This kit went together fairly well. There is a seam on one of the leg guards that I have to fill with GS, but for the most part the kit was defect free. You may notice that I cut out the twin eagle heads. I did that because this army is intended to be Pre-Heresy, so I will need to put a single eagle head up there. I had considered taking the whole thing out, but since I think the silver of this eagle will help break up the gold a bit, I opted to leave it. I did pin all the bits together to give it some more strength. Also, I will be leaving the weapon arms off and painting them separately, attaching after all the bits are done. If you're wondering what sort of pose he is in, it's not: 1. Break dancing 2. Richard Simmons tight-a-thon 3. Olympic hurdles I am envisioning him nearly running up some steps or broken areas of a temple to get at an enemy, hence the apparent "splits" look. I still need to build his base for him, but needed to have his legs in their final position before I went through constructing the temple pieces out of air-dried clay. So, that's it for now. Next up will be a unit of purifiers. Also to keep me in the mood, I recently finished "Thousand Sons" and am now heavily engaged with "Prospero Burns". Dan Abnett's description of the Wolves (I'm only about a 20% into it) is very amazing and unfortunately...thought provoking. Like I really need another army to build. :) Cheers, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MagicMan Posted October 9, 2011 Share Posted October 9, 2011 "I've been a busy, busy bee" Commodus, Gladiator. BAM. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Honda Posted October 9, 2011 Author Share Posted October 9, 2011 Hah, I just happened to be baking... http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d187/hkowabunga/a_wcmn_cookie.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaxjace Posted October 9, 2011 Share Posted October 9, 2011 id like to see some of those lances with the built in weaponry that the Custodes use. Also that Contemperator dreadnought's running pose is... ehh.. it would be much more epic looking if her were standing there in a fighting stance or something. I dig the Bruce Lee pose he looks like a BAMF saying COME AT ME BRO! great job sir you show what all novices like myself aspire to be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Honda Posted October 23, 2011 Author Share Posted October 23, 2011 Ok, right now I'm rocking to the band Dada (greatest band nobody's heard of), while busily working on my Storm Ravens, featuring the new Chapterhouse extension kits. http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d187/hkowabunga/Custodes/DSCN9295.jpg http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d187/hkowabunga/Custodes/DSCN9296.jpg So that's three SR's in flight. I do have to say though that the Chapterhouse kits will take some modeling touch ups from what I am guessing is shrinkage in the resin. However, I still feel like I'm ahead on the deal because I think the kits really make the SR look like it ought to, so the gain is worth the pain. :down: So a short update for now. More later...the birds need me. Cheers, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaxjace Posted October 23, 2011 Share Posted October 23, 2011 i have a challenge for you, grav rhino. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bearingtheword Posted October 23, 2011 Share Posted October 23, 2011 Dada, as in they had to change their name from Disneyland After Dark, Dada? As in the single "Dizz Knee Land" ??? If that's who ya mean I remember them (yeah showing my age I'm sure, lol).....If not....well then, I look like a nutter (which I am) hehe... and the Custodes are looking great as well ;) ~BtW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Studio Silvernale Posted October 23, 2011 Share Posted October 23, 2011 Where did you get those Chapterhouse extension kits? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skolia Posted October 23, 2011 Share Posted October 23, 2011 Your Custodes are coming along well. I've been a bit undecided about the extension kit - but that's primarily because there are very few photos of it completely built. Saying that, it should look better than the flying brick of doom GW released ;) And Togusa-san...Chapterhouse Studio Storm Raven Extension Kit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Honda Posted October 23, 2011 Author Share Posted October 23, 2011 ...as in, "there's a puzzle in my head, tonight...", as in three incredible albums (Puzzle, American Highway Flower, El Subliminoso, 4th was eh), yeah, that Dada...aaaaaand, since music it timeless, it reveals nothing. :P Also, I've been reading about your bad boys in the "First Heretic" and I'm shocked, I tell you, shocked at what you guys are thinking about my golden boys. Shocked. @jax: Actually, I've been thinking about a couple of those as welll, just haven't figured out what I want to do to them so that they don't look so much like a flying bread box...which is exactly what it looks like. Sometimes I have to wonder what happened to the creative juice. I mean, the artists (Adrian something, Smith?) does such an amazing job on so many areas of the Legions, but then they come to the flying rhino and all we get is a floating box. Really? Really? That's all you can come up with? So, I'm putting them aside until I can at least come up with a floating box that I like. Anyway, thanx for the C&C and keep them coming. That's how we keep the lights on. Cheers, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Honda Posted October 25, 2011 Author Share Posted October 25, 2011 A brief update to chronicle the modeling. The first fuselage, nearly completed YEEHAW! http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d187/hkowabunga/Custodes/DSCN9298.jpg Supporting the structure http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d187/hkowabunga/Custodes/DSCN9297.jpg I wanted to document this step because I think it is important for anyone working on these kits. First off, my perspective on my toys is that I go to all this effort so I can play with them and not be in a panic all game because someone might touch them. I don't like fragile things that are prone to breaking, so I tend to put in or beef up areas that may incur stress to help them out. That doesn't mean I can drop my stuff from a 10 story building with no effect, but general accidental knocks shouldn't be a problem. That and the old "break a figure, break a finger" rule pretty much takes care of most things. So, back to the SR extension kits. The resin sides could be, in my opinion, a bit sturdier. Also, I had some issues with getting the back section where the other ramp sits to line up. I think this is just part of resin modeling. So, as I was putting things together, I just felt like the extension wasn't on the rest of the body very strongly, like it might have issues later. So I decided to use some GS to bulk up the joins on the inside of the body and that firmed things up quite a bit. Now I'm a lot happier and confident that the model will have a better chance of withstanding the rigors of a 41st century battlefield. I should also mention that this kit will take some modeling skills. I don't have a lot of experience with resin conversion kits, so I don't know if everyone goes through this type of work, but I would classify this work on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being no effort at all and a 10 requiring all of your self restraint to keep from hurling the kit out the window, as a 6. I can definitely see things starting to come together, but it's taking a bit more effort than I thought it would. Knowing what I know now, would I buy the kits again? Absolutely. I think after I get past this stage and start painting them they are going to look freaking awesome swooping down on the table...but it's not a free ride. Cheers, Note: Chris Rhea is wailing guitar on "Texas" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tristan Hoag Posted November 5, 2011 Share Posted November 5, 2011 Hey, Honda - I haven't been around for a while, so I missed this thread getting underway. I really like where you're going with it, and can't wait to see them with some paint! I had a thought on the Bruce Lee pose - I think what is missing is a torso turn. If you were to use the same hand on the end of an extended to the side arm (I think they have them for storm bolters, at least...) and turn the head to be looking to the side, it might tie to pose together a bit better... Kind of like this guy... http://www.games-workshop.com/gws/catalog/...Id=prod1160028a Tristan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Honda Posted November 23, 2011 Author Share Posted November 23, 2011 Mood music: http://youtu.be/HBoxECCK81w Ok, hard to believe it's been a month since the last posting, but then looking back at all the "stuff" that's been going on...well, then I guess it isn't that surprising. :) So, despite all that, I have been staying busy. Strap in, we'll be zooming along any minute now... The Storm Ravens are finished and ready for base coating. I'm still in a building mood, so I need to get through that. Anyway... http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d187/hkowabunga/Custodes/DSCN9308.jpg http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d187/hkowabunga/Custodes/DSCN9304.jpg http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d187/hkowabunga/Custodes/DSCN9303.jpg http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d187/hkowabunga/Custodes/DSCN9302.jpg And the full wing http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d187/hkowabunga/Custodes/DSCN9301.jpg Up on deck http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d187/hkowabunga/Custodes/DSCN9300.jpg What you see above is a reclamation project, that I intend to turn into a Custodes anti-tank taxi. I'm aware that the list I'm going to be fielding the first time probably doesn't have much of a chance in most games, but it will look intimidating and I do intend to go down with a fight and take some of the opponent's guys with me. I just think it will be fun to play with. Also, I need to get started on the bases for the Contemptor and the three SRs. After that, I want to do a Purifier squad, done up as Space Wolves, with another landraider reclamation project, and then some Wolf Guard counts as Paladins, ala Wolf Lord Mjolnir's massive termie wolves. Not sure if I start painting before I get the wolves built, so we'll see how that goes. The other thing that occurred to me while I was reading a borrowed copy of Collected Visions, is that by swapping out the Wolves, and substituting squads of Blood Angels and/or Imperial Fists, I can move my Custodes from Prospero to Terra. So at some point, I'll make up some Purifier and/or Strike squads as BA and IFs. Does anyone know if there were any other battles that also included Custodes? Were they at Ullanor? (sp?) I know they were there for the celebration and handing over of the reins to Horus, but not sure if they took part in the big bang up. I'd appreciate any insights others might have on that. I know...the thread isn't that exciting 'cause there's no color in here right now, but I'll get there. @Tristan: Dude! Most excellent hearing from you...and you are correct about the twisting of the head and torso. It's just that the head and bodies are all molded as one piece and I'd have to do some serious surgery to change that and I'd rather not. So, it'll just have to look a little funky. Happy Thanksgiving all! Cheers, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ephrael Posted November 24, 2011 Share Posted November 24, 2011 Great looking stuff as usual, Honda. I would assume that there were Custodes on the battlefield at Ullanor as they are the Emperors body guards and would accompany him into battle. That would open up the conversion possibilities for you as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olis Posted November 24, 2011 Share Posted November 24, 2011 Looking forward to seeing more of those Stormravens, brother. That extension kit seems to be a great thing. :rolleyes: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zxyogi Posted November 24, 2011 Share Posted November 24, 2011 Gotta agree with everyone else!! Keep em coming!! :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VAGABOND Posted December 1, 2011 Share Posted December 1, 2011 I'll be keeping an eye on this topic since I'm also working on a Custodian army. Looking forward to seeing some colour. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subtle Discord Posted December 1, 2011 Share Posted December 1, 2011 "I've been a busy, busy bee" <a cookie if you can name the movie and the character> this week. Alas, it has mostly been in the "grunt work" part of the hobby, primarily getting the guys ready for priming. http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d187/hkowabunga/Custodes/DSCN9284.jpg Every time I come in to this thread I can't help but see that picture and think,"Those poor Marines, crushed by falling rocks.". Beyond that, great work! It's nice to have someone take a bit of time and show the build process of a third party conversion kit, so others can see how well it works. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matchbox Posted December 1, 2011 Share Posted December 1, 2011 although the extended kits do look nicer than the pitiful attempts games workshop produced, i have to say i still prefer the LR/Valkyrie conversions. I think they really look the part. In regards to your Bruce Lee turn his left hand the other way up so his palm is facing down and straighten his right elbow, that'll probably make a world of difference Keep up the good work made, can't wait to see more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daemonclaw Posted December 1, 2011 Share Posted December 1, 2011 looking good and the base idea is cool Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Honda Posted December 2, 2011 Author Share Posted December 2, 2011 Every time I come in to this thread I can't help but see that picture and think,"Those poor Marines, crushed by falling rocks.". Thank you for providing me with the opportunity to blow chai through my nose. It's been awhile. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Honda Posted December 4, 2011 Author Share Posted December 4, 2011 Mood music: Okaaaaaay, reclamation project now ready for priming. This task took some fiddling as I had some annoying gaps to fix and I didn't want to just stuff GS in there, though I did for some. I think I came up with a decent alternative and it will help set it apart. Nasty gaparinis... http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d187/hkowabunga/Custodes/DSCN9309.jpg http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d187/hkowabunga/Custodes/DSCN9310.jpg http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d187/hkowabunga/Custodes/DSCN9311.jpg http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d187/hkowabunga/Custodes/DSCN9312.jpg http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d187/hkowabunga/Custodes/DSCN9314.jpg I opted to place some plastic rod on the gaps and then use it like a curtain rod for hanging banners. My GS-fu is still shaky, so I got moderate levels of cloth folding in there and will have to make up the rest of detail in painting. <Honda looks at task list, checks off LR and notes that he's only 34 days behind schedule :D Mitt der window coverings... http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d187/hkowabunga/Custodes/DSCN9315.jpg http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d187/hkowabunga/Custodes/DSCN9317.jpg So, not too bad and I think it will turn out reasonably. I also had a hole in the front of the chassis that I wasn't quite sure what to do with. At first I thought about putting some plasticard there, but while I was staring at my desk in sort of a fugue state, something seemingly obvious popped up. http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d187/hkowabunga/Custodes/DSCN9316.jpg That bit sticking out is the left over storm bolter from the hand of the Contemptor dread. With a little carving I was able to get it to fit and voila! The plan for this one is to paint the body gold with silver armor inserts and red banners. I've also got the Contemptor base done up. http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d187/hkowabunga/Custodes/DSCN9318.jpg I wanted to convey a heaviness to the model, so I attempted to add cracks and depressed footprint in the stone work. The cracks should become more evident when I get some paint on it. Here's a second base I did in the event I want to do another Contemptor. http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d187/hkowabunga/Custodes/DSCN9319.jpg I've continued to dig into Collected visions and it's really provided a lot of material to ponder. One of the things I want to do is add different types of units to the Custodes to represent the various campaigns where they deployed. So far it seems like I can add: Custodes + Space Wolves + Sisters of Silence -> ProsperoCustodes + Blood Angels/Imperial Fists -> Siege of TerraCustodes + Ultramarines -> UllanorCustodes + AdMech -> Battle in the Web Which gives me some awesome modeling opportunites. He's a real slave driver sometimes B) http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d187/hkowabunga/Custodes/DSCN9329.jpg Thanx for the C&C so far. The start of painting isn't too far away now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Honda Posted December 28, 2011 Author Share Posted December 28, 2011 To set the mood: Chris Isaak - Heart full of soul http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d187/hkowabunga/Custodes/custodes-thebest4.jpg UPDATE: Through most of December I was working on my entry for Maverike Prime's conversion contest. I wanted a bit of a break, plus take the time to explore an idea that came out of a previous post. Primarily, I wanted to try my hand at a true scale trooper that would eventually become part of a "counts as" Purifier squad of Imperial Fists. So that effort turned into this result: http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d187/hkowabunga/Custodes/DSCN9342.jpg I rather like how he turned out and I think I'll be able to duplicate him 9 more times. Four of the troopers will be armed with heavy bolters to represent the psycannons. Also, I think I'm going to do a version of Sigismund as a Paladin. Here is the base work for the dreads and the Storm Ravens: http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d187/hkowabunga/Custodes/DSCN9374.jpg http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d187/hkowabunga/Custodes/DSCN9372.jpg http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d187/hkowabunga/Custodes/DSCN9368.jpg http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d187/hkowabunga/Custodes/DSCN9369.jpg http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d187/hkowabunga/Custodes/DSCN9371.jpg The above are to represent flying over temple debris as it would be evidenced at Prospero or possibly Terra. And now the painting...well, basecoating. I decided to try something a little different as the primary color will be gold, accented with red. So to help warm up the gold a bit, I went with a automotive red primer over everything. Then I washed everything over with a dark Black/Scorched Brown mix to give definition and get into all the recesses. Primered http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d187/hkowabunga/Custodes/DSCN9367.jpg Washed http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d187/hkowabunga/Custodes/DSCN9381.jpg http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d187/hkowabunga/Custodes/DSCN9379.jpg http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d187/hkowabunga/Custodes/DSCN9378.jpg http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d187/hkowabunga/Custodes/DSCN9375.jpg Originally I was going to spray the gold, but considering all the detail and spray shadows in the armor, I have now decided to do it the old fashioned way, with a brush. I'll still end up spraying the vehicles, but the guys are definitely going to be done by hand...which will take longer. Oh well, it is what it is. Also, I'm Tebowing a Black Templar, so I have that going on as well. So I'm quite the busy bee right now and vacation will be over in just a few days. Still, it's been good and relaxing and I don't have any complaints as we prepare to slide into the new year, Mayan expectations to the contrary. Cheers, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lachdannan Posted December 29, 2011 Share Posted December 29, 2011 Such a cool looking army! Nice to see the Scribor models doing very at being Custodes! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VAGABOND Posted December 30, 2011 Share Posted December 30, 2011 Pretty surprised you did these guys in red, I thought you might have been going down the gold route for the Custodes. As you can probably see from my blog I've been a busy bee aswell. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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