Gez's True-Scale(ish) Word Bearers

[gezabutla]

Greetings brethren! I've decided to start my own blog that will chronicle the growth of my own fluff-centric Host.

I'm going to enlarge the Marines with putty and plasticard, which is an idea I picked up from Veteran Sergeant's blog.

I've always been a Chaos fan, though originally I collected Black Legion. However, due to my affinity for red and the fantastic blogs of both Kikkala and RazakelXIII, these Marines will be Word Bearers.

It'll be an interesting start, because I've never used plasticard or green stuff before.

Experimental 'proto-marine'
http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/gezabutla1/IMG_0133.jpg

Another angle
http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/gezabutla1/ac0526e4-819c-4ec5-a70d-ffa111057d9e.jpg

Novice GSing!
http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/gezabutla1/IMG_0137.jpg

Final Assembly

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/gezabutla1/IMG_0142.jpg

C&C is appreciated, particularly when it comes to GS/plasticard use

[gezabutla]

Another!

This guy is my first attempt at repositioning legs, and I was pleased with the result. (Except for losing the codpiece to the eternally hungry 'dark carpet'. Only after sculpting one from scratch did I find it - in my bed).
http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/gezabutla1/IMG_0164.jpg
http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/gezabutla1/IMG_0163.jpg
http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/gezabutla1/IMG_0162.jpg

As usual, any C&C is appreciated :)

[Combat_Vet]

Good luck in the endeavor. If you can get past the "frustration" period you will find that it really creates a whole new hobby. I look forward to seeing what you can achieve.

 

BTW it looks really good for a first attempt. Far better than my first few tries :)

[gezabutla]

Good luck in the endeavor. If you can get past the "frustration" period you will find that it really creates a whole new hobby. I look forward to seeing what you can achieve.

BTW it looks really good for a first attempt. Far better than my first few tries

Thanks mate! I'd have to agree with you there, I'm really enjoying the variety that's now open to me.

Here's some shots of the second marine with the rest of his goodies tacked on. (I find leaving the arms and backpack off makes painting easier).

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/gezabutla1/IMG_0166.jpg

Here's a size comparison, they're both 'biggerised'; it's purely stance which makes the horned marine taller.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/gezabutla1/f4605328-4eb5-4a95-a197-0502337ad909.jpg

I'd give you a size comparison for regular marines, but I'm afraid I don't have any! :(

[Veteran Sergeant]

Nice work so far. The universe would be very boring indeed with only midget Chaos Marines to fight.

[Combat_Vet]

I think the "true-scale" marines have a much more natural looking pose. Unless all marines are bow legged in the grim dark future :)

 

The second marine looks ace man. I look forward to seeing them with paint on them.

[gezabutla]

I've managed to finally paint these two Marines, and it's done a fine job at accenting my poor modelling skills!

Here's a shot of the two marines side by side:
http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/gezabutla1/IMG_0313202.jpg


A few different angles on each Marine:
http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/gezabutla1/IMG_0308202.jpg
http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/gezabutla1/IMG_0309202.jpg
http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/gezabutla1/IMG_0307202.jpg
http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/gezabutla1/IMG_0310202.jpg
http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/gezabutla1/4a23012e-5865-491d-9a49-4388ef787165.jpg
http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/gezabutla1/IMG_0312202.jpg

Finally, a comparison shot between the two Marines and a single unaltered Chaos Cultist:
http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/gezabutla1/IMG_0306202.jpg

Looks like I not only have to work on my freehand, but my putty and plasticard use too.

I'll likely be painting up 5 of the Cultists while working on my next Marine. I was thinking of a kneeling Marine, though if anyone has other suggestions for a pose, I'm open.

As always, C&C is appreciated

[gezabutla]

Here's my third Marine in his early stages. I'm not sure I'm too happy with how the legs are, granted they're a bit wonky from the blue-tac, but I think I made his right leg a little to straight for my liking. One thing I will do with this guy is bulk his waist and legs out with a bit of putty, hopefully it makes him look a little more imposing.

What do you guys think?
http://i.imgur.com/lVNXu1b.jpg?1
http://i.imgur.com/IcUQcvl.jpg?1

*EDIT*
Here's an approximation of what he'll end up looking like. I won't be able to finish him anytime soon because I'm waiting on supplies in the mail, so until then I'm relegated to using bluetac and dreaming.
http://i.imgur.com/jPDQodf.jpg?1

As always, C&C is appreciated

[gezabutla]

Here's the beginnings of another Marine.

http://i.imgur.com/FiV7MMq.jpg?1

To try and combat the issue of repeating the same stance, I decided to do something a little different.
The idea behind the guy was that he'd be looking a little into the distance while he prepares a grenade to throw. The only part that has any work on it is the torso, everything else is just off the sprue so there's a lot of cutting and splicing to be done there, but the basic posture is what I'll be aiming for. 
He'll be the specialist in this squad of 5 shooters, so I gave him the topknot. The final guy in the squad will of course be the Champion, who'll wield a Plasma Pistol and Chainsword. 

http://i.imgur.com/wDPv1Gu.jpg?1

As always, C&C is encouraged :)

[Col.hertford]

Those marines look pretty good. I think you will see so much improvement to your skills just getting the first squad finished.

 

Do you sand or file the join after bulking it out?

[gezabutla]

Those marines look pretty good. I think you will see so much improvement to your skills just getting the first squad finished.

 

Do you sand or file the join after bulking it out?

Thanks! That's what I'm hoping for, I'd like to iron out any kinks on this squad so that my next is presentable. I do have a set of 3 files that I use, though I may pick up some sand paper for a little extra versatility; there are some spots that the files aren't ideal for. 

 

 

I got my hands on some old couch foam, and decided to experiment with some weathering. 

http://i.imgur.com/iWZPrS0.jpg?1

http://i.imgur.com/F3wdSwA.jpg?1

http://i.imgur.com/sPVD5fZ.jpg?1

http://i.imgur.com/liy62bF.jpg?1

 

Quite an interesting technique. I'd like to try it with a few different colours, see if I can create the impression of old, worn metal.

 

 

There's nothing like conversion work to show just how odd some of the sculpts are! Maybe Chaos Marines renounced symmetrical greaves to appease Tzeentch, or Slaanesh.

http://i.imgur.com/rgMyXPC.jpg?1

 

These sprues have me very excited!

http://i.imgur.com/X7nPfAX.jpg?1

 

 

As always, C&C is encouraged! :)

[gezabutla]

I've begun to bulk out the legs, it makes me wonder if in future I could get by with legs made from sprue and putty.

Here's one fellow with his legs half done. The putty work on the inside of his legs is quite messy due to both legs being on before scultpting, in future I'll do them one at a time.
http://i.imgur.com/FdGPDhS.jpg?1

This guy was a lot easier to do. I've still got trim to apply to his lower leg, and I also had the idea of sculpting those awesome 'artwork' style greaves with the big front plates; maybe I'll adorn them with demonic visages.
http://i.imgur.com/dEPANVE.jpg?1


Feedback is appreciated :)

[ScottishSmurf96]

I love the true scale! It makes for very intimidating marines, good job.

 

Tom 

[gezabutla]

I love the true scale! It makes for very intimidating marines, good job.

 

Tom 

Thanks!

 

I've finished bulking out the legs on one Marine. It's definitely been time consuming but ultimately I think the aesthetic advantage is well worth the extra work.

 

You'll notice quite a difference between the quality of his left and right legs. I can't help but find it a bit amusing.

 http://i.imgur.com/NIDkuNM.jpg?1

 

http://i.imgur.com/pkUvkIF.jpg?1

 

I find it most obvious here.

http://i.imgur.com/1N17hEg.jpg?1

 

Any feedback is encouraged :)

[gezabutla]

I got my hands on a unaltered Space Marine for a proper comparison:

http://i.imgur.com/A6vILuT.jpg?1
http://i.imgur.com/j9E0lYr.jpg?1
http://i.imgur.com/kuAj2iw.jpg?1

There's a few things I hope you guys could help with, basing and the ankle joint.

First off, I'm going with a woodlandy type of base. The green would provide a good contrast with the dark red, but I also have a fond nostalgia for those old minis based with green flock. I don't just want to chuck some flock on though, I'd like to be a little more artistic with it. Any ideas?

Then there's the ankle joints. Regular legs have that squat thing going on, so the space between the bottom of the leg and the top of the foot is filled by the angle. My problem is that when I reposition the legs, there's a huge gap at the front that obviously needs to be filled, I just don't know what with. Is it soft armour? What is actually between the greave and the foot? I can lessen the issue a bit by just making the greave come down further, but some space must remain to accommodate the movement of the foot. 
I took a look at some artwork, and the greave comes straight down to the foot. It looks cool, but it seems like it would annihilate and chance of being in a stance that isn't 'stand and look heroic'.

Should I bite the bullet and have tactically inflexible legs? What do you guys think?

C&C as always :)

[Sheesh Mode]

Stick with the first example. It is less overt and saves all those cool details on the shins of your marines, furthermore, it makes it easier to hide the work you have done on the legs under bits like skulls, ammo and such. 

[gezabutla]

Stick with the first example. It is less overt and saves all those cool details on the shins of your marines, furthermore, it makes it easier to hide the work you have done on the legs under bits like skulls, ammo and such. 

 

Whoops, 3 months late!

 

I'd like to stick with the first example, because it takes so much less work. I'm just not content with the stock legs anymore.

 

I agree with you about retaining the leg detail, I just left it off the first guy because I was excited about having a Marine who didn't sport chicken legs. By sculpting not only the legs but the detail on them, hopefully I'll get my chops to a point where I don't need to hide my work under accessories. 

[ephrael]

Keep practicing away at your sculpting, you're showing improvement already. I would suggest getting some parts sculpted to your satisfaction and making molds of the ones you like. It's so much easier to work from a great base sculpt and add a little extra detail after casting them.

[gezabutla]

Keep practicing away at your sculpting, you're showing improvement already. I would suggest getting some parts sculpted to your satisfaction and making molds of the ones you like. It's so much easier to work from a great base sculpt and add a little extra detail after casting them.

That's a great idea, and something I'd definitely be interested in doing.

As for progress, I've finally finished up another marine.

http://i.imgur.com/0Ibgntu.jpg?1

http://i.imgur.com/y9xlWgH.jpg?1

Then I decided to ruin him

http://i.imgur.com/LmVMI9I.jpg?1

With the next bloke, I'll look at adding some detail back into the legs. After him it'll be the squad's champion, so I'll have to do something special.

[Doghouse]

Very nice work, there is a definite improvement in your skills from the first to the current version. That last guy is looking great! :tu: 

[DaBoiKyknos]

How long are you in the hobby?

I think your evil marines look quite good. :)

How much practice have you in total in modelling/ building?

[gezabutla]

Very nice work, there is a definite improvement in your skills from the first to the current version. That last guy is looking great!

Thanks, hopefully the improvements keep coming.

How long are you in the hobby?

I think your evil marines look quite good.

How much practice have you in total in modelling/ building?

Thanks! I've had an off an off relationship with the hobby for about 10 years at least, and it's likely to continue in the same fashion. In terms of total experience, I'd estimate about 2-3 years of slow progress.

Although in saying that, almost everything I'm doing in this blog is new to me, in both painting and modelling.

[gezabutla]

Small update!

I've started to add leg trim back on to the bulked out legs. It was actually quite a difficult task!

http://i.imgur.com/DdczWFk.jpg?1

http://i.imgur.com/f4RZthx.jpg?1

The pictures were taken just after the trim had been applied, I'll have to wait until the putty cures before I can smooth it out.

I found that it had to be applied in sections, it was the only way to get the putty to stick long enough to be moulded. Anything too large and it began to fall off like an old band-aid. Fortunately, after poking and prodding for a bit, the trim will slowly start to take shape. Using partially cured putty seems to help aswell.

Finally, I couldn't resist building a Helbrute. I didn't intend on doing any conversion work and they're just too cool.

http://i.imgur.com/jBnM1Vx.jpg?1

[gezabutla]

I've begun to expand my operation slightly. Due to the time it takes to put these marines together, I've got plenty of time to work on 'out of the box' models - Tempestus Scions, specifically! I picked up the starter box because they're pretty cool.

I've also begun working on my Terminator Lord. His unaltered stature is already pretty good, so very little conversion work was required. All I did was put a 0.5mm spacer in his waist, and fill out his waist and thighs with a bit of putty. Easy!
http://i.imgur.com/PEoCwAu.jpg?1

As for my fourth marine, I've just about finished working on his legs, the only thing left is to add the soft armour at the top of his right leg. Then I'll add some accessories and begin priming.
http://i.imgur.com/pq0SjpL.jpg?1
http://i.imgur.com/FbL7imD.jpg?1
http://i.imgur.com/2SaQyJM.jpg?1

I think his posture is a little better looking than the last marine. It's during the gluing process that the posture goes south. It's quite easy for the leg positions to change ever so slightly while the glue is setting, throwing everything out of whack.

I've also decided on what I'll do for basing. I'm going to go for a snow covered ruin theme, think Aurelia from DoW II. I picked it because I want my marines and scions to be based in the same material, and snow camo'd scions look cool, but also because Word Bearers and city ruins seem to go hand in hand.

[gezabutla]

It's taken me half a year to do it, but this fellow is complete.

http://i.imgur.com/ZLRTpku.jpg?1

http://i.imgur.com/U6fxAvT.jpg?1

http://i.imgur.com/oErzjvP.jpg?1

There are some sharp lines between the two reds I've used, so in future I'll need to add a layer of 50/50. I also tried out Fire Dragon Bright for some edge highlighting, and I really like it!

I wasn't too sure how I wanted the plasma gun to look, and as a result I think it lacks a uniform aesthetic. Any ideas?

Next up, I'll be assembling parts for this squad's champion. I'm excited because it'll be the first marine with a chainsword; for his pose I might draw inspiration from the artwork of the Chosen on their respective unit page in the 3.5 codex.

Your feedback is encouraged :)