Greyedout Posted January 16, 2016 Share Posted January 16, 2016 Hello! After reading through the incredible "the Hydra" thread, I thought I would make my own attempt at hobby progress sort of blog. This is where I'll be trying to post progress pictures, thoughts on painting, etc. I started playing 40K in high school, right at the tail end of 2nd edition - a friend lured me in when he grabbed the intro box set at 25% off at the local hobby store, and it was the beautiful 2nd edition Chaos codex that called me right from the start. Out of all the traitor legions, the Alpha Legion appealed to me the most. Something about being the youngest legion, and the one with the most to prove at the time, interested me. My very first army ended up being chaos space marines, and my Alpha Legion were painted in Regal Blue with Boltgun Metal trim. I played until around 2002, when a lack of opponents and a general disinterest in the game caused me to give it up. Then, a few years ago, I heard the siren song again, and decided to start an ork army, as much because I liked orks with guns, as because I wanted to challenge myself hobby-wise. I picked Bad Moons as my clan, and got really good at painting yellow. With the release of the Betrayal at Calth set, and the really cool releases I'd seen over the years from Forge World, I knew it might be time to paint space marines again, and the choice of legions came down to my beloved Alpha Legion, or Iron Warriors. The Hydra won. That's where I currently stand - my hobby area is filled with three squads of Alpha Legion in progress, and I'm already looking forward to painting them and expanding the army further. The army/collection as it stands right now: Dynat, Harrowmaster of the Alpha Legion Praetor (from Betrayal at Calth) Chaplain(?) - I may end up converting him into something else Terminator Squad (combi-bolters w/ Banestrike sounds really cool..) Veteran Squad w/ plasma guns Veteran Squad w/ plasma guns (might change to heavy bolters?) Support Squad of 10 marines with volkite chargers Tactical Squad of 10 marines Contemptor from BaC I'd like to get rhinos for everyone who can use them, but hear that drop pods are also great for Alphas... so many decisions, and everything is really cool and tempting! I know I probably want the AL contemptor, and have planned to get a Sicaran Venator eventually as well. Right now the idea is to do Pride of the Legion, and have the Veteran squads and terminators as troop choices. A couple of volkite guys, because they look really cool: http://i.imgur.com/Ui0qQj6.jpg?1 I've also started doing a test scheme on some black orcs. After seeing a review of the Badger Minitaire Ghost Tints, I knew I wanted to see if Plasma Fluid would work to get a great Alpha Legion scheme. Here's an orc with said Plasma Fluid applied in two coats, using a paintbrush, over Boltgun Metal. http://i.imgur.com/5pKCyEE.jpg?1 I think I really like it, and it would make for a fantastic looking Legion when the army is painted. I also finally got an airbrush, so I tested the same color again with that. Primed with Vallejo Black Primer, then GW Leadbelcher, with Plasma Fluid over that. I'm still learning the best ways to use the airbrush, so it may have gone on a bit thick in places, though I did try for two light coats. The pic here shows each orc with the wash I used over the Plasma Fluid. http://i.imgur.com/p14HXw1.jpg?1 The difference is really, really subtle, and I think I like both equally - I may vary which wash I use depending on the squad. I may also try a few other washes - I've heard that Guilliman Blue(?) works well. And that's it for this first post! Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/318208-rise-of-the-harrowing-an-alpha-legion-blog/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
betrayer41 Posted January 16, 2016 Share Posted January 16, 2016 Cool stuff, the bottom two look more green Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/318208-rise-of-the-harrowing-an-alpha-legion-blog/#findComment-4276831 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greyedout Posted January 21, 2016 Author Share Posted January 21, 2016 A bit late, but I've got some updates on the project! Here's one of the first airbrushed legionnaires. This is Minitaire Blue and Plasma Fluid Ghost Tints on top of GW Leadbelcher. From testing on black orcs, I've found that Coelia Greenshade and Drakenhof Nightshade washes will dull the color, though I'm tempted to keep the shine. http://i.imgur.com/2WmM3H7.jpg?1 Here's a basing test, and I'm really liking the contrast. Once the marines are based, I'll go in and dust up the leg armor with weathering powders. http://i.imgur.com/b5Rwirw.jpg?1 I think next squad I'm going to try for Plasma Fluid alone - there's some variation on these in the armor, and while I think that does work for Alpha Legion(nobody knows exactly what Alpha Legion colors are...), I do want to shoot for a bit more consistency. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/318208-rise-of-the-harrowing-an-alpha-legion-blog/#findComment-4281268 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Blackwood Posted January 22, 2016 Share Posted January 22, 2016 damn son that color is hype really super eyecatching! Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/318208-rise-of-the-harrowing-an-alpha-legion-blog/#findComment-4281294 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greyedout Posted January 22, 2016 Author Share Posted January 22, 2016 damn son that color is hype really super eyecatching! Minitaire Ghost Tints! Seems to be naturally a bit shiny. Debating with myself whether I want to wash it and dull it down a bit, or keep it as is... While I do want Seekers and Headhunters eventually, I also want a bit of that "Alpha Legion are still gene-engineered super soldiers trained and designed to kill you in battle" vibe. I figure with armor this color, their enemies will definitely know who they're facing. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/318208-rise-of-the-harrowing-an-alpha-legion-blog/#findComment-4281680 Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkProdigy Posted January 22, 2016 Share Posted January 22, 2016 Very cool, looks very similar to the alphas I recently started though I went with more the tamiya scheme. I'm betting you achieved the same in a lot less steps! Also good thinking on the red earth bases, that's also what I went for as I think it really contrasts with the shiny blue and makes it really pop. I'd be curious to see the results once you get a weathering powder on there I was considering the same but haven't made that plunge yet. It would seem the heads of the hydra are many, maybe I should start my own thread too! Great work so far sir, looking good. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/318208-rise-of-the-harrowing-an-alpha-legion-blog/#findComment-4281736 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlo Posted January 22, 2016 Share Posted January 22, 2016 A wonderful start worthy of the XXth. Hydra Dominatus! Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/318208-rise-of-the-harrowing-an-alpha-legion-blog/#findComment-4281754 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greyedout Posted January 22, 2016 Author Share Posted January 22, 2016 Very cool, looks very similar to the alphas I recently started though I went with more the tamiya scheme. I'm betting you achieved the same in a lot less steps! Also good thinking on the red earth bases, that's also what I went for as I think it really contrasts with the shiny blue and makes it really pop. I'd be curious to see the results once you get a weathering powder on there I was considering the same but haven't made that plunge yet. It would seem the heads of the hydra are many, maybe I should start my own thread too! Great work so far sir, looking good. I grabbed an airbrush and it was one of the best investments I've ever made, not only for these guys(90% armor), but also for my Bad Moons (drastically cut the time painting yellow down). Here's my initial process - I expect as I use the airbrush more, I'll get better/faster with it, and later squads will look better: 1. Prime black(Vallejo surface primer) 2. GW Air Leadbelcher - no issues with this so far, I spray at about 17psi. 3. Top spray of Runefang Steel (very light coat, doesn't show up too well currently... again, more skill will make a difference I think.) 4. Light coat of Minitaire Ghost Tint Blue on the lower portions. 5. Top spray of Minitaire Ghost Tint Plasma Fluid. I am noticing that while the Ghost Tints go on very lightly, a thin second coat will pretty much immediately create that super rich, deep blue/green. The camera isn't picking up on it, but there are greenish/teal tones in there too. Washes on top of that, as shown on the black orcs in my first post, do tone down the shine. I'm doing a squad of 10 plasma gun veterans as my HPC 2016 February project, and once I have the trim done on all of them, they'll get based and then weathered with Secret Weapon Pigments. I'm really looking forward to that step, it should tie mini+base together really well. On a related note - what's a good matte black that I can use for the bolters? I've got P3 Thamar Black, but I think that's a tad gloss... Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/318208-rise-of-the-harrowing-an-alpha-legion-blog/#findComment-4281778 Share on other sites More sharing options...
helterskelter Posted January 22, 2016 Share Posted January 22, 2016 So shiny... No! I shan't turn from the Night! Great metallic blue sir Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/318208-rise-of-the-harrowing-an-alpha-legion-blog/#findComment-4281792 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dantay VI Posted January 22, 2016 Share Posted January 22, 2016 Looks great, what about trying glaze, instead of washes, it might not dull it so much... Waywatcher green for example... Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/318208-rise-of-the-harrowing-an-alpha-legion-blog/#findComment-4281818 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greyedout Posted February 2, 2016 Author Share Posted February 2, 2016 It's been a while! The first veteran squad is progressing nicely, and I have 8 Legionnaires mostly done. http://i.imgur.com/K5EmFxq.jpg?1 This squad will be plasma guns, and I'm trying to decide what special weapons I want to arm the second veteran squad with. Here's a shot of the first three completely finished marines in a lightbox with a pretty background. http://i.imgur.com/dzzX4C6.jpg?1 Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/318208-rise-of-the-harrowing-an-alpha-legion-blog/#findComment-4291900 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Morl0ck Posted February 3, 2016 Share Posted February 3, 2016 They look great! :0 Which weathering pigments do you use and how to you apply them? Looks really well done! :) Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/318208-rise-of-the-harrowing-an-alpha-legion-blog/#findComment-4293236 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Blackwood Posted February 3, 2016 Share Posted February 3, 2016 YEAAA love the bases and the careful weathering effect ! looks sick against yer color scheme D: ! NOW MORE TANKS Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/318208-rise-of-the-harrowing-an-alpha-legion-blog/#findComment-4293243 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greyedout Posted February 4, 2016 Author Share Posted February 4, 2016 They look great! :0 Which weathering pigments do you use and how to you apply them? Looks really well done! Secret Weapon Miniatures - I'm using a few different ones, including Rust Orange, Rust Brown, Terracotta Earth, and Yellow Earth. I have a few clean brushes that I've never used for painting that I use to apply them. Dip the tip of the brush in the pigment, tap/shake/wipe off some of the excess, and then stipple onto the base in whatever combination looks good. For the legs, I think I've been using Rust Orange and Terracotta Earth. Same process, trying to make sure that there aren't any "clumps" - sometimes the pigment will form tiny little clumps that I try to break up for more of a "dusting" effect. I haven't varnished or fixed the pigments; not sure how I'll handle that part of the process. I may just leave it unsealed, since when grabbing minis I usually go for the shoulderpads/backpack. :D YEAAA love the bases and the careful weathering effect ! looks sick against yer color scheme D: ! NOW MORE TANKS Tanks are planned... eventually! I have three more squads to finish, along with Terminators and a Contemptor. I'm contemplating Rhinos, and trying to decide between Vindicators and Predators. Right now, ideally, I'd love to see how much I can reduce my grey plastic tide before I buy more minis - plus, I want to budget for the updated version of the Istvaan Legions book and the Crusade Army book when they're available. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/318208-rise-of-the-harrowing-an-alpha-legion-blog/#findComment-4293455 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greyedout Posted February 4, 2016 Author Share Posted February 4, 2016 First Alpha Legion veteran tactical squad, done! I have to say, getting an airbrush helped so much in getting motivated to paint more and show off more hobby progress. Being able to get everything primed and base coated in a matter of hours instead of days makes a huge difference. I'm looking forward to showing off a bunch of painted miniatures at the end of this year. http://i.imgur.com/jekd2P4.jpg?1 Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/318208-rise-of-the-harrowing-an-alpha-legion-blog/#findComment-4294011 Share on other sites More sharing options...
PensacolaWarhammer Posted February 15, 2016 Share Posted February 15, 2016 They look good. I keep flip floping between the metallic teal color or a turquoises like this one. http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cR-i5yrKrrs/U3xSaGLwGTI/AAAAAAAABQA/RhM2L8BcIV4/s1600/IMG_1112.JPG Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/318208-rise-of-the-harrowing-an-alpha-legion-blog/#findComment-4306783 Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Pounder Posted February 15, 2016 Share Posted February 15, 2016 What great looking models you've done! The blue is really well executed. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/318208-rise-of-the-harrowing-an-alpha-legion-blog/#findComment-4306844 Share on other sites More sharing options...
ak1508 Posted February 15, 2016 Share Posted February 15, 2016 I think I might be going for that colour, but will do a multiple paint test first to choose my favourite! But so far, I like what most AL guys on here have been doing, so.. too many options for inspiration :D Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/318208-rise-of-the-harrowing-an-alpha-legion-blog/#findComment-4306977 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ironwithout Posted February 15, 2016 Share Posted February 15, 2016 These are beautiful! Really nicely done on a challenging scheme. Looking forward to seeing more Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/318208-rise-of-the-harrowing-an-alpha-legion-blog/#findComment-4307337 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brother Pheidias Posted February 15, 2016 Share Posted February 15, 2016 Solid Alpha Legion, much prefer the shiny apprach you've used. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/318208-rise-of-the-harrowing-an-alpha-legion-blog/#findComment-4307608 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greyedout Posted February 16, 2016 Author Share Posted February 16, 2016 Thanks for all the kind comments! I'm currently working on a support squad with volkite chargers, but it's been slow going due to work and Valentine's. ak1508 - I did multiple test schemes on old black orcs, so I say definitely try out a few different schemes on test minis until you're happy with your process and final result! I'm liking that there are so many different approaches to the XXth legion, it really makes for some great results when you're searching for inspiration. :D Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/318208-rise-of-the-harrowing-an-alpha-legion-blog/#findComment-4308199 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greyedout Posted February 22, 2016 Author Share Posted February 22, 2016 Minor update - been busier than I'd like lately, with less time for hobby. Here's what's on the painting table: A bunch of these guys: http://i.imgur.com/nSz6bf1.jpg?1 Which are being turned into these guys: http://i.imgur.com/Y0BlfL1.jpg?1 http://i.imgur.com/UoCHkpl.jpg?1 I'm finding that the volkite chargers aren't fitting as well as the bolters, which is somewhat annoying, but I think the end result is worth the hassle. Just looks too cool. I'm also planning a Secret Project for some point down the line that I think will be really cool... but that's all in the early stages of planning so far. :D Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/318208-rise-of-the-harrowing-an-alpha-legion-blog/#findComment-4314889 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greyedout Posted April 17, 2016 Author Share Posted April 17, 2016 Oh man, life has a habit of getting the way of the hobby! I really haven't been able to do as much hobby as I'd like, but I'm nearly done with a volkite support squad, and am also hoping to finish a rhino soon. Here are WIP pics of both so far, in the fancy light box set up. :D After this, I've got Cataphractii on the table as well as a veteran squad with heavy bolters. http://i.imgur.com/Yjo5iBm.jpg?1 http://i.imgur.com/N5512Zq.jpg?2 Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/318208-rise-of-the-harrowing-an-alpha-legion-blog/#findComment-4368021 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greyedout Posted May 2, 2016 Author Share Posted May 2, 2016 Progress continues slowly, with a finished Rhino! http://i.imgur.com/LMeyWv8.jpg?1 http://i.imgur.com/sidChbK.jpg?1 Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/318208-rise-of-the-harrowing-an-alpha-legion-blog/#findComment-4382194 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cocha Posted May 3, 2016 Share Posted May 3, 2016 This army will look great! It is months that I'm thinking about accompanying my heresy Iron Hands with some Alpha Legion, we'll see. Just a consideration: I'd blend more the pigment on the legs. As you painted them is a bit too stark the ending of the dirt line, just a consideration, they're great anyway ;-) Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/318208-rise-of-the-harrowing-an-alpha-legion-blog/#findComment-4382717 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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