Imperial Update

I finally got the new Space Wolves codex and I’m really impressed with it and at this point cannot wait until they redo the Dark Angels codex. Granted, it is going to be a while until that is done but it’s nice to dream. I can at least take comfort in the fact that it will get redone before Dark Eldar or Necrons :P
I plan on developing a Space Wolf army in the future, after I complete the Orks and Imperial Guard armies. Hopefully by then, they will have released the new cavalry models and other little goodies.

On the modeling front, I have finished assembling another squad of infantry models. I used the ForgeWorld upgrade packs to complete these guys and I’ll be airbrushing the base coat on them this evening. I’ve also finished preparing the Special Weapons squad that will be part of the platoon; still having a problem deciding on how best to arm my Heavy Weapons squad. So I placed an order with The Warstore for tripod stands and gun-shields to allow me to create more squads per box. This way I’ll have flexibility to swap out models without having to spend a fortune in box sets where the majority of the parts go unused. My goal is to still have 30 models or three squads completed by the end of this month. I did pick up the Cadian Command box last week so that I can finish up the first platoon. I have another on order at Stonebridge Games so I’ll be able to start building my second platoon in November. I’ve already started putting money aside for the next order from Forge World. Looking at getting more Cadian upgrade packs with respirators and possibly order up a Hydra or Medusa conversion.

Weekend Update...

So I was looking forward to picking up the new Space Wolves codex but it appears that UPS screwed the pooch again and didn’t deliver the right box to the store. I did get to look at all the nice models that were released this weekend and I have to admit that once again I am impressed with Games Workshop’s latest offerings. The new dedicated Space Wolf sprue’s are amazing in that they give you a ton of options that will allow you to customize your models; very impressive work. My hope is that this is the start of a trend that will carry over to the other armies as future products are released. I was also please to hear that they will be releasing the Dark Angels ‘Indomitable Fortress’ model around Christmas time; can’t wait for this one as it looks fantastic in the early photos.

I did accomplish some modeling this weekend and I’ve got another 10 guardsmen ready to get their first coat of paint this week. I’m hoping to have my second batch that was started last week completed by this week. My painting goal for this month is to have 30 -35 infantry models table ready by the end of this month. I’m planning on taking a break next month by working on building and painting some of the vehicles that will be part of the army. I have purchased a Hellhound, Leman Russ Demolisher and a Tank Destroyer and they will allow me some flexibility when developing lists for gaming. The Hellhound and Demolisher will probably become standards for my list with the Tank Destroyer being the occasional wild card. We’ll see how these ideas pans out when I have a playable list later this year.

Starting an Imperial Guard Army

I can’t believe that it has been two weeks already since I first started this blog; my apologies for lack of updates but things at work have been a little hectic. So I am currently in the process of building and painting a new Imperial Guard army based on the Cadian 8th Imperial Guard. So far I have completed painting 15 infantry models and I have another 10 on the way. I’ve decided to incorporate the ForgeWorld Cadian Upgrade w/ Respirators sets into most of my units. The key reason is that out of the box, the Cadian models look a little light in that they are lacking the extra gear that modern soldiers are always carrying around. When you look at pictures of today’s infantry soldiers they all have packs, backpacks and extra ammunition everywhere; even when they are mechanized. The upgrade pack includes new heads and backpacks that add depth to the models that really appeals to me. I’ve completed one squad, a heavy weapons unit and a few other models and I’m really impressed with how they are turning out.

I’ve deviated from my normal style in that I have gone back to my scale modeling roots. As mentioned before, I was a scale modeler long before I got into painting miniatures. So with this army, I am taking a more realistic approach to the painting and weathering. I’ve begun to weather using oil washes, pastels and airbrushed effects and so far I’m really pleased with the results. I hope to have some pictures posted in the coming weeks as I am in the process of creating a light-box so that I can get proper photos of the models. I tried to take some pictures earlier but I was not happy with the results so I decided not to post them; the new light-box should resolve this issue.

The army will be based around two full platoons of troops and will include both artillery and tank squadrons. I’ll be purchasing the upgraded turrets for the Mars/Alpha Leman Russ models from ForgeWorld as I want the army to be a little different than what you normally see on the table. I also want some flexibility with the army so I’ll be adding various units as the army grows. However, my first goal is to get a playable 1000 point list together that will be the basis for future growth.

That’s all I have for now but I’ll try to get some pictures up within the next week so that you all can see the progress.