Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => Post-Apocalyptic Tales => Topic started by: mikedemana on January 03, 2023, 02:18:54 AM
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One of my major projects in 2022 was to paint up forces for a series of Post-Apocalyptic games at our Sunday evening gaming sessions. When I recently finished the latest gang, I was quite surprised to find out that I had not already started a thread here on LAF to showcase my figures for this project. So, let's redress that wrong right away!
Most of my miniatures are from Sgt. Major Miniatures, which unfortunately folded. Thankfully, though, many of the lines were purchased and are carried by Battle Valor Games. The remainder of the forces, I believe, are from Foundry. Most of my Foundry figs were purchased secondhand by a local guy who bought out several stores' inventory and brings them to area conventions. There may be other figures here in there in my collection, but most are from these two sources.
So, here are the forces, roughly from oldest painted to newest.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KkecSwDTBn0/YZW7uRoS-aI/AAAAAAAAFn0/FP85igcqimgyznfLRzEnS0Xmq4MrClL9QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h250/BloodBrotherhood.jpg)
The Blood Brotherhood, the first of my gangs before I even knew I was painting up figures for this project!
The Blood Brotherhood
These were purchased years ago from the Sgt. Major Miniatures booth at a convention. These are called "Wasteland Cultists" in the current Battle Valor Games catalog. With their hoods and all, I wanted to be careful how I painted them. I certainly didn't want a reference to a certain White Supremacist group with the initials "K" in their name! So, I settled on the deep red color. I painted them a base Red Brown with Red highlights.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uhomMdPzWEM/YZW8G6SzVqI/AAAAAAAAFn8/ihod6qaXP1o1TY3McWTE0lZBumP-I19cwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h312/RedSun_GroupA.jpg)
Closeup of three of the Blood Brotherhood
I liked their weaponry, with some of them being armed with a very blunderbuss (or shotgun) looking weapon. The others are armed with sub-machine guns. These figures would definitely fit in a Pulp campaign, and to be honest, I am sure that is what I was planning when I first painted these guys up.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WJbgkEcKCpw/YZW8_XoRseI/AAAAAAAAFoE/uI-eAznZkiApM6hqsGol7Oli0IIB9fRrgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h506/RedSun_GroupB.jpg)
Although all the figures share a certain look, they definitely have variety in their clothes
You'll note a variety in headgear. The tall conical hoods have a badge of some sort above the forehead, which I painted in a deep red color, of course. Others have a hood and face mask or even gas mask. I thought the gas mask especially added to the post-apocalyptic feel of the miniatures.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qE8Y4g2LPCM/YZW93TnCr5I/AAAAAAAAFoM/dKje5KLOKFw9_ugpDA2qjUo6FQyjSjSTACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h280/RedSun_GroupC.jpg)
The Blood Brotherhood are a secretive group who seek to further their mysterious aims in the blasted post-apocalyptic world
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EJr_1KvKmHY/W2fQipiOCYI/AAAAAAAABWQ/xprMZ4WzIbgs3MHpsmBSq01NiPPg25YdQCLcBGAs/s640/F_Troop02.jpg)
Another force originally purchased from Sgt. Major Miniatures - F Troop!
F Troop
These are another very Pulpy post-apocalyptic gang. Something about having guys in gas masks fits for the period. They are called "Chem Soldiers" in the Battle Valor Games catalog. I thought they had a very World War I vibe to them. My rationale for this group was they were a National Guard unit mobilized to fight in the "last war." After the apocalypse, the survivors of the unit decided to fight their way home and rescue their families.
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LTPH2D0JrrE/W2fQeuC3XwI/AAAAAAAABWU/_z05NLS124kYYCU7Z_YqRLw2jXzz-PlhwCEwYBhgL/s640/F_Troop01.jpg)
In the post-apocalyptic world, F Troop's uniforms have lost their standardization and display the soldiers' bitter humor
Once back home, the unit has stayed together for protection. Their "F Troop" name comes from their unit designation. I had fun personalizing their equipment. I figured as discipline breaks down, the soldiers would add graffiti or bitter humor to their helmets and long jackets. I was inspired, of course, by what U.S. soldiers sometimes did in Vietnam. Thus, "Peace" helmets, and slogans like, "Death is a Sweet Relief."
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R0WGwe0ipzw/W2fQh1bN6sI/AAAAAAAABWU/8pF3llKS3B0opPF6MkST5h1230Any-SEwCEwYBhgL/s640/F_Troop04.jpg)
Part of the reason for this modification of the uniforms was to make it each figure a little more distinct on the tabletop, too. Thus, it achieves two aims - giving them more character and at the same time helping their controller in the game to be able to figure out who is who! Otherwise, I kept with an olive drab color scheme, augmented by blue jeans or other bits of apparel as the uniform items wore out. Or at least that's the thought!
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7eFA_FEczes/W2fQYIpwCfI/AAAAAAAABWU/zwncd_igfBAsNR3_NmzwdqWRm_FYbGPBwCEwYBhgL/s640/F_Troop03.jpg)
F Troop was a lot of fun to paint up, but are another group that was done quite some time ago. My photos of them have a 2018 date on them, so as you can see this project has been in incubation for a long time! Both F Troop and the Blood Brotherhood were as far as the project went for four years or so, and languished, seldom-used in my figure boxes until this past year when I decided to augment my forces and get the project onto the tabletop.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VDFOx_NxdsA/YZMQoJKhUxI/AAAAAAAAFl8/iNls81y6LcwCDK9hHDBWZbaLOG66RWJQQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h156/DarkProphet_group.jpg)
My third post-apoc gang -- the Followers of the Dark Prophet
The Followers of the Dark Prophet
Fast forward to late 2021 when I decided that I was going to actually get around to painting up and playing post-apoc games. This batch of figures comes from the old Sgt. Major line, too, but was purchased in a big order from Battle Valor Games. In their catalog, they are labeled as Space Terrorists. Obviously, these guys could be used in Sci-Fi games, but I thought they had a more post-apoc feel to them than standard Sci-Fi.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ArII_e-WU8o/YZMRCIKYhwI/AAAAAAAAFmE/1oaKpLB2Nck_xC0b1FhofOx0zrgSj0LQQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h604/DarkProphet_A.jpg)
Although this gang wears uniform headgear, their face coverings are all individualized
I dubbed this force the Followers of the Dark Prophet to keep with the somewhat Muslim or Middle Eastern look to their clothing. I had painted their shirts and headdresses black, so it all seemed to fit. Black is always a tricky base color, but I was pretty happy with how the understated gray highlights I used turned out. I gave them a dark red belt or sash as an accent, but used a variety of colors for their pants, pouches, bags, and such. I like how this gives them a common theme, but irregular appearance. For a splash of color and individuality, each got their own unique face wrap. My favorites turned out to be the red and white and black and white checkered wraps.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V36dbWAsVHE/YZMRlduGqFI/AAAAAAAAFmM/Hq7E-rI-gm8fnZQOeYiW2H_c6IrX7WHMACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h216/DarkProphet_B.jpg)
I kept a basic style for the uniform, but used a variety of colors for face wraps and equipment
Their boots were done in a range of browns and grays, all heavily dry brushed to give them a well-worn appearance. I used khakis and olive drabs for most of their ammo pouches, haversacks, and other equipment, though I did throw in a few other colors here and there to keep with the slightly irregular look. The weapons were done with a steel color, highlighted with a brighter pewter. With a black wash to tone them down a bit, I think they weapons turned out nicely, too.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-heAZaIiAVbs/YZMTJjAk3VI/AAAAAAAAFmU/b2sV4ESHZMkZeBkPfKI6SjJnqV9OaQZIwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h210/DarkProphet_C.jpg)
My post-apocalyptic setting is inspired by the Terminator movies. I posit that the various programs meant to run each nation's Artificial Intelligence, drones, and machines morphed into a central intelligence that became aware. I know, obvious rip-off of Skynet from the movies. However, the machines began their war on humanity and nuclear weapons (and their ElectroMagneticPulse) were found to be the most effective way of defeating machines. This has, of course, devastated the planet. In my games, humanity is disunited and has broken into warring gangs squabbling over local control of resources. Food, fuel, weapons are their goals, as well as promoting their bizarre ideas of how humanity should begin anew, in the case of the Blood Brotherhood.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8eVH81EgVM32NCV3GOmlcwuVQqVgqBi_nNDR-CeTkUZBbT730NIirJMVXo9KLFoqlX9DIe6yR8zNVsR7X5TPdZKl5RXrY0Gr3DFRG648BA83oFHUjIHwSP4OuuinpB0T9Vs7Fm9C9EzEXtPnC5LO4sl12y5iTossIYEVUWtRpx5yVWWYvnQO8pU6M=w640-h150)
The Bass Reeves are the first of my forces to come from the Foundry Street Violence range
The Bass Reeves
These are figures from Foundry's Street Violence range. Most of them wear long "duster" style jackets, which remind me of what you see gunslingers wearing in stylized Hollywood Westerns. A couple of them had dreadlocks, which led me to paint them as a black force. That also inspired the force's name -- the Bass Reeves. Reeves was a famous African-American cowboy and was the first black U.S. Marshal in the West. I seem to have settled on painting seven figures up per group, which I hope will be enough to provide some variety of figure choices for players controlling the force. I am using Fistful of Lead Core Rules (along with some elements of Wiley Games' Wasteland Warriors supplement).
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgatTzmwaEpXRsWSPJ2qsoT1Ri4riKqTJITpeaf_4nyNtFhz3F8MKh_q2wCf_FPdzQV_NYnI_AdT_9skP2pLDfdV0QiVed7E-ntCQwY5NjgDU6XMeyJ0UQ0N_btx0WwPhQgxA21H03Sx2Eum9F_qPxO94CTzeyjzGDidxzISWmIVchq8gu-g1qS6IE=w538-h640)
The boss, Bass Reeves, in the sailor cap to the right, was my favorite figure from this batch
The first batch of two figures pictured above feature my favorite miniature in this group. I really like how the captain's hat and striped shirt lends him character. Stripes are never my strong point, but I couldn't imagine any color for a shirt other than the classic, stereotypical red and white striped sailor shirt. I decided to give all the poses jeans for pants in this gang. I postulate jeans would be standard apparel after the apocalypse for their rugged nature and common availability from looted stores or warehouses. For the duster jackets, I decided to use Howard Hues "Bay" horse paints color. It has a nice leather look to it, but was light enough to look like faded material. I dry brushed them khaki and washed them brown to give the jackets depth of color.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5mK1jdYLsw-u6SNl2wtUnQh-lufmEJ0dr5GK4CecOvvHaEF0mg8PmYN5PJROAWjJvZFsaLHggZLcmtKH9YzlZ6Oe6LgiJd20iQDqcs1I3IsiuEoT1A0Ut9xRbCutaUBWJUi8tKrfwWBy_i50RdKUzEjOeReucm5DsxGrEU7wIIZ04V7jGkqLXiLDP=w640-h514)
My second-favorite mini in this batch is the one wearing the Jamaican-style hair bag
My second favorite miniature in this batch is the Rastafarian-looking guy who carries a boom box over his shoulder. Doubtless, it is playing Bob Marley or Peter Tosh for as long as the batteries hold out! I actually Googled "dreadlocks hair bag" for inspiration on what color to paint it. Lo and behold, a Jamaica-looking one popped up in my search and I had to adapt it for this figure. It meant more stripes, though! The miniature is a great casting and has a lot going on. He wears headphones, has rolled up sleeves, a vest, and of course, the boombox. Normally, I might look askance at such whimsy in my figures, but this guy was too good to pass up. Like the captain, he also has a great face.
I debated whether I was going with too garish and bright of a color for the other dreadlocks-wearing figure to the left. I always picture Rastas in bright, garish colors, though, so I went with this bright green. I think it adds a nice splash of color to an otherwise dull-colored group. I honestly don't know what the piece of equipment is slung over his shoulder, though. I painted it in a brushed steel color, so it can be another boom box or whatever the controlling player decides! The third figure in the group has a gray suit jacket or vest on underneath his duster. He carries a high power sniper weapons of some sort. I like the variety of firearms these figures have. Not everyone carries an assault rifle or shotgun -- there is definitely an irregular aspect to their weaponry. This fits for a post-Apocalyptic force, of course.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhipO5cCppcK6K_8sPO-vx0MvwnSq72MAFt80oJJpnulD4NjDuf5SFFXQYbjNypK-aIpAfHBRhTbLDYBlHYCunnBfr9Uu_gXOeXbtGShL51Z1aCtRWhWO7PaEjkYpiM5zApXBLoczwsenNVHW37sPo8xhS_LAGGU-16DsrICNVsN3DHWUKbEsVhJzjG=w590-h640)
Painting the goggles on these two figures was a bit of challenge...not sure I pulled it off!
The last two figures above have very dramatic poses, I think. They have a lot of character in their hair and faces, made even more interesting by the goggles either perched on their heads or around their neck. I wasn't 100% sure how to paint the googles, but decided on a light gray with sky blue lenses. I'm not fully sold on how they look. If I were to go back and redo them, I would have done a black line around the sky blue lens, at least. Otherwise, these two have very interesting shirts. The one on the left is loaded up with ammo pouches so much his shirt is invisible. The one on the right has a very unusual texture to it. So, I painted it a light, gray green and did a medium green wash over it to bring out the texture in the folds. I like the patch on the shoulder of his duster, so did that in bright reds and blues, wanting it to stand out. The skin for all seven figures was done with a dark brown base coat and dry brush of Howard Hues Camo Brown. The hair was painted back with medium brown hightlights. However, the final black wash I did over the figures seems to have hidden the brown highlights, unfortunately.
This post covers the first four forces I painted for my project. In the next post, I'll add in the remaining three. Next, I will give you a peak at the Bots -- the machines -- and explain the mechanism I am using to keep the danger of the machines' continuing war on humanity present in my games!
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Nice looking project (and good choice of rules).
I like the look you're goin go for with F Troop. It we ould be nice to see a pic of the whole unit.
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I might as well keep this thread updated. I finished these just in time for our last game. I ended up playing them as my post-apoc gang, so they got to see combat almost immediately.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyrBIKmB_pp7mcWOZkj9p2oKcsdFU6YTn_WvTKb8K5A_BIBGZrpMS3ocDk2-R0w3PI3-2NZiKW-gfYg5No_WEhFVsuyypM7k1rJHjXq5N_-WPLtY8mZcagJ95ubOEBZPUR-Rq2wJNfeQnrPKW3XSYloovCtVKESs2jzdPkZHkCA6HeFfD93nSUHbk1/w640-h170/GreenDragons_All.jpg)
The Green Dragons - an Asian post-apoc gang using Battle Valor Miniatures in chem suits
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZG06JYjFk0SEl4eMh9abiuAMN_muRtqyYpJpDwnAzYm8tKx3O6ue-8qJKW4Nar8uZcdO6VYYGGs5Gq8HiXEW7utQ8JyCnqPufRLPlWOCtviGqzRx9FNuHz9VdT4CJKrTaEj05bTL7BXm_yHs5kEmu0flLzTKwrfeWdrVsP6KH2M71_ZR-ynt90Y2/w640-h504/GreenDragons_A.jpg)
At first I thought the figs were sculpted with hoodies, but the outfits appeared to be chemical suits upon closer examination
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy2Hl3Cewxwm-VMzsB3dCVnb3HaJ1LgIzp0fRUvCWNvZSdOQnkOOhT_q095om4ugVaBYiKv3INtzSGZJcJKCLzKhzECaJVCWbfMKRIb2M7eZYMi-yO5vXdZEHJxraraXLdX6BDYzLGfW1sATkzO-WptEwMM6SJAcIAPb7pCHF8Vvcz1sHXT0EqON0O/w552-h640/GreenDragons_B.jpg)
I like the shade of green I was able to get with these - something that looks like a chemical suit, but wasn't too bright
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU2QlmkUXe7gORRVhTs1X9nOwIR8qm9u1VPD9t1UTZzVE7xaS3P-2vgmjgvnguyHmMLMutcvKyoC4QNuLJIpS61bupyv1LCSSgsYPaUfjQ7u1gbrEs_lG12dPAhjRaod1aQIhNFrumYDB4RoVW0tI_rcKJlQ_NaFY0j7aDBLH9btNp-x9WDIhnCX-U/w498-h640/GreenDragons_C.jpg)
I used a micron pen to do the word "Dragons" in Chinese characters
Was this the final team or gang for my post-apoc collection? Maybe, but everytime I have said that, I have added another one! lol I will continue to add the creatures, bots, and other things my players will encounter to this thread, though...
If you want the full story of how I painted these guys, feel free to check out my Lead Legionaries blog:
http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2023/02/green-dragons-new-post-apoc-force.html
Thanks for looking!
Mike Demana
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They look very good. I'm sure they will give you some great games.
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Great cast of characters!
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Nice work on the gangs. Looks to be an exciting game full of action!
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Oops! Skipped over one of my post-apoc gangs. Allow me to present the standard bad guys of any Mad Max or post-apoc movie. I call them the Barbarozas. The figures are from the "Space Cannibals" packs being produced by Battle Valor Games (and former Sgt. Major Miniatures figures). My friend Andy is playing them in our games, I guess attracted to the "Bad A$$" aspect of them!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlVl9SXbBvuoG_H9SYVtuPnwtkfRa5IbzFaEpwXBvC1Qgki_VFYfVJ_sogzZQgrPJ6DkzckryBb_EPde-rDBwSkG7rfVPrcOCliPyOUIJYlQMUNd9u6ZPgE4hF9SSuK8LPtAZ19f-iFTgmyRvALCXU4pjgVFTMlWCUIRV8PdHVDLYOjUXZmmXI_r3s/w640-h214/Barbarozas_Group.jpg)
The entire gang ready to kick some butt and do all the standard "bad guy" things form the movies...
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUHbhwoWQKgyElApF8gI_W4Yub8Q_ha_ypxkuQzL4zEfUJODF54rQrLL6t3BzjO4KQr_9ZG2hFO4sT-9MxPNq6li4ir0RG5m6gvaNeOI_9CfgPo_tijwmykoRriNEqr1RHdMk1SmNRfzwDF7f-RZUNHv1Do6gHLKaSSmpmyoDxUI24QTVbWdmDh8s/w640-h522/Barbarozas_A.jpg)
They definitely have the biker gang vibe to them. I gave them all rock n' roll star style names, too...ha, ha!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq5dN0oys6DSRMh4-EwJq6f3m0kASb39BzmJk_qzrfNaF2NphoHB5na33_lfzFa5X7I3z5jOsSPg6IFlaZ8mNGi_4Bm7_r3pjp5s0PVlYY399xuwrqg9yoHHoo0U40Wmx6DNk5khQXYnV5V5UvVxRdSO9t0nzVbbypOS7xgzYvxF0CSzKwOZpa5LU6/w640-h612/Barbarozas_B.jpg)
I like the little bits of armor they have strapped on to their bodies. These bad boys also carry more hand-to-hand weapons than most of my gangs.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUQ8nBZbsCQ6iA0Ev3ZKbNlkiSgqW9ySeDHN-aBwjxteWkZXOHGrItcItvuNyLqNcEcYx4ASJYRYCj9Sa8g_bGEcgEcpSFc2GBPLJoB0qvbV1CXEPguEpV-ux2oq1YK6rOAIzU-d4WuFM1JszQbXNlODmNwpSB1X3_Gmolyg89E-I2hybf-j79E6y/w640-h636/Barbarozas_C.jpg)
I think the metal band hair styles are what encouraged me to give them names inspired by band members of rock groups!
This post might be a good segue to move on to the creatures and various antagonists that the players will face (well, besides each other!). So, look for Bots, giant rats, and other terrors wandering the wastes of my world...
Mike Demana
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Nice work. :)
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Thanks! Praise from you is high praise indeed, Orctrader!
So, I was scrolling through my thread and feeling I had not only left out the Barbarozas, but also left out others. Here's actually one of my favorites. Most of these are (I believe) from the Foundry Street Violence range. One or two may be one that I picked up at a flea market or something. Since my post-apoc campaign is set here in my home state of Ohio, behold the Bucknuts!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTqigEO6matmmjaMll72LLzMJHgo9S75YXLFm-sK3ivCZVsiUkbSWzkhsGnuP5Ao-ulgGkeO3AkkN_uTcfdqBi-RU3cg2tx8DmAdpkFo35EmmJc1cmzy-HoYbVuDaKnZYSynHVBzJogPW7kkW1HcHKe6psZnHGlf5JDkHfq9blXLibIY61_n6UbQHg/w640-h202/Bucknuts_All7.jpg)
This group is meant to represent an ordinary group of armed citizens in the aftermath - not a religious order, military unit, or whatever
I decided to go with an irregular look, but still wanted a unifying theme to them. So, I chose two themes! The first was that all of them are wearing camouflage pants or shirts of some sort. I painted the gamut from urban gray camo to woodland green to modern desert sand. I also threw in some olive drab, too, to give them a look like they ransacked an Army surplus store.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvHJmDL3amSm_km2lYd48TMYnGsBqppNJo_4vD23tgVN7Paqkmvyv_J-xzGyS57C16lQPeKOyZsRnvpb2xjHv_nrITzTask2dpNkK0_Lu9cAUPUpLW7lzTqt0UcoJ3lMigmtw3f4SR6mec-iTnbOrtnwAsLtwf3gR0NDuhUmCW29tYaWVHNQFAkCk/w516-h640/Bucknuts_1stTwo.jpg)
The figure on the left is my favorite from the group -- "Coop," the group's leader
The other theme, as the name of this gang suggests, was an Ohio State University "Buckeyes" one. I gave a few of the miniatures OSU Buckeye caps -- including the black "Woody Hayes" one. A couple also have the bright scarlet shirts on, which of course does wonders to supplement their camouflage! Their tendency to dress in OSU garb has led to their name of the "Bucknuts." I mean, you would have to be nuts to be sporting bright red apparel when staying hidden is a good key to survival in the post-Apocalyptic world!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghf9BIUgVzhWARPZmUxrcvu6dVZUjULsKTVMonBwMUegCwNbWBLw_3m06MW5mHEdn2L5diut88mSwampL2b2-nXPafrrESHGsLOikIaLzb10SqAkDOT4d06yeiUM79W_Fx1lYEMx5qvLR2RXIGtlwR9gsxj2L9-3bDxauUWVeOfOXqRCmiHlBn-cS4/w520-h640/Bucknuts_2ndTwo.jpg)
I love how the beer-gutted figure came out with his black coach Woody Hayes hat!
I picked and chose from the figures I had to make sure these looked irregular -- from the black track suit one sports to the woman wearing police body armor. The ammo pouches and such were painted in a variety of suitable colors, from faded olive drab to tan to dark gray. The metal gun parts are painted with craft paints -- a Gun Metal base color and highlight of Pewter. A medium gray wood color on the gun stocks was also highlighted with a brighter color. All in all, I think this gang turned out good with its mix of military and civilian apparel.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi22Gseikp80IEny0uNRXpjW5eXPDG3xdnkfDPQxDBJ1fCxt3JDYNIgtGIws9CF4MkdZ8ocHWvVVrJd4Owdv1mkbJUhqeQz3jpDI9gufiMSLSP7IkjXf9U-cXoaAU7E8yEI52ZJfgjR53EW-YSktDxiDhYVW6-eI9D92JvVf6bCBbIrPrANgPBQFMGo/w640-h558/Bucknuts_Last3.jpg)
I was happy with how the camo patterns came out
So, am I all caught up now? Ahem, no...next up will be the Night Stalkers! ;D lol
Mike Demana
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Well thought out groups.
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Nice work on all the gangs. I'm looking forward to seeing what bots, varmints and critters you come up with
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Checkerboarding is truly a skill.
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Thanks for the nice comments, everyone! Here are the Night Stalkers.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxYyrCA7Sd0Z2fxU7FSOwCHb2FhQkJCkXa_s4W4SfFnd0Qcr5YXaK_h5ZVN58rgQw07EuPkiiE4TCjEiBLTadA0OQqB6Zwb5A7HRL7WR6rHUqsBwGxTXVBTNM1TfTT3Njebpo8Ppv6C3vGHn2_yP89xJsj8L3I95WJKLzJcDhDQLUSxgxOBevn02D1/w640-h180/NightStalkers_All.jpg)
The Night Stalkers assembled
It took me awhile to come up with a name for this gang, but I think "Night Stalkers" sounds really cool. It seems to work for these high-tech, uniformed fighters. They all wear helmets with what appear to be night vision goggles attached to them. There are small bits of armor, as well, including a suggestion of kevlar or something underneath the outer uniform. So, I picture these guys as being a fairly well-organized group. The members are probably former military or law enforcement banding together to carve out a niche of territory to protect their families and friends.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjFXDFS8ttMnPtFiaJPsl4-hILsFxJbfLFW5ZuZJn42W_Jf7N1AK-QQchFpzxF1oFHYLzb4M0H005hveWlsh4Zkm35a7Rq8xWSR3nHEMym8r9oSRorwNrQ4pe6O5OdT-vTbH0XZikXoAmcYlszilBPWa_TerzcXt-F557HzEPZXfArJjZup3eupur/w584-h640/NightStalkers_GroupA.jpg)
The Night Stalkers are painted in matching uniforms and equipment, so they must be fairly well supplied
The figures come from Battle Valor Games, and are part of the former Sgt. Major Miniatures line that I like so much. The poses may be slightly different, but they definitely have a uniform appearance. In a skirmish game where each figure may have different traits, this means that I'm likely going to have to write their names on the edges of their bases for players to keep them straight. I have been threatening to do that for awhile, and likely will go whole hog into it soon. I've seen other gamers' photos where they do that and I don't think it detracts from the look of the game.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8vWbyxSotUNIGuDT1i1kBlLtbR-tbxn5NpAD4KR5xvRPPMIHCr7ChVz6DhjKcdx2jw2inCRfTUFytX2-v5jy_r09QT0u3377c3bmBSBF_4aA3hYdp-Im7ElqEvyG03rItjn5KhsYgjmpsb2cPdpVamgR1Gegmik0Va7QuefiA2wjSnAS6D7tOGDJ/w640-h608/NightStalkers_GroupB.jpg)
It took awhile (and several layers) before I came up with a tone that I was happy with for the helmets
Their base uniform was done in craft paint "Khaki," and I maintained that brownish theme throughout with tan backpacks, dark brown gloves, and ivory packs and pouches. I struggled most with the metallic bits -- the helmet and knee pads. I purchased a "brown metallic" craft paint, but still thought it was too bright of a gold tone. I did two black washes over it before I pronounced myself happy. The end result in person looks very San Francisco 49ers dark gold, in case it is hard to tell in the photos. For the firearms, I used Iron Wind Metals Steel with highlights of silver or gun metal craft paint.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH82_icYhYaVa2SgfhrrSBo1gIpK6EqVm0NfJlnsqDFg07yboUt6Y5eaA6Xw6KyqD5lx0tbTyy8O29iiR1D3_0q1rTd8S8EhiYz3ZyHoFgIJ6TVPoAfL8Im-2bzeTjuHhbPJdUE-cyb899bTDDj6wASHgjj-ZWqaVDJCPuyKyeFppxwJZKwuKTBOWF/w640-h486/NightStalkers_GroupC.jpg)
The color scheme was not intended to be a camouflage, but I like how it "blends in" on the table
Some of the accents were done in brighter colors to stand out more on the miniature. The "eyes" of the goggles were done in red with a tiny dot of pink in the middle. The main part of the goggles and attachments to the helmet were in Iron Wind Steel, again. Finally, the miniatures had patches on each shoulder. I did the right patch in orange with a white vertical stripe. The left was done as a nod to the Ukrainians fighting off the Russian invasion in the news, today. It was done in the yellow blue of their flag. I'm not saying these guys are Ukrainians in my post-Apocalyptic games, just that I was inspired by the actual defenders' bravery and wanted to commemorate it here.
So, now that I REALLY am done with posting photos of my gangs here, next up will be the Bots, rats, and so on. I promise...! lol
Mike Demana
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(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCWjLHH2YUtnn_7S5O8xG-GmRCccrl0BThspBTaQg8CorvnvkVcPFjjqIwJvHPYhyo9g3Wa1Moxgvd_7tqPcQtTFEIDOCPQcvJkIxi-Uflk9Ni25FyTqzJ2rnd0PWrNt4viniLWXlyLNJ5HqcsrD9L2lwdhco6rhBfDbJwAhMZXnNhNjjdP96D3szE/w640-h554/LineOfBotsC.jpg)
3-D printed Bots (sourced from Thingiverse and a friend) stalking the streets for human survivors
When I decided to do post-apocalyptic gaming, I settled on a world inspired by the Terminator movies. To be honest, I wasn't 100% sure I'd persevere with the project. Nor was I positive that I or my players would actually enjoy the games. So, I defaulted to my usual mode of "Let's Source the Miniatures on the Cheap!" I'm sure most would agree there's nothing inherently wrong with being thrifty. Those who are painters first, players second, might choose to go with the cooler and more expensive miniatures. Myself, if I can get acceptable miniatures for my games on the cheap, I will!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWjetwRTH6Qd0d2gSMhyPPCqHSTDotnZNfWxqudmsrVH2Z0CioJlSORWyyxnTJov8ZyaC2Tt00edHSaFP07MUsME99mh6zt97LFXQBjhmL1KdRS5k6NGj29OFNKDEsTgTueNRZv_UAPrirOdOrazeskTdDNw5sVxmgZhfyhlah7fWDXLb6TRPrbCO/w640-h386/ScoutBots02.jpg)
The first level of response from the Machines -- rolling Scout Bots, lightly armed and armored
So, I began by visiting Thingiverse and seeing what they had available. I picked out some 3-D models I liked and sent the links off to my friend Joe, who has a printer. He agreed to print them up for me for at an affordable cost. Joe's printer isn't the newest, fanciest, or the highest quality. So, you get what you pay for, which in his case, is VERY affordable. He asked me for some guidelines on size and then went ahead and printed them off. Thanks, Joe!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjszwpHnpGWs8rKH5sO5qIy1M5ZMwXaPNBaXBatCyCtvR3qtLHHRmBlaGO1RVQLbDiLwoivIuL-v7rZ6jDnriczAavZpX8pat3mySNW-uw8HEKynKCqQ4kCIF5m1KH5OfwoMprigNLGeu41A0vFp09N6oumpGPRguhbL1GTZFBVtysrga_XMvJxR7x/w640-h574/SentryBots01.jpg)
If the Scout Bots confirm human activity, these retro-looking Sentry Bots are dispatched to the scene
My idea is that the Machines artificial intelligence has both visual and audio surveillance going on all the time. Sounds of gunfire or what looks like muzzle flashes on video will lead them to dispatch a Scout Bot. These one-wheeled automatons are lightly armored and armed. Their optics on the scene are instantaneously relayed back to the Machines AI, though, who then will usually order forward the next level of response if necessary. I painted the bodies of the Bots in metallic colors, also giving them a company logo. My rationale is the Scout Bots were designed by human companies before the machines went sentient and took over control of them. In "pre-apocalypse" times, they were meant to be deployed in dangerous sections of human cities, rolling along the asphalt roads on their solid rubber tires.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij1di9rIxQDYJWyXMVBtMGlEAJ8tHrU1jIeNJ7HwswadEeOVcXf9rFUMc0g0ti7HEuI0n9yqoPfspK5iNnzIHJgzT9dgg2pON2TATS_gTPpgyIIqsLL8qNW6q_LL9n_20YgPu_yZzsYweb4_QJx5bfgObmd4rD8yc9YJyXbqbhvBJi3GKCL_cLsDLZ/w640-h544/SentryBots02.jpg)
The Sentry Bots have been fitted by the Machines AI with light machine guns and prowl the cities
The next level of response sent in by the machines are the Sentry Bots. These vaguely humanoid -- and very retro looking -- mechanical sentries are better armed and armored. I saw these prints on Thingiverse and loved them! I painted them in gleaming metallics, hoping to evoke the essence of the shining, metal-skinned Terminators in the movies. Each carries a light machine gun, and I envision them as being modular sentry robots built by human companies pre-apocalypse to be equipped in various ways. The Machines AI has converted them all to the heaviest armament available on their frame. They are meant to scour the streets, or patrol the perimeters of Machine bases. Sometimes, the mere presence of these gleaming bots arriving on the scene will cause human survivors to scatter. Besides, no one wants to be around if the next level of response is triggered!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpIlgCuEBF21oAvyoZKFy1H_BvvQ4NYGWggC97CjgQiWlldQnou4YjL1sATPQvthxqpslyjDutbHE-VBJZZijQEgpgeyxlkXgs3ou4933AhVQorsb19gwuc9hzsr-KZgI-t1OKQahrrTJ2vFOtqDK6llVPVz25Kl9U2S13051yvcvMmzbv_Ga_DFuI/w640-h268/MilitaryBots01.jpg)
The Military Bots are next to appear on a scene, and have machine guns in each mechanical arm
That third level is the Military Bot. Vaguely "BattleTech looking," these machines are capable of wiping out multiple figures at one time with their burst fire machine guns housed inside their arms. In our first three games, they've appeared only once. Usually, the player gangs have high-tailed it off the table by that time. I envision these as being designed for the military pre-apocalypse. Little modifications were needed by the Machines, as they were already meant to be ambulatory hunter-killers to assist the firepower of conventional forces.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwuLD6HvhVSwytjdFXYmFwjcNDLHoSwsM4WTKHR0xER805xfs7FR4pOLbPjNKGoKLUgroSmDTMCDwUGFXTvdByoirvquQZpMZwQGM-htWKSDQlhVL-cFIO-3incQi5rRbF1CVuDFj3KHNzCCwWc4aWj-AX4moXuQ_eR-EtUkEe-BZEX4MEUZvFWBFF/w472-h640/DestroyerBot02.jpg)
Woe betide the character caught still on the tabletop when a Destroyer Bot stomps onto the table!
And finally, the highest level of response is the Destroyer Bot. This is definitely in the "big stompy robot" category of weapons. For my games, these are designed to be able to target and destroy any stubborn characters who are unwilling to sensibly flee the table when the Machines bots begin arriving. So far, I have painted only one of these, as I can't envision a need for more than one in my skirmish, post-apoc games. I imagine that one day one of these will actually show up on the battlefield. However, it has yet to happen. It was probably the cleanest of the 3-D prints and I really like how it painted up. That metallic dark red is a really cool color of craft paint from Hobby Lobby. I wish I'd picked it up earlier when I first began painting up these bots!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1QLPSr-uyboa6l8IjMDYVvRLt64HlbuQG9YjApHJ-md9aHREahrMXIUWHAZAVVWc2-MmzKWhLiXS01Oi2bculjK2udMPUOE7kQSw9RHhLLcNKrFc-gPdWYY0qk7jwtMdcmmdUFk6n6iv18bvrfP4TyhgRT16URuOH1M0_YOx6_xH5yLHTlnj66Ppn/w470-h640/DestroyerBot01.jpg)
I really like the dark metallic red and pewter/gun metal color scheme on this big stompy robot!
One thing I haven't mentioned in this post is I actually give control of each Bot that appears to a player. It is typically given to the player who has lost the most figures, so far, in the scenario. I trigger the arrival of the Bots based on the losses the players have collectively suffered, so far. At 10%, a Scout Bot appears. At 20%, a Sentry Bot. At 30%, one Military Bot shows up. If we ever get to 40% losses suffered in a game, then a Destroyer Bot will lumber onto the table. Players begin the game controlling four of their own figures from their gang. So, if there are 6 players (24 total), the first Scout Bot rolls onto the table edge at the end of the turn in which three casualties have been suffered.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyARpK4in21QkCGcqXLKQl3IGsBrmJ8b0y9CcYJzM1Dm6DbclfgeKirLhiK6MeNfKA9o3KTCbY3brCpY_rvBLi4njKnqn3W2rvRR2HR1T6TSzfk1PUs6aPnaEIYaGpicW9jWjkwwRjk0E2wPH2Hj8p6fWsxQ8x-eq09sRbv4Luc6QyD1iQxzfHKZff/w640-h520/LineOfBotsB.jpg)
I staged all of my Bots I've painted onto the urban tabletop terrain I used for our third scenario
I like giving control of the Bots to players as that gives them a chance to inflict "payback," or clip the wings of a faction that is flying high in a scenario. To encourage even more bloodthirstiness, they receive victory points for any casualties inflicted by "their" Bot! I make it clear, though, they will target the closest human figure. Of course, taking out Bots themselves are also worth victory points for players. What's more, a downed bot becomes a scavenge point where figures can pry off ammunition, weapons, or even optics. All in all, I think the Bots add a nice flavor to my post-apocalyptic games. The players have fun controlling them, and there's always laughter and good-natured ribbing when a Bot appears behind an opponent's troops, stalking them.
Hope you enjoyed the pics! Stay tuned for the ROUS's!!
Mike Demana
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It all looks good, Mike. But then, I've seen some of your stuff in person, and it looks good in the flesh (er, metal, really...) too!
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it looks good in the flesh (er, metal, really...) too!
Or 3-D printed plastic...haha! lol
See you this weekend at Drums at the Rapids!
Mike Demana
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(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-wBIrMoQbiWUD803aF__BfuIAyuu9Aa9agINgxaDVby8i80QiyffMF1FJihhjzmTzO5CaC0-0ifIYaceA7cgZnXxq5q9yfg6coJp2PBtIf-6J5WcVm3UadQGr4LupDva73ffxC7EPc0nkuo9gF_TurWr-h6_FG4QLSleIXqD3fAZvgG5bc--XFv1Z/w640-h202/Rats_ROUS.jpg)
Giant rats -- or ROUS's for fans of The Princess Bride -- are a danger in my post-Apocalyptic world
Rats are hardy creatures, and can grow quite large, so I figured swarms of bad-tempered rodents would make logical monsters prowling the ruins of humanity's cities. And why not an occasional ROUS (Rodents Of Unusual Size, for those not familiar with the classic Princess Bride movie), too? Reaper Miniatures makes a number of different rat packs in their line of plastic miniatures. They came essentially in three sizes. Dire Rats came in a pack of eight and were the smallest. Giant Tomb Rats were the next size up, and the six in the pack were appropriately shaggy and angry looking. The largest were ("ROUS's? I don't think they exist..." RAHHRR!!!) the Barrow Rats, and came two to a pack. All in all, I had two dozen rats to paint up after a few months of collecting packs from Guardtower East or Dragons Guildhall on our Saga game days.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0aAWQKSVq8k_U3IUJks4DEgZQ0fn4KNQm6f5Y5ActmiH-shwJkiGxZi-Sh9SvbAF6JKCNsrvN4KII_RfOpw5EKAf_NNElPB39hpalWyJeHQdToYt9rcWrhRQNXHQFIZ-Iclu-xycaXqAs0lzDQAPBLlITxI43oRs9pewrfhjnF3SLlW9Tq07QGdhn/w640-h220/RatsGroupC.jpg)
The various sized rats holding a rat rally in front of a run-down trailer home
I decided that I wanted to black prime my rats to give them a dirty look. I would just dry brush the fur in one of four colors - light gray, dark gray, medium brown, or a cream color. I could have done more colors, but I thought four would provide enough variety. The ears, nose, and tail I painted a base salmon color and dry brushed a lighter pink. I gave them ivory claws and teeth, along with black eyes with a red dot to give them a feral or "eyes glowing in the dim light" aspect.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJm_0RbDvmz5RpRYET0ZwT9BffmEQMmDNz1bTMr3rjQCzpLn9zBcbYAhcNAIHj-nlh_TH36AIvviU8rwvePl-grW3jVTC2G6xEECYELOvMWS9tmPN0DTWzgfbAp7-szmnGPKFf_jlpye8TTJeTilVGkfT-4KPlsHnoGr-oGNaGMJNxWjulvKY99OBN/w640-h152/Rats_LargeOval.jpg)
A close up of a swarm of the smaller rats from the Reaper Miniatures plastic packs
Once they were all painted, I applied a heavy black wash. Most of the rats had various stone tile or cobble stoned bases, which I also did in shades of gray. All in all, I was happy with how they came out looking ragged and dirty. Since I am using Fistful of Lead rules for my post-apocalyptic games, I based the smaller rats up three or four to a base as a "Swarm." The ROUS's, which are the size of a very large dog or small bear, were individually based, of course. Since base size or shape doesn't matter for this game (or most rules I play), I put them on some available oval MDF bases I'd purchased last year at Cincycon.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tJfthnlM5iXSUwi2hP6V1DncwSWnMTUWlVsIe6jn3rkwAFMibTp3cZKbq6exZHEAasNVs4xxBFO-r0yAVb9S4zBRVA-S1Ybox9iHtb3nDjkZxxIT7um6vl9bm0BJiuZuE8EHawWx6td8wb2mvHdJg0DQ1k4NG7QkxuUlB0xKheSgEIvQRFLeJaCy/w640-h246/Rats_RoundOval.jpg)
I like how the pink tails, noses, and ears make them stand out from their dark background
I flocked the bases with Woodland Scenics Fine Ballast (Gray Blend). I gave this a dark wash, as well (perhaps too dark?). I also put some resin bricks on the bases that I'd purchased at the Dragons Guildhall, too. I finished the bases off with some tufts of grass for that overgrown urban environment effect.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdYo1TORDvdrQjW605qyblBUu4iSZZxLA6D-yOFqMQReHoLiS2sqESyjGHTvZmraSpKTGaevibFhdcgYCaX91EFpN2N6oWugtR6JUZrHwsC-RXi31HrSw-xbjtx_jsZLVH1zvjYqnFi6--JTow6MsiQv4nH-keJt0F5KeqeN2CFvyUwFjWd3Fy7vXK/w640-h164/Rats_SmallOval.jpg)
A close up of the bases -- I like how they turned out with various bits, tufts, and such on them
Hope you like them!
Mike Demana
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Great painting, you've chosen the good colours for those swarming rats, brrr! I particularly like the giant ones :)
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I smell a rat. Or rats, as it were... :D
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I thought I was done painting my survivor gangs. However, I was at Historicon last month and Battle Valor Games was a vendor there. I saw these figures and couldn't resist picking them up. They're called "Water Traders."
(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/4oEAAOSwIG9hP~hu/s-l1600.jpg)
Pictures are from the company's ebay site, so hopefully they don't disappear one day. Let me know if they do and I'll fix the link.
(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/jcIAAOSwndphP~jA/s-l1600.jpg)
Something about the big, wide hats nabbed me. I had to pick them up! :-* Maybe I will paint them up and try a solo Zona Alfa game or two? I'm trying to think what color would be a good theme for their clothes. Or should I make them a mish-mash of colors? What do you guys think?
Mike Demana
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They’re very characterful. I would paint them various colours with one item uniform - maybe all the hats are the same colour or just the hat-band. Or possibly the bedroll.
I look forward to seeing what you do with them.
Doug
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...I would paint them various colours with one item uniform - maybe all the hats are the same colour or just the hat-band. Or possibly the bedroll...
What he said! :)
Nice find!
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Good too see all the Foundry and Copplestone post-apoc figs. I really like the pillbots too, I think I have some similar things in the pile. Those 'Water traders' look really interesting!
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Thanks everyone! Praise on this forum is high praise indeed, considering the talent level of the artists on this forum, like Dr. Matthias!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7WCZPg-9S0vV6QXD4TlsvGpzdg7nV5z8t4nuDmJbuN7cRKR9m9bmre39gIJbMT0pk0xZRX40rOdyIr0ocHAywz9g7eOnMSLNPDoKOZhBvlRIs-jjoiW8_PWgxihJq46WWGpbIZLL6L6damUkU4Kny-5SObnPqpbYc89-O4GqOer1mO05Mjtvci1iqudY/s1000/ScatterScavenge01.jpg)
The Bass Reeves with a great haul of loot! My new scavenge markers
My latest thing was painting up some scatter bits to use to denote which characters in my post-apoc games have picked up supplies. Currently, we stick a small craft store pom pom (or "puffball," in our vernacular). However, I try to make everything as "scenic" as possible. So, I painted up some backpacks, suitcases, medical kits, stacks of cans, etc., from the Mantic Games "Terrain Crate" Crystal Peak Camp set.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjlnirpL6xNOfVCB_C9APtcD4Gm51xUzL3MdME8t5OAwFjZcogaNcwWKDB3t3pkAo_3nr5xW1sgYLkWuel5_uOb70bhz6BRfafswHm4Wvk_d9nNtU5DLja48jiZ1gt-3qI9cn75ji4JC1gIBkts4Qb0uTYk6FhPCxsUJkkJbMJ_oweiSV7AVKrNLAN2g/s1000/ScatterScavenge02.jpg)
Close up of the bits and pieces from the Mantic Games "Crystal Peaks" Terrain Create
I think they will look MUCH nicer on the tabletop than a puffball! Now that I think about it, maybe I should add a post which details the various scenic markers I have created for our games. We like the Wiley Games "Fistful of Lead" rules, but they are relatively marker heavy. So, I had to get a bit creative to have enough things to mark which figures have moved, which are "Creeping," Shock Markers, Wound markers, and so on.
Look for that in a future post!
Mike Demana
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Excellent idea Mike, I personally dislike counters on the table. We spend a lot of time creating believable scenery and painting figures to provide a visual delight and then litter it with markers. It doesn't seem right, even if it helps with game play.
These are a great solution.
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Those do look good, Mike. The should prove quite versatile. Well done!
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I personally dislike counters on the table. We spend a lot of time creating believable scenery and painting figures to provide a visual delight and then litter it with markers.
You sum up my feelings perfectly, Vaggers! That's one of the reasons I created a "moved already this turn" scenic base (well, to be honest, these were bought from Michigan Toy Soldier Company... lol). The alternative is leaving the card the character moved with out on the table, which I find hideous. I have found, in general, scenic markers to replace counters don't really take much time to make. Yep, definitely need to take some pics of my stuff and show it off... :D
Mike Demana
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Thanks everyone! Praise on this forum is high praise indeed, considering the talent level of the artists on this forum, like Dr. Matthias!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7WCZPg-9S0vV6QXD4TlsvGpzdg7nV5z8t4nuDmJbuN7cRKR9m9bmre39gIJbMT0pk0xZRX40rOdyIr0ocHAywz9g7eOnMSLNPDoKOZhBvlRIs-jjoiW8_PWgxihJq46WWGpbIZLL6L6damUkU4Kny-5SObnPqpbYc89-O4GqOer1mO05Mjtvci1iqudY/s1000/ScatterScavenge01.jpg)
The Bass Reeves with a great haul of loot! My new scavenge markers
My latest thing was painting up some scatter bits to use to denote which characters in my post-apoc games have picked up supplies. Currently, we stick a small craft store pom pom (or "puffball," in our vernacular). However, I try to make everything as "scenic" as possible. So, I painted up some backpacks, suitcases, medical kits, stacks of cans, etc., from the Mantic Games "Terrain Crate" Crystal Peak Camp set.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjlnirpL6xNOfVCB_C9APtcD4Gm51xUzL3MdME8t5OAwFjZcogaNcwWKDB3t3pkAo_3nr5xW1sgYLkWuel5_uOb70bhz6BRfafswHm4Wvk_d9nNtU5DLja48jiZ1gt-3qI9cn75ji4JC1gIBkts4Qb0uTYk6FhPCxsUJkkJbMJ_oweiSV7AVKrNLAN2g/s1000/ScatterScavenge02.jpg)
Close up of the bits and pieces from the Mantic Games "Crystal Peaks" Terrain Create
I think they will look MUCH nicer on the tabletop than a puffball! Now that I think about it, maybe I should add a post which details the various scenic markers I have created for our games. We like the Wiley Games "Fistful of Lead" rules, but they are relatively marker heavy. So, I had to get a bit creative to have enough things to mark which figures have moved, which are "Creeping," Shock Markers, Wound markers, and so on.
Look for that in a future post!
Mike Demana
Lovely stuff! Those Mantic objective tokens are really great!
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A worthy project, lots of great post-apoc stuff here. Lots of character!
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Some great stuff here, I can't wait to see those water traders with paint on! :D
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Thanks, everyone! Since I've morphed into terrain and bits, I guess I may as well diverge from just using this thread for miniatures. Here are some wrecked cars that I just painted up:
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUS6tRvaMYOttmM_quonPwC-1jFY1wkvZHndZ_frj86FgYI7uDlMqhOpV_Yri785NjzReQP217AFHKQYkqR0hwqzCR8z-Yw5Z0wHOGispw-hJzyjzj5WQsgEZToJdwxuXtxwIYexkWmtdc92r6EFEtqEEG0pk0MpdPoe5dudkBXm2d4edKpgzxALV_CU/w640-h156/CarsWrecked01.jpg)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfPDrwmsovzpBoFYw5QKPGHrHIxOsWAo7crIyWVsA69mt38OSSw4Jz7ljaPy6HpoEdqyi_brVtAOQVZg2yEsU_1q4udM4XAY9nBJmHgIjeR7N6AZE97cIngcVVTYv-1rBfNxCoFsWIJVEiHQc-X85xgxj2GDRw8RbIg5X8foUB0yzKSVdXiwxP-i5qHw/w640-h224/PickupsWrecked02.jpg)
I believe these are from Mantic Games "Street Scatter" box...I swore that I picked them up at the local hobby shop that carries their Terrain Crate line. I liked them except for the pickup trucks had a separate back window. The casting was a bit warped and I had to green stuff the heck out of it to make it look relatively normal. The solid windows I had to do hand-painted cracking on.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2IXh66R4fCGu9U1IVG8mgPTuiXQYMWwB3t4RTwcRj3iYNs-Sper1tt61jVaJM_t2mEdHgMj0yWvIMvk-LYrx6NopEYJ0hRRVxL5GFJnSMTytq2OLJx4JFxCQK1Edj7WRLcQSk1pXL3PoSE-GClivsgsG2WmOF7nxHy-YE0hFX9QDAXdUKyPQA6JQ7CUw/w640-h382/BigDeadTrees02.jpg)
I have also been collecting various trees and painting them up as dead for that nuclear winter look. One batch was from the Terrain Crate "Gothic Grounds" (the little ones in back), and the big suckers are from my friend Rusty Parker and his Jarls Workshop 3-D printed store.
Once again, I appreciate the kind words!
Mike Demana
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Nice job on those vehicles, Mike. I have those too - and .50-cals and gunners to go with the trucks!
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I have those too - and .50-cals and gunners to go with the trucks!
I hadn't thought about that! Good idea. That plastic should make it easy to drill out and mount the gun...
Mike Demana
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(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWsgLoovCBGzI79-Y7fQz8zetIfVXTEec54ggW41TDIL1Loh9J_hfd7T7CuyfLLuHhj5SvpoGrdw_m7FArEHLkuNLwP3y71ymwaXFEGExLfOjMRCCkF1g32eXLjc3wkCoCBKW1r7u-2kDvLMT1heGufWylYsXxOst02L-A3IsoWg45GmqMbUVIAwVVRj4/w640-h592/TerminatorsTwo01.jpg)
These 3-D printed Terminators could be useful for my post-Apocalyptic campaign, I imagine
My first batch of 3-D printed figures that I have ever painted came from JS Wargamer Printing (http://wargamerprinting.com/). Regional gamer friend John has a huge line of miniatures that he prints upon demand. These include lines inspired by Star Wars, Planet of the Apes, Warhammer 40K, and (crucially) Terminator. I bought two packs of his "Machine Wars - Exterminators." For all of his lines, John changes the name of the figures so they are not technically marketed as copyrighted lines, but they are all immediately recognizable. I believe they are designed and the STL files sold by Papsikels Miniatures.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLj9xascxR5eNMjqHyylr6Pqftw9F8AZHxfVIaGCEqAZfC00cb1qjP5xBZB0e4u2MPi3uvgFPRyx-nEwrlkHRlRvjTmcYAyKSWj9mkCTU5FuqfYDpr3wavxMj4jbLL4rwOC4c_ynYLPGTerWgwskPVaRFFgO2-dEr_nZX3YixISldF2NTOvRg1OyqNxbo/w640-h360/TerminatorsSix02.jpg)
I bought two packs -- 13 figures -- but one broke in the basing process.
Like all 3-D printed miniatures, they ARE fragile. Very fragile, if you ask this metal miniatures enthusiast! John warns of this on his website, though. In this batch of 13 Exterminators, one of them did break at the ankles and ended up being useless except for scrap for casualty markers and such. Although John Connor may be hoping the Terminators end up being that fragile on the tabletop, I certainly do not! I'd hate to be repainting and replacing figures on a semi-regular basis and hope this was not a failed experiment...!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCAaqmjOLR4kbWXh55RECkTEc3jGyLuyXnxLhGt6MyHQ6fStuQGpVBvcmobPCh_SksAmPWFaYEITY0eIFaOIa4Qzh0BnpXY_lYHOYAvUin_lTxf2eznGxdTRU4a6414oTFHG-b0dgUZJ-3xjYf6WLSa5M6OneR9KttWHwYviGH9Ts-sMsinEpk5QO-x5g/w640-h356/TerminatorsSix01.jpg)
Here's the other half of the figures - they have a nice variety of weapons and poses, I felt
The Exterminators did paint up VERY easily, though. I spray-painted them Krylon Matte Black, then went over it with my usual 50/50 solution of black acrylic paint and water. Next, I painted them a "Metallic Gray" (dark metal) base coat. Once it had dried, I dry brushed them silver. I touched up various other colors on the weapons, eyes, and other other metallic components. I did a dark wash on the weapons so the skeletal looking figures stayed shiny, but the weapons were a darker metallic.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6wAcNyBF1_AgZbe9VbejU0Q3CCQqIOe1pXZm4UxVmYXhNYnqx-nVbXZIYHt-E4ZlsTIAKB7j43FXKsaJ6YrPp84sJDesLRNmtOBchzsjiwBNvkvRnqo1OByUCyXRxtxbWpg_-dfZCk4mVtRMzeDP3_bVRfs8sr7CUoEEG7d5RuolOmGQlda8F66ZE210/w640-h206/TerminatorsAll02.jpg)
The entire force of "Exterminators" looking for some humans to eradicate
For basing, I used the wealth of leftover plastic circular bases that come with the Gripping Beast Saga army packs. I normally use square wooden ones for Saga, so have lots of these left over. I applied magnetic sticky base bottoms from Litko Aerosystems to the plastic bases and am fairly happy with how they worked. I used 5-minute, two-part epoxy to glue the Exterminator feet to the plastic bases, and they seemed to hold well. I jazzed up the bases with small rocks and bricks, then applied Woodland Scenics Blended Gray Ballast to the bases. I did a dark wash over the ballast, then actually dry brushed it lighter gray to bring some depth back up. Some more Woodland Scenics turf, burnt grass looking tuft, and spray clear coats and they were ready for the tabletop.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwH_lCWm5uBolRHnenoQK7LlF2rPHljFbNw_yiXURR3cphyKZ8IKFm4hE5i3xgzxG_JsGyDpoon73ODQo8E-0yzY8kYmuB-bBJpE9ugTKwOyZzJd3MJDP1Wp453sHE5D9cpOuMx7kA5BFgoq5QWHf7OO3ci7SssZwTS1-oJqKBKMgg4Crq485wYoAKCuM/w640-h316/TerminatorsFour01.jpg)
I like the heavy weapons that come along with the hand held weapons
I will likely be painting more of the miniatures I bought from John at CincyCon 2023. So keep an eye out for them...!
Mike Demana
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Lovely figures those. :D
And here are those pick-ups as technicals...I used Empress Insurgents for the figures and guns...
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Continually great work! 👍☢️
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Thanks for the kind words, Gnome! And Jim -- I really like those pickups as technicals. It makes sense they've been involved in a fender bender or two... lol
Mike Demana
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I have a few WWl printed planes but not gone into the current ranges, especially resin prints, which I understand are better print quality but fragile. I was amazed how much there is when I did look.
You've done a nice jog with these and Jim the technicals look great as well.
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(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWEeBejQAZbCXn0_OyC5mzQhbZLYvkNL0uZcCedZp5rRHRxfADJoOyv7CctpSvVb1I541Xo0Apl7bR4JPyrHCJXf9lroEZMaFgL3dPF5lFb18rMMhyi4E1IxqTeFm8o1Dwydj3u0m_FgiiZSiDxiCuIb8emrr2HIJ5gDSRmDQcWj2VhXb6d1PIP2xPU8/w640-h252/RobotsMechs_All02.jpg)
A batch of cool-looking droids and robots that might show up in my post-apocalyptic games
Time for some more "machines" for the humans to fight. These come from several sources. The incredibly cool, crab-like droids are from Aberrant Games and are called Vatacina "Sentinel" and "Purifier," I believe. I picked them up at a flea market in January from a local gamer. I swear the pack was marked $1. I couldn't tell what they would like put together, so I only bought three. Wish I had got more, now!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8ZaygLGQoIjYZQhkb_ntTTv3LHxchEIKEXJ3MS7gXbIfXeXjvoik3cM9S4ymx7JlLu-VOyX_1LbqSNpl00QaB3BvmABrnqXMTVgLJ-WSlrsYY9GxUvQXaYAzNBYJcafvAuWVaW6Il_fDxf_rtITmLLRcRpkwl_S6qBHEN3WaclF3eDRKrZ2lXX7zYHE/w640-h236/RobotsMechs_CrabBots01.jpg)
I am all thumbs when it comes to using super glue or modelers cement. And I simply couldn't get the Vatacinas assembled no matter how hard I tried. I handed them off to my friend Keith and he did a nice job putting them together. He even repositioned one of the arms to give the droid a different look. I painted them in a dark metallic cover first, giving it a heavy black wash, too. Then I added a colorful metallic layer of paint for the main parts of the droid. I added accent colors and picked out various bits before one final dark wash.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOzdBf4HiqXRoXXw84RSo5n2BxSWsVFbGXvPsL4YBux4MCRuPizf6qE6Bu98isO0z5fwLOpWreXRM22enmXfOFKexzSBgFBl7zSXMtxUZJhy10WZaLKsj3lKBvH_NKeLmQzEXgyAW8QFxjd6GpqCh0c0brolZdTVHYk0z-5Ts7TKgOMSXXv3XqjDWI2js/w640-h248/RobotsMechs_CrabBotsRear.jpg)
Needless to say, I am VERY happy with how the three came out. They may also show up as part of a Xenos Rampant force in Sci-Fi minis games, or even as enemies in Space Station Zero. The coolness factor is high with their look, almost a cross between Starship Trooper arachnids and Star Wars battle droids.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxYWK0E-itTWKFh2Uh0ZZ3ZFAIDTG0-wGoPV887qVbfAq6bZc1kSoLFbqJC0cK8v1BDHI6B0d1o_W0KXq6Q0v38kjLHI7NJSr47wXzjf7NhPI5P9grjm3KGYaR5jQUdeIMJjZ2-0o3d03E1Xqq-1ob28Q13U0tu789xCJlh_BjM2qx26cOIK-8Zng5TmQ/w640-h302/RobotsMechs_MechArtyFront.jpg)
The rest of the batch included a Wiley Games robot, a Reviresco Robot Heavy Gun, and two tiny droids also from Aberrant Games Rezolution line. The tracked robot is a resin miniature and a bargain at only $5 on the Wiley Games website. I tried a metallic white paint with red accents to give it a more retro look, and am suitably happy with how it turned out. For those who have seen them, Reviresco minis are somewhat dated and clunky. However, when you're looking for the odd Sci-Fi piece, they can fit the bill.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJIO2q5C0htjV791Lhyphenhyphene86K1ktuDBo5Ls96d4vLXopmjWfGZZpf8AKYcGMiGGNA88tdaUP4P1PGNgPjyBtz7Xi-E1AyHOMvjD2ey1n0Hx6Ky29gLZTkrxEZ4tF5Jr96oocapZpFjXPCns8eUTINMYnI1Dc_jN012_i_a1RsYtkr6M57emqM4i61C5QS4/w640-h290/RobotsMechs_MechArtyRear.jpg)
The two tiny droids came out great, as well. Once again, I am kicking myself for not buying more from my friend's flea market table. These may show up more often as scatter terrain or eye candy rather than take on an actual role in a miniatures game. However, they are cool looking, as well, so I am glad I painted them up. I like my craft paint metallics and will likely continue to use a selection of them.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9M2mzpjwSIF-BfMaUvkHdD3ANl-m2y15QT784bw1QrM9pbr9bsLNm8ZjxbOGgoPbJOAeiI5mPBoMB69ZmOpmmfv5KQAEqsph-Ok0u3k2pKbdLwDu7afGcLU4xvTujoXj4m2GQhnCn11eirBl_KkgJdS0-y2PIa77ZFhH2CuCquUW8tBnhYgwkJO3yM9o/w640-h206/RobotsMechs_All01.jpg)
All in all, I feel these are a solid addition to either my post-apocalyptic forces for the machines or just Sci-Fi games in general. Thanks for all the kind comments!
Mike Demana
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Read this thread through again from the start and I continue to be impressed.
Standout figures for me are the Rastafarian lads, the loot markers and chem suit gang.
Also love the idea of NPC's being under the control of the weakest player as a bit of a catch up mechanism- pure genius and I'll be using it in my games at some point.
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Good stuff there, Mike. They all look great!
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Also love the idea of NPC's being under the control of the weakest player as a bit of a catch up mechanism- pure genius and I'll be using it in my games at some point.
Thanks for the kind words! We are lucky in that we tend to have 6+ players on a regular evening. So many games are written for one on one, and it's hard to balance them for a gang of folks!
Mike Demana
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(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXkT1X1OTGoz7Y8A5BQePeXwpsWUiuC89xyiGNBXoJfrpceVMpQmzLoYTlTPxehGILB5FZKGELx8F4yNkkkouiQKtxg8_P94DyhIeL7dUrAPdgHRnLbpmYSJAwq5a3jb7mpWrzYIAoleq4NG1r89GQEEcrAzv7CP5gFcL9U5O80WbgIBcCDPM2Rp1ABo/w640-h638/CornerRuins%202B.jpg)
I think I'll veer off here and start sharing pictures of my post-apocalyptic terrain, too. Here are a few shots of some corner ruins I recently finished up. My friend Rusty Parker, who has a 3-D printing business called Jarl's Workshop, sold these to me because I liked the first one I painted up so much. They are originally from WOWBuildings, who sells the STL files.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhBeYQwKCi9H8QkRJbkclN4dHXBnhse4VXtGGVii2pSmdKWJBhwVepi5dj-cxRx2y7SUGmbQC_Dyg1TqaUAYFZOR_6n8MQD9MnDoUvGXsg0YVJMRj16GWDRWUsEMK9CyvGey4T-PWzlniumQCz0GnablgaxQFwjwDIDRlnGe3p-UHJQpuBowjFSJAbgY8/w430-h640/CornerRuins%202C.jpg)
The kit is a six story corner ruin, but I decided to add some variety by lopping off a level or two on my next two builds. Plus, it leaned a bit more than I liked when it got all the way up to six stories tall. Maybe that was my fault for not using some steel bases or something to wait it down on the bottom, but I am glad I made the decision to do 4- and 5-story versions. It should provide more variety.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDHGirmQ9ephrNT7uHWb2vDE6hpKtfu8EPZh0359fRx-bKOpp2Cjhe7rPMXX7lj24Gbl3kev3Fs-5m7OWi56mZ3V_FFOQbcQOJH3ftcXwG_aIgnvkaFqiyfMLzlcZKwDHpTEm1bbXSVF6jGnXqqnN6grEuBQdhc7sc-We_vzDmrYIIEyXAl3UmzW9Kisk/w602-h640/CornerRuins%202A.jpg)
I cut my styrene plastic bases I epoxied the ruins onto wider to also combat the lean. While I was at it, I put a lot more on the bases to, hoping to represent blocks that have fallen off the upper floors and lay in piles around the corner that is still standing. I used large red bricks which I believe come from Pegasus Terrain, though I have long since thrown away the tag that came on the bag.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi117-Xvnc7i6WgE8jv3qzgt_kJEEdeLmjVqZPxpupSlinLoey0sW-7bfnCQThG_Q7D5Wh04XxgSbrzWMtNccUTdWXLI4MwsP1ITLBqIdd_Xa7Lm9IIiXOz_ANah8u5J9_O-vMu1BW_s9JKbklf-ZHm9xoe-ViXFID7NWz8qoqyZ-W0KU9wPWqPyIk92kc/w390-h640/CornerRuins%202D.jpg)
I did my usual treatment - spray painting the ruin with Krylon matte black paint and following it up with a 50/50 mixture of acrylic black paint and water. Then I did a dark gray wet brush and a light gray dry brush over the surface. I then added small red bricks and coarse gray ballast (from Woodland Scenics) to each of the floors to represent rubble piled up. For the ballast and small bricks, I went over them with a dark black wash.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgulK1Zw51xlBHY-kXdIi-ZHG39LflJNpqM5jAiH0KulrTN7eANtpqx7fbrr7OOZ2stHM72MNsBHo5NI6OguN7iqkqYl1d0m1cPAMCfjIUk66lvEVTNpGJlAiq4ommQsJXE9i9O0g8c04F6a3TAeWE8uLljmTie-FU1hxqkAe5YqIVBGQmjF_eWAIqH/w202-h640/6Story%20RuinFront.jpg)
My original six story ruin
You do have to glue the various levels together ("some assembly required"), but they fit together well and were no problem. Rusty sold them to me at a good price and I will probably (eventually) buy even more of them from him. I want to work on some more of the other ruined terrain that I picked up in the second half of the 2023. In the meantime, I'll keep adding in pictures of my previously painted terrain! Hope you like them...!!
Mike Demana
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The rubble looks just about right to me Mike :) , very convincing.
Yikes 6 storey, that looks it might overshadow a few of the wizard towers on here ;)
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Thanks! I like how it breaks up the table vertically, too. Different heights give it a more real look...
Mike Demana
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Those ruins look good, Mike. They also look like they could collapse if hit with the right firepower.... ;)
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Thanks, Jim! I like that "ready to fall down" look of a post-apoc cityscape.
Here are some more ruins from the same source as the last post (Rusty's "Jarl's Workshop" printing of 3-D buildings from WOWBuildings).
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDPIYvGWH6iS8WHaJ6L6c29a9QW_9qqSJXbX7icY_5N7e3B0-j4IuL0ey6Fuf7Kn_PK-jMVRd4EHz3zr8G72y7qaYR7zIuddG5P6CTOoJTsFK7gik0ifGyirwAqTOTCAKG__41G_heNMqWSTBwa0mK2ulsgaS5S23IGJQ_DtnCb3I4PIlCNAMeKila/w536-h640/2StoryBrickConcrete.jpg)
This two-story ruined home was a bear to paint, chiefly because of the brick and stone combination. I really like how it turned out, though -- particularly the two levels of fireplaces and the remnant second floor.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0RKhHLofSYf4nqQ-FAEtqBM071cgXxyZ1StvvSJ92lH5vbXHrbNB65HDMkCyM5TpakZ6OjGUFJ_Ldbfsjap4ALogImVOjKLMx1ph1fuAqKgc-d6icF7HlwEG7tntHt7bAnnmtWHdGh3jveVtZXrMENcHLVVBiLo3_y2_jMAbGjgvt7XHc3Cz-28E0/w640-h456/1story.jpg)
I think Capn Jim got his wish to take down what was left of this building -- which is not much! Fewer bricks to pick out, so it went faster. I also think it is a good to have a variety of states your buildings are in -- mostly together, half destroyed, remnants, and flattened (as in this case). Mixing it up looks good on the tabletop, which hopefully I can prove in my next scenario. It'll be another delve into a ruined urban area...
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHsulaSmMTtRi-cwodI6hnBLhe5aaB3iy2G4nC79a--rC1xt7_im6OlGoqoNCD7BrU4UB3JU1r-ie3hNPZNeLRJGP4n6qz5i05kLJghlWOqos-rbCeYWEWLwqshwNUuUcNwXcMKcvM42aOODmUmtGw1EJPJ2D5v_7-52P2FDe6Qk-xWFvZQZ6jfdn6/w640-h434/Dirtfilled.jpg)
Not a whole lot left of this one for the Bucknuts to scavenge through. It has been down for awhile, as the foundations have filled in a bit with blowing dirt and vegetation covering the rubble. As you can imagine, this one went rather quickly. I do like putting the Woodland Scenics Blended Turf in there to give it a more flocked and less painted look.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbJjhcBUEUeyUGjvNriE9Megt-ZkyFWPzZYMxLNpyHHN4TFLwm2n7bRMLhfbVy6JYt4Ko4U5hweU17y61X23co0Hw_FPHbGa69vChBx0t9TVhF4w4bUpbqMqIOgIdIY7XF7z9f67KGrB2qqVd-5i277mZ25HQ8A_VM5fx8HAi6wlMjTqpYx6CJRFdI/w498-h640/2StoryBrickConcreteBack.jpg)
Another shot of the two story building. The Bucknuts survivor gang are back to root through the ruins, not finding anything in the flattened buildings.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38t_bIGP3WAR_Kt2Tls5tfg5TinPPPaTX4IiIkl6WJtNtS4UzRqxGSfdjCj7KlcC2EVumuT_ESWy3wPymjazjsQiQcALxSOjgon-4EwRIYNQ8O6L2oluPvnapQh4HmGFc_sjPEwtzQzh4Xd-AFUrsjr5BOXcJZqgE7g2bAM-6WOgB8Tx7MQftprL0/w640-h348/Acheson%20Concrete%20Pilings.jpg)
These concrete pillars are all that remains of a factory long since disappeared. They are from my favorite company for resin terrain, Acheson Creations. Sadly, the owner has stepped back and isn't actively creating more and marketing the company's products. Several other vendors are carrying their products, though, including the all-around nice guy and hobby supporter Kirk from Miniature Building Authority. Buy from him if you get a chance!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQmf4rRXpV8J_ieiH7xkOC5L4bMZSiLH_K1jmeUnI3oKFGRlhx2Xm-zerY6EOPzcGzOtzAeHQUYeKY2Zk1SkUZd8sOHPYXpD6Hj2648lYSLq-ASFac3xMo0nlPSXdB3qdFY9b-RIOW9iALNoxCy8VBr9G8vNh7wIxxExeuRRz9sBDZVHa3qEVzeRn/w640-h318/Acheson%20Tire%20Piles.jpg)
Some scatter terrain from Acheson Creations. The stacks of tires barrels, etc., are great to clutter up the areas of a ruined city street. Kirk and others who carry Acheson products will bring large plastic tubs of these pieces that you can dig through and find the treasures you need. Typically, these pieces cost $1 or $2, though you find an occasional more elaborate one for more. Most of my scatter terrain is from Acheson Creations.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWO-d0CtaevYaRIY-k6qII1GYbyMGMByHALpWLvZiF4k0_ac1gHGGoI1z9ECEjIkxg_eT0U1N1Epy_cczlfe15XEyefgB7-PVhAV9QH34gSL65wRAlNhr0E1RpKCmEv83FAVpiXZtSt7brER_QUzZOQEMeDuYUqf_Ugy8BrY6oDjtBxBNyTfRSGiUI/w640-h266/Acheson%20Trashi.jpg)
The middle garbage bins are from Acheson, but the heaps of trash are resin pieces from Miniature Building Authority. You can go down a rabbit hole picking out details in a trash heap, or you can do it quick and dirty. I went somewhere in between. My Bass Reeves survivor gang shows that after the apocalypse, no one is above being called a "trash picker!"... lol
There you go, another batch of post-apocalyptic buildings. I have more that I will be working on soon. Right now, I have a special centerpiece I am doing for the next post-apocalyptic scenario in my campaign. Once it's done, I'll put together either the 4 Ground, Father and Son Gaming, or one of the other MDF ruined buildings I have!
Mike Demana
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Mike,
This all looks great fun.
Nice ideas about the different factions.
Nice scenery. I like the idea of different heights in the game.
Great rule set to go with, FFOL. (Always a giggle).
Well done mate.
Keep it going.
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That stuff looks good too, Mike!
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I love those trash heaps! I need to find something similar in 1/72.
I'm also digging those tire and barrel stacks. Seamless integration between their basing and your table. Well done!
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Such a super project Mike!
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Thanks, everyone! I'm working on a specialty terrain piece right now, and when that is done, it'll be on to another ruined building. I'm going to try to have one piece of terrain going simultaneously with a batch of miniatures. Let's see how that holds out as we get through January and into the rest of the year...! lol
Mike Demana
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(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSFfGUTeaIOfEkNoKXEU6OVrmtFLNdKkQCXzvXq-l7QAosybkcHdtlRkt4GQ-OSiXUtkuD3vcTngVRsqBZ6srmQwYDLn3Ptihhxb7SYXDW1zuZOPjBrWQdBP98cvY1HG_dx84CmHAjs0_fe8sFEqSCO2t_cdknwnFoP8eVl28QGfvl3UGRRPcWgM2vTc/w640-h458/DownedChopper03.jpg)
...and here it is! I was wondering what my next scenario for my post-apocalyptic campaign should be. Someone on here suggested that I have my survivor crews racing into urban ruins hoping to be the first at the crash site of an aircraft they observed going down. I decided to use a helicopter because I could also use it in modern games, of course.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQCF8rAQ5cBsQOPqicIIORZBYYgTJAG1dR31FYmgyBhIZ4F1ub0K3600AQSh-pSPbIF2mQyGHOY_pI4lEj8GXtfb8At9pkI5If-3Qfvkeb8CmztoUSR0qxCIiAYcLPFgMj95XzqQKLdmPeFKiEvmZjHPedZTIU-Oz5nMWR6_fv9almd3QEcRj6oYzLsRY/w640-h446/DownedChopper04.jpg)
This is one of those inexpensive ($2.99 I believe) helicopters I picked up from the bin of die cast cars at Menards home improvement store in town. I used wire cutters to chop away the underside and part of one side. I wanted it to be laying unevenly partially on its side. I also wanted to place one of those flickering tea candles underneath it to give it a glow as if it is still smoldering. I ended up having to cut the top part of the tea candle off, as well. I snipped off two of the rotor blades and embedded them into the building walll, and bent the other two to give it a crashed look.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBU3cjlKc0ekXljQuJouk2HA-NScIlnwmg9A_IL6jwPNamOwdQbvSwOc1fgGwyPWEQ1OyvMJccwQsWRESRFzRWycnqw9TzVECIOzDKPun6JwUwV6QMk3cuJXCCHJot-XnZHwxZY2xcPkRwt5dQLaNnQMsNHagbbtaDJYanDa3IzHGJoULDogn3PbqlBlU/w640-h366/DownedChopper02.jpg)
Once I had the helicopter looking the way I wanted, I sprayed it black with Krylon matte paint. I went over it with a 50/50 mix of black acrylic paint and water, then set it aside to work on its crash site. I decided to have it auto-rotated down into a building. I used a few pieces of stone and wooden post wall as the base of the structure. I added some larger resin bricks to extend the wall, and also filled in gaps and placed coarse ballast for effect as debris. All of this was painted black and then dry brushed medium and light gray.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDuEtUxkfafktVWnZCQ7ZQFzdHwIbAu-OSFm3DIB71wc1yvWCeu_fUD_ALRKtWidOgmpBXZ7q17humehll7YCG4ReGnQGM2XB0KkDfQbzl0Y4iGAa_mRK7ZotdpLl3z0NpbtIqPTbFxP43YTC1oW9DiN3MiE90X6J7LK7Kwemsq5f69rOnFSfnQS-D8Oo/w640-h424/DownedChopper05.jpg)
The base itself was styrene plastic with a brick pattern from the local hobby store epoxied atop it. Once I was satisfied with the crash site, I placed the helicopter atop it, with the tail resting on the wall and propping the front section up with a resin stone piece. I used Tacky Glue to hold it in place, and so far it seems to be doing a good job. After I took these pictures, the flocked mat slid off the table dumping the helicopter onto the carpeted floor! :o The only casualty was one of the rotor remnants embedded in the wall was loose. I re-glued it and breathed a sigh of relief. For a moment, I felt like the little kid whose toy had just broken on first use! :'(
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ04Gd2q8ebXbzX7NUFk3ohFg9QP4n3G-K0qhQhczuTpCbv4C5flFmcfqC6fPbSD5Uo4vOr5WPHMFWKO_ekKpb1YWa-9A9FjTmLPbScwPilibtu5dSejHMUmT2FBNO0QerAOtGJytzbzoMtpcsq1Nh5a30T6gvoOFgOwumfEk7Po7PeEkF-eq8bdIMCkE/w640-h422/DownedChopper01.jpg)
I used battling (pillow stuffing) for the smoke, and forced it down inside the helicopter body. I then pulled some of it out through the windows and side to look like smoke. Honestly, I don't think I did the greatest job on this part. I needed to probably twist it together more firmly so you don't see individual threads of batting. Or go back to using cotton ball material. :?
Either way, I expect I will run the scenario using this in the next few weeks. So, look for more pictures of it in action soon!
Mike Demana
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Nice job on that, Mike. I'll have to look out for it during my next trip to Menards...
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Nice job on that, Mike. I'll have to look out for it during my next trip to Menards...
It was originally in all black with a police logo... :D
Mike Demana
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(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC2oWTx-I_rmHE2CB9arza7YdnuIhMfM7cGHIsCfPZX0e0wV8D-fpYnTSexv1tNSQ8jZfo3MnyJ42nXX-fSvxL_Ysq7hAzMPNjvE4n4NJXAaHr7T-gQzdzGTVacu3MNNzOImZdCzrP3NlaLFC47IakC9Ox4tAFwX2xx9fvAWUYsIfNorIoC0W4gHhwmhc/w640-h184/Corner1storyRuins%20All3front.jpg)
And now for something a bit simpler. I picked up these three one story corner ruins from Diabolical Terrain (https://diabolicalterrain.com/) at our local HMGS convention, Advance the Colors 2023. I always try to support vendors at our shows and it often results in me buying stuff that won't see the tabletop for quite some time!! I honestly feel game shows rely on a 3-part collaboration between local gamer attendees, game masters, and vendors. If any one suffers, they all do. If they all thrive, the convention thrives!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKfpUQHFGpX1bPMjdaP8G8QPcMjF8nzPi2IY5oekkT5sFXYMHR2G_FJ50bOfP-5IAr5PFGB-0TRqQoFPvgVVsJw76En2mZ1LlBXmXk7c4z0y0C_wfY2lguzbBOvVVP6dlUBYLkIEBgpEIEOO7hSB5OEH5ezk6SVVWSy_7K9lyGLPYh-IBoUzlhynpk48/w640-h384/Corner1storyRuins%20Brick02.jpg)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4P51qfdtM0Hxsy6Mq2FwacNUIQDMuVaQURzb1jeo41vJvJK2cE8RKw_MFBK5DvoxnIULtpJcBO-tKbWUBUcjRfaB1nmUvlaeoBGKckPWVAOK18rvQ5vzk1Zz1JmUkPngQ8NegoUOWe4mOmNMtjxjt0Yu0w2cL5oUICtpmX_Y_rJcbRJNxqG5xu4Udvk/w640-h546/Corner1storyRuins%20GraySmall03.jpg)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOrVCENnLUW0vvReCt-OxqnGYClQ_bI1GnOaTgVvsUB2Bt7kwRo-miXDOz9Iggoolj1vlNLylLwRA_wDF3Lx6An2xeYDHr-6m6dbz1z9yjBtya0Au16gQfquMFA_sv2auNfubzWcsiR6JWhBvqUTFiFg3MuVEH1tNczpmb6T1k9La7yIyaGYpLVCel4jA/w640-h204/Corner1storyRuins%20GrayLarge02.jpg)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdrUFnCQoqQdEHB_E2AZbjhkkTDnBrGYGkYOB7ihTbTfozwxI8XlFbSyr5K2vPahbxO1CiflhCd7ou2seOotfQhch7C9npNOIRR2syX2X8rUc_3D7EzJVwsFuGxanYXc8LpVhz83CzW_IA2Sz8fkg9A9UHf9UA1HQ5LQUUHZMna1wKbMkz_5p3w_9_Fz8/w640-h248/Corner1storyRuins%20Brick03.jpg)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1CxNRFZP3uJnpoitIeUx-LVxLxxDJ9Q-MIE1UvTWWG_YvETgefmRLT09bFqqCRMGGlONb7w1EiiD0YrioEF0mOWC0KDDsaWLzh2zBmkLTIcCCK0xD4seeWEZeLKVsJIoBko3jNgewZSzhWgrWJ7yR91FLeFU3bLnfX6eMnWby9V7oJlfny5gITuovWPs/w640-h248/Corner1storyRuins%20GrayLarge01.jpg)
For more details on how I painted each ruin, check out my Lead Legionaries blog: http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2024/01/even-more-ruins-small-1-story-corner.html
Lots of base coat, wet brush, and then dry brushing going on. I did bases them up on L-shaped styrene plastic strips, which I then doctored up with bricks and gravel so the pieces blended in more. I'm fairly happy with how they turned out. They'll definitely show up in my next post-apocalyptic game, which will be another battle in urban ruins.
Thanks in advance for looking and any comments. Another 3-D printed ruin is in the flocking stages, so look for another update soon!
Mike Demana
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Those look quite good! I painted my first FDM print last fall and did some sanding on it. I’m not sure that it was necessary. Did you do anything other than prime and paint yours?
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Those do indeed look good, Mike!
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Nice pieces
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Did you do anything other than prime and paint yours?
I trimmed up with an Xacto knife to take off some of the stringy fibers, which I typically have to do with 3-D prints. Other than that, just spray prime and the 50/50 black acrylic paint and water I brush over it to make sure the black seeps into all the crevices.
Some 3-D prints seem to have ridges or print patterns, I've noticed. I could see sanding the more noticeable ones. It also might be an idea to NOT do a wash on these if you feel that will bring those out. In those cases, let your brushwork do the job! At least that's my take on it... :D
Mike Demana
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Thanks for the insights, that advice makes sense. My pal printed 10 or 12 buildings in 10mm scale for me, so I may do a little experimentation - paint 1 or 2, tweak the approach on the next couple, then use whichever works best for the rest. I’m hoping they will come out as well as yours do!
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(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0Bw3NW5i9aEW7rZ4I6pO96i5snGUjsKOttaX-MevLskdTAb8Osx1dVFDezSpu0NaUXwf7T6tmIQ9aRu9CQbkvWJ_KQz6C2eR7_SUF5Hpo_8_VRSxEUqjhbQv3ls97NPHDdaUO_rw4qMO49FZvH-YkbBIXYymCxrQ7j66zpJqPY3lpOTT457m8pUn_gw/w544-h640/3storyCorner%20Closeup.jpg)
Here's another ruin that I just finished up. This is once again purchased from my good friend Rusty Parker at Jarl's Workshop. When I bought it, I had no idea that the partial second and third story floors were what was taped to the side of the print. I was actually more happy with it after I'd put it all together. Good stuff -- easy to assemble, easy to paint up, and a nice three story vertical look for the tabletop.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4OevEdlVi95noWl6e8iFK1cs_NiJTe1SPFTIkUAtY0bwnOXG_7LxfTlcGUUniAeUhGl1c3vMVqxpJ5X3aXcpcL0S1xWoe0TRV2VgeKPBGgzvwigZmnJnSxl8UzkDb6H2hxRq5StYOTjC4vrtUAzlatIFDVhjhhs9sQCUxe4yAK2uBTU0kD22FHFzomrQ/w598-h640/3storyCorner%20Inside1.jpg)
Like a few of the other 3-D printed buildings I purchased from him, it has a ring of foundations enclosing a relatively overgrown area within the walls. I kicked myself after finishing it for not throwing in some rubble or ruins inside the rectangle of the stone walls. I feel it would have looked much better. Still, I think the vertical element of this piece, rising to three stories tall, will do good in breaking up the silhouette of the tabletop.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHBYie5CuvknYXmLkFYazzQyx6vGkswhA4hNmdi1bI7Fl_WgggX0gwY8hi5oYbiYGxqBzJRsv5w669MZXNSIieQ8zt89oU3hyyNr6fA-gQ4IGUD61VwGGb6ckXQffZ1yAFQWAiw8Us6J4s6_J4lYBiNtvX40eqbEfoUx-xPzD562BhU6L0HaQr_-e6YY/w514-h640/3storyCorner%20Side1.jpg)
I used my usual recipe of spraying priming with Krylon matte black, sealing it with a 50/50 acrylic black paint and water mix to seep into the crevices, and then wet brushing and dry brushing. It took a couple coats of the yellow/tan plaster color to cover sufficiently. That said, I probably should have "dirtied up" the walls more. I used Woodland Scenics flocking and clump foliage to represent the overgrown, sediment filled area within the foundations.
All in all, another reasonably decent looking building to create me ruined cityscape for my post-apocalyptic games. Hope you like it! And I appreciate everyone's kind comments on this thread. I am really looking forward to my next post-apoc scenario and what my full board of ruins will look like... :-*
Mike Demana
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That looks good too, Mike1
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The bricks on the edges look good Mike, I'd want to add some ladders for sniper positions up there, and maybe a mattress/bottles on the top "crowsnest"
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The bricks on the edges look good Mike, I'd want to add some ladders for sniper positions up there, and maybe a mattress/bottles on the top "crowsnest"
Good idea, or maybe some barrels or a dresser or cabinet stacked to climb up? I even have some bottles as plastic scatter terrain. Next ruin... :D
Mike Demana
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I kicked myself after finishing it for not throwing in some rubble or ruins inside the rectangle of the stone walls. I feel it would have looked much better.
Perhaps you can make separate small piles on thin plastic card that you can put inside the ruins. I've done this myself for easier storage (separate base, separate ruined corners and separate rubble piles).
T.
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Perhaps you can make separate small piles on thin plastic card that you can put inside the ruins.
Good suggestion, Sarge! The flocked area was designed to be irregular and bumpy. So, that will complicate matters, but not make it impossible. I have LOTS of scatter. I need to move some of it into the queue...
Mike Demana
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(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQxoWaDTkP0BsPO4Uux14VVOJKZn8ikNnf4_YQzsVv2cnyqi4CRHGqVOiOTBikxAUnmYhMwz0K83AevRYyrNXe8jMEi0oqo3lMFtUhLpJwyClnUCtWBjBugqV4IIvgJmLlyx4DKJlkz1Q4sRBsfRrhw0j8TUXoDAKD-NeBNTAoakARh57TArOM4YdFtY/w640-h228/GorillaCav_All5.jpg)
Just finished up a troop of mounted gorillas. Three of the five figs are from Battle Valor Games and their former Sgt. Major Miniatures lines. The other two are 3-D printed miniatures from JS Wargamer Printing.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSqoROrAFQGP_JzNnH2YvSLfrLbdi1GFZN5Pip-tThPNhnfVydbUs5BEu0-WitBH5YH8QO6JL7vBWZWvD3qzX8CycUOQHdsQVnxh2Wg821bCS_PQUUFxD9y0wC2K8fa7xeurOwn9LZ7vA7f_kxbV4lC4EbNzNTRjaGpx6pUWQJ7Rdy-dJmRYLRSHRspIQ/w634-h640/GorillaCav_3BValor.jpg)
Battle Valor Games 28mm metal miniatures
When I was taking photos of the mounted troopers, I decided to get the whole Planet of the Apes force out. Pictures are below.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcHV8qaJ9RmN5OHJiu9HOTvUTuJiCeWaz8JmwwQIjLH28lN-r4TCMWTvEwmS3Bcy40zKcK4Lb_JyjDbHxLTQNWlAoJmz_N_0aElNzXi4jSTUvt6zGlIHxbHvtAU-Nar7xksM5XNcQTkWR1JZE2LZZnRBrROI4aSu0rGju9s-mmZqBb-7LSpGbVDw6XG1U/w406-h640/GorillaCav_2JSWarg.jpg)
3-D printed from JS Wargamer Printing
A couple pics of the whole force assembled...
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsXSMIkUkZ3CHDLTbKo0_q5vb5bl1WYaD-3Hbp3rWwggOFOzRIDEKpeP73m6vE8K2gysq9JudizX5UNEG4Gt4Qn0mhWYh0LhEZaO1rEXKEFas0gNG6NlseCEu4ZHQkCFzeDX4W9zXpMGMCUQVQEVPKzR4j2omcSeKnd8Hy8EVxJA7K42eM8cOE4ppRZqQ/w640-h176/PlanetApesForce_BestGroupPic.jpg)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCnKG2fyaIjX2rIZ0FDoYhHwdF3RsKQDDfe6ijfH3d8fupF-uyexUhIb1UWtVmeqnpKEYMn85p5Swk3QTrWHl_XsC-TQ9SYL5VY-yAP0xOMjaKCLayfsT-CmqyN1c7k8lqGSt5atygpMh__5mNQm7IFMMsrhpgivf7qKZv_2oRJy_IiHvq_XcncFf1-W0/w640-h192/PlanetApesForce_ZoomUrco.jpg)
Here were the very first Planet of the Apes figs I painted -- Eureka Miniatures chimpanzees.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA8RevVbUZuPSz7yk0qk4NpN2XccA2UVNt0qYjcRqzbM2nsehukGZ6DNgkv5sm8Vq4g68FxKCeq1dVHT3fIJeedm8ohZ_XlN2X-nZ2olgEQwy9JotQ8I7ZF0n2PmfvCrS-lNDV03OLPS75cMOL7jSbc7H6pqwMP24edAcAUScC37ZrmAVV70ZJqvFGxow/w640-h220/PlanetApesForce_Chimpanzees.jpg)
The next up are gorilla infantry originally from Sgt. Major Miniatures, with reinforcements from Battle Valor Games.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8FVJS6aUxqIUCzdCwvpmeLZJb5kGD0ZJXogllW7Ilj55aQdkDAe75Ao5MGsRg0YlGjNS13M5p0ZdjviEhGZbTmg4j4l9V76FV-luEiuM7UKBVn85vjEnu91JpwO0Ey2iLrx7FcwmJRoq_sJzQehbH9aHtFda3TVe9aAbsFET0sK0clmejjPgKGOevPs/w640-h170/PlanetApesForce_GorillaInfantry.jpg)
The mounted General Urco - does anyone know where he is from? He was given to me by a friend
Some character-type figures. The seated figure is from Brigade Games "Atomic Cafe" line. The officer smoking the cigar is from Eureka. Dr. Zaius is from Battle Valor, I believe, as is Maurice the hulking orangutan.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXu7jb4_AE92ABbh5ZyGePAY7AHGURo8FTE0waqSgJZb3_LfKidKMMkVlmEOiKLig0S6ALbqLQjqwGoKvJdPspF88f6Jr0j_l63tLaY4h6aY2vYIZsE5VCX9vdarJRsWjyV-UXpQ7cqPqLGOpE1_7F2tN8yTaVglx67Sv5L_VlOPukGS9Iql0HsLknvLo/w640-h302/PlanetApesForce_Characters.jpg)
And finally, the recently-painted Gibbon monkeys...
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9sb352OArHTVShErXZhTYc77bUd0Ysq3-NSWN40R7bTRlLFL3UsgDwv3rXJlnKgw3HzCssqXjHniyaSJxAjq1wrkyvrJmXfVDT_XV4JbpKH8eF9zu2yjfHSpFL7rUakNUPuJgxnbarmG2va7joN7r43E_JlVzuHHSzLvLtfcoqbrok8zY_1np9JnFmoU/w640-h222/Gibbons1_All6.jpg)
That is probably it for awhile. I have more than enough to create a force for my Xenos Rampant Sci-Fi games, and more than plenty for my post-apocalyptic skirmish with Wiley Games rules. Unless a new project rears its shiny head, I don't think I will needing to paint up anymore. But then again, there IS that new movie coming out...! lol
Hope you enjoy my monkey business...! (And yes, I know apes are monkeys :D )
Mike Demana
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Okay then. Looks like you're all in on that. And they all look great!
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Thanks, Jim! See you at Drums (or DayCon if you end up going...)!
Mike Demana
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The ape models are amazing.
I'm a big fan of the original Planet of the Apes flicks, but haven't watched the new ones. Are they worth it? I need something to check out this summer anyway.
And is this project really done? Is any project really ever done? You'll be back to add another model or two... and I'll be lurking LAF to check em out.
Great work, Mike!
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Thanks for the kind comments! Oh, I imagine there is an ape or two left to be painted. My apes have already seen action in two campaigns over the years, and are about to engage in a third one. The first one, way, way back when was Mutants and Death Ray Guns. That's why one chimpanzee is armed only with a pole. We were limited on weapons in the campaign, so I had to convert one of the Eureka Chimps to some sort of melee weapon.
The second campaign was much more recent - my post-apocalyptic campaign I've been running with Wiley Games rules. They were the "bad guys" in the campaign's only cooperative game, so far. All other games were competitive with rival survivor gangs at least potentially hostile. See my "Where the Dark Things Gather" for that battle report.
https://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2023/12/a-truce-was-struck-between-rival-gangs.html
The third game they will be used in will be Xenos Rampant. They are one of my "Detachments," so should see action in a 6-player game coming up soon. So, stay tuned to see the apes in action!
As for the movies, I DO like them. They are hit or miss at times. The reboot first one was a little plodding and pompous at times, I felt. I have liked them after that, and am looking forward to the release of "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" next month.
Thanks again for the kind words!
Mike Demana
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(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV7HGkESJCei0f1NOayF__d_vbaoSkDPyLirTbYFGx6SUT3q3d-sEb8WeNA4w33mGHI7KGDbHNol0FaCCa9qMLxpXi5EqKu2HYNmicqCnke_KME2y215aAZ5UOLbn62egSuZCGhC-9yapEBzlDiRIWvAxr4Odi5tzfg_7kzlZPR_o6qRGXt9Za0vWMtyg/w640-h298/Zomb2Scatter_ThirdA.jpg)
Since painting the first batch of 3-D printed zombies recently, I thought I may as well do a second batch while how I did them was fresh in my memory. They are the same 10 poses as before, but I tried my best to change the colors so that they weren't identical. Also featured in this entry are a handful of urban scatter that I picked up at a flea market a year and a half ago. They are from the Mantic Games Terrain Crate line. I had been wanting to get them ready for the tabletop for months, and finally got around to prepping them a few weeks ago.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuds69qaSv91Hc0JS59p40Ih9izMAN0sDFKw7FWvM_PDv_7tKf2EIKig4fIfsxZXgu4YPi7TvL_qGj1SPoxJm_OappMalUgzjBGRGNuuRTDFzLrGevmHEscqBbo6_U2zaQEUfP7OQMTXxpe8Sa3NXMAYSSAsqhyphenhyphenDCGS8MutZB4P8eekwKFrMd8ahR4avk/w640-h444/CampbellHeights.jpg)
All the pieces are from the Campbell Heights mega box that I bought from my friend Bryan's flea market table. The huge box contains the Crystal Peaks Camp, Abandoned Office, Two Trees Mall, and Survivor's Stronghold boxes. After picking it up and looking through it, I remarked that I should be set for quite awhile on scatter! If you're looking for similar things, Terrain Crate items are available in just about every hobby store, nowadays. They're made of hard plastic and I feel they paint up nicely. With this batch, I wanted pieces that I could use as location markers where players might find salvage in either my post-apocalyptic campaign that I've been running or upcoming County Road Z games.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJXoOr-Qa7XvCByb7EvmRRNqrHu-e9Z8kS8jWJTRM7TfDMNjFUYd9r69-HmUtU0fBUTppM8EOtnUfYH8h-nqOPf9XmCfPOPj6HVV5jvSa9tLz2XKouaRc4ba587J0nBCN53hOP3ZLfxkSSAfAOfmtUt512DL1gOLgrNPM4n9L4KK4DfusaR76ecYkAHZc/w640-h264/Zomb2Scatter_ThirdC.jpg)
With both the scatter and the 3-D zombies, I spray painted them black first with Krylon Fusion matte primer. I followed that up with a 50/50 mix of acrylic black paint and water. Especially on lighter shades, the black shows through a bit, and has the overall effect of "toning down" the colors. I like how this gives it a bit of a dirty, abandoned look. All of the pieces received a dark black (or for a couple, brown) wash to dirty them up even more. I'd picked out the pieces from the mega box that I thought worked well for piles of potential salvage, or pieces that will look good in a variety of modern-esque games.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHV9PpiAy2xCHVonfpLXN3geIhrVHmGgrzQVtHAIRJ8ZGhBIzB5zRU2nXs6Y6spE-Z5QbheHJAkMElVXRsFokd70VKw_izPAsT5aga2bU558GO1oWkGBTEs2u01NhRJ-K-UPAnDjM-UefhnXyON-mOkeNbzT3xEOcMQo7Mfc38Zi0rrPv3IK9gqgpEF-8/w640-h336/Zomb2Scatter_ThirdB.jpg)
I'd already picked through the set last August for the really small pieces of scatter, such as backpacks, med kits, briefcases, and small boxes of canned goods, etc. I don't think I ever did a post including them, so I found the pictures I took and am including one of them here. I wanted them for my post-apocalyptic campaign, pieces that I could set up next to the figure who had grabbed them. I particularly like the backpacks and the briefcases/medkits.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91Yk8q0NrMO62Lmnh4uxiw3UQv2TXJZO7Rklq12SIwiZlpdEZwK8gtSiaORCZ_C-qOiRBqfepWb3GVQy1HbRf8nKHviC641kppf2yhvjWRWYGZijn4FpNlGo86IhlgxCbdVMEhvDCwC6BAY8GH7OsmnP27-IoLA8ap6o-8oPnMu-ZzD-a_39ry5nqcS4/w640-h344/ScatterScavenge02.jpg)
When figuring out how to paint some of the various items, I reverted to what I currently own or have owned. The large cooler was painted blue and white (just like the one in my basement, now). The tackle box atop the styrofoam cooler was green and tan like one I have somewhere around here. Of course, the gasoline can was red.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGai1Zu_eFbkm-zj5XlOg5pj05eXrC83RtyFzxzFw9z6XNOxyOCrDNbBrapjE-kuk2a20eEuwU6Wt88kf03A3LAtehzC93rEHwelA9UhZSeUp_niWaE8E0TC_ROrMGDr6C7VQKujGQ2I9_CET1xK1WmEcJbjBdi2yei4RpExihtE0XijIs2NVKzojvp8/w640-h276/Zomb2Scatter_CoolersTubs.jpg)
All of the pieces of scatter were glued down on various round or rectangular bases I had laying around. Some were plastic, some MDF, and others birch wood discs I pick up at craft stores. I flocked them like I have been doing the zombies, though without the added details. I chose bases so each piece of scatter barely fit on it -- mostly to give me something to hold onto while painting. I think the mixed gray ballast with a black wash over it looks fine, and blends into the tabletop.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6X1Rr5Tz1nGYz_SpYA5of_yxMOY0vR7amRY73mISeIrFQG03TiIj9MZdZFcfGbNHbYmam_pig0SnFvfBAsMHbGh8KeZ3ebTGlDeBIWDuUNWzVYxIKVN_f69ch2YsRjhsRbCllW3b3CWSYpOm0ZePSYY2hUZMOg67MBmcWTUlAGECxVKruWg2UKudsue4/w640-h248/Zomb2Scatter_CratesBoxes.jpg)
Probably the easiest to paint up were the cardboard boxes. I used a darker tan with a dry brush and wash. I painted the paper labels affixed to the boxes a bone color and used a black Micron pen to add scribbles to simulate writing. I was tempted to add Amazon swooshes but figured Billionaire Bezos didn't need any more advertising from me...ha, ha! Plus, that would "date" the boxes and I wanted this modern scatter to be as generic as possible. The wooden crates were easy, as well, and I followed my usual wood recipe for base coat, dry brush, and highlight (followed by a black wash).
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2peFSldu0c1Db-J1Iraidgpx17aGFfTvvbzCGn8WKFjU-BbgDj9U-GaO_dsQKmeUB_25KCpL-Vz_ZZKX63xGzxBU7oRVBzy27-RM0uhJx0niWGiXZIpD6waLpo9TSmb8BSBLMxT5zeMnBTwejWRRKAr0SdyTkEpyREKfZqL7vV2k-nLvv3kTl7EclXuQ/w640-h416/Zomb2Scatter_PicnicTrashPropane.jpg)
I found that the more colors involved in painting up the scatter, naturally the more time they took. The tumbled small cooler probably took the most time of any of the pieces. I wanted to paint all the different packages a jumble of colors so that it actually looked like things from a grocery store shelf. The wicker box with the preset picnic is fairly unrealistic, of course. All the food would have long since rotted away in most of the game settings. It looked fun, though. So, I painted it up as if just set up and the picnickers had stepped away for a moment.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEBxxFXU7zaa5VTTOy7t6T5qBPcBgeVRTzYbQiQtthL3iPTol6C1OKaR8VxczMl0Ojnfn6ivfw1WViVO5wn8eYh2doZX50VZJDO6c96etbUK8IabqauTLyV9AW5ooT_pgg8l2LcNI8VtdM1ZJWr0GaDnl533JEwoHtQMkw5VeVx14nWy-3rgmq5fKIVtI/w640-h334/Zomb2Scatter_CratesDuffels.jpg)
The ultimate goal of painting up this scatter was to use as objective markers in my post-apocalyptic or County Road Z games. To that end, I really liked the pile of duffel bags and cooler, above. It was the last piece in this batch and unfortunately I feel I was rushing it to get done. The straps could have been done a little better, I think, and given some highlighting in a lighter blue. Oh well -- considering how much attention they'll actually get on the tabletop, that's probably not something to beat myself up over!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBvoQ0nx5zDLKu_V_v40F4iPYKS_-V1oODKxto51velQnZOscqotlNFKQa7HDCLOjJmmqMVpDQPVnywrj3fwG4BKgRu4cgsT87hOr5l5hyphenhyphenN7WoGR_PxxZGGLpwCfmKwKgn0vbwzxj8RNMWROfa-RCqx4dap34iFlStVt3_cH0GemVaxZSBdrPABM-X77A/w640-h236/Zomb2Scatter_1stHalf.jpg)
I am going to take a break from scatter and zombies for my next batch. I'm not 100% sure what it will be. Likely choices include painting two Saga warlord stands to donate as prizes for the upcoming Origins tournament. Another possibility is begin working on the vehicles my players will be using for their County Road Z "road trip" across America. With this batch of zombies, I am now back in the "plus" side of Painted Miniatures vs. Purchased. Woo-hoo! And that's not even counting scatter terrain or similar things...!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxkZF9EvdqvklErg0N32rDdSOTg5V44V-JrJMz4SdgsF4GAXGTziZkh6wjAZNHABtXnY0Nher3Jq6CYkTgw4P4WyJHe87zTEWyMNyOZ_FdOjKCM5zM3nZNODuU4K0s2Vc3YW-1qChU1C-uBORVyD73imqCmB_YFujPAqc5pRIGMV9Xf0CXdUBqNb8NAiA/w640-h190/Zomb2Scatter_2ndHalf.jpg)
Hope you like them -- thanks in advance for any comments.
Mike Demana
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Great job on the zeds and the terrain and scatter, it all looks very atmospheric! Thanks for the description of how you painted things, too. I have some similar stuff to work on when I get tired of 15mm fantasy figures, and having this thread to reference will be helpful.
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Good work slogging through the terrain crate scatter.
They look great painted up and will help set the tone and vibe of the environment. Looks good.
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That scatter terrain looks good, Mike. Nicely done!
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So much good stuff and very nicely handled. I’d never heard of that stuff before, I must look out for it.
Excellent work!
Doug
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Thanks, guys -- appreciate the kind words. There's so much of it in there...you could disappear down the rabbit hole painting it up and emerge a year later! So far, I have decided NOT to put scatter in the interiors of my buildings. I figure if I pick a building and do one, it will just show how the others are barren on the inside.
I don't know...do others put scatter on the inside of the building to represent desks, counters, racks, shelves, etc.?
Mike Demana
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I aspire to, but haven’t gotten that far on any of my 28mm skirmish game projects. Still too focused on putting together enough figures and terrain to cover basics.
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I always try to put just one or two characteristic pieces of furniture inside buildings, often along the walls (we need space for gaming) but I don't have as many as yours. I also realised that few posters can be very atmospheric, even dragged on the floor... :)
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(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHJtUiCjkc2CpTEtnfbMFQL5MzG0SliYS9V9kRw0tiqY7Pyix-R6qozTQfi4Zv_aXPj-rSr9kRSvjjnYge0OEnatxqQo_hnK4j9edePg9g5hgD4RpvodFeRRw1I5raHnt0h1YHIR2SW_ptSChx5EqScbY1ZErkZd4l_hSo5THpFEruNEAsT2wVFEDy/w640-h512/DragLair01_MS%20WallacePub.jpg)
I like putting posters on walls -- especially for MDF buildings that otherwise might look a bit 2-dimensional. These are from a Sarissa Precision building that I modified to be a brewpub named in honor of my friend the craft brewer (where we usually do our gaming).
Mike Demana
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I like the idea of Kourtchatovium’s, of putting a few characteristic pieces in a room. That would signal what the room is, without having to do a full set each time. Pieces could also be moved out of the way for game play when figures need the space.
I have been toying with a similar idea, of making ‘drop in’ pieces - basically a few pieces of furniture on a theme on a base (ex, piano with bench and a vase on it) to go in rooms until the figures need to go there. In another thread someone did something like that done very effectively for sci-fi “tunnel crawl” gaming.
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(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OKRCHHAmGXSdwkPuSPEFjAywxMTCroXdsHLQQykEPNge2PjoE_msPVG2URKZKouOiPFsUGBPFPDAmls_zGc9m4jaQm4PCWVt7aupt_ed55K1dKzrXkpi3TXP4dSQUgJepUTau1FXeNpgkdHwg5tFACaaMJNaOMuH2OJuAaNJOldy7bx2FeNXi0PtT6s/w640-h360/SurvivorsVanAll.jpg)
I was perusing the Forum and saw a post about a zombie apocalypse rules set called Zombie RV, by Grey Area Games. Released this March by David Bezio, it is a fast-play, tongue-in-cheek survivors vs. zombies miniatures game. The introduction and rules are only six pages, with four extra pages of scenarios. I was intrigued by the simple mechanics, and also by the fact it seemed something that would scale up easily for my larger Sunday evening gaming group. What's more, it also seemed something that you could easily add in character advancement and turn into an ongoing campaign.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXIIe2QgdKjY_Pa1eByhE8ZENmS2GnUm7tkTxgUKgHhAIO57IviYcOAD-QwZv3wFGcwSB4FmaY9MuitD0FX22WmPKV9NwI6kgEmYkVW7zsO495uqe-JeHRWyldcxNQGrDk_Dbxo2A9tu_4wVQ48BA3K0FVcbw2CayV4C3DsR236PTR73rcnewH5kupYnA/w640-h312/SurvivorsMeleeAfront.jpg)
Yes, I realize that is exactly what I am planning on doing with County Road Z! However, there are a LOT more rules in that book, and it is the campaign rules in County Road Z that attract me than the combat system. The actual combat system for both sets is very simple. So, while I wait on the actual hardcover rulebook to be shipped to me, what's the harm in trying a couple games with these rules?
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKUQDXveP7rbIslkCh3J-j8BoWvvmCqq3DCKSWg195dZS6op4uxKOj5moYhUWXY4-CkN3YMyzaxhhfo39wABTB-RJmpWsvnSUy-RmsQZGejm7RSDLW_uCwu2xOB41qbMq70X0LbBuy1LXOIuPOfLB-ldFbB0PVkv0zxQ3xSfm5kvwRHZJuYPJxHBI9D_U/w640-h310/SurvivorsMeleeArear.jpg)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkXWI6rVk191zvb9blK9-28KlcbXm5kg7Y8NYPtvwuQKWOtfGphlvt6FU3V3dxVxKV3CHV2NxYqqMyTt4svmnQvdRryzuRPGT08L7WoHdkvwY5Z_lZTjl9q0xeNur8tC1L_VPc5iJXM3ZWhzC5Mwv7BfV6tdkVFkg_5GLnYcvESKF2lCsVlGm-ucISPk/w640-h288/SurvivorsMeleeBfront.jpg)
One thing that both rules sets feature is survivors armed with melee weapons -- not just firearms. Nearly all of my post-apoc figures are armed with some type of gun. So, I figured it was time to dig into the unpainted lead pile and paint up some with just melee weapons. I have a number of these type from Battle Valor Games (which picked up many lines from the defunct Sgt. Major Miniatures). I dug through the packs and picked out five likely ones. I needed to add a weapon to one (who appeared to be just throwing a rock), so drilled out his hand and gave him an axe. An axe is a very thematic anti-zombie weapon, right?
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFhx4Emb_agirD3rc6MRlfL37Bh2YfiA51FewETmp_l86DzLM_GZLA0A3r029c7TE4PmhT0g7xlBqpjVtrZKGLIGgiD-6J3SOM_TpDCarmLaqy1WHov5vmknadbm_wXXUMJDbwRBzS27oMw0eJ_FmiwA8SL1lF1jVmxlkrx8ms0c0UygGUCn5gudngx14/w640-h380/SurvivorsMeleeBrear.jpg)
Two of the figures had leather jackets, so I painted one black and the other brown leather for variety. These fiver are not meant to be a gang, as such. Instead, I painted them relatively generically so that they could be part of any player's group of survivors. I did decide to get a bit fancy with their clothes and gave them logos on their clothes. The leather jackets had biker gang logos on the back, while the others had Under Armor, Adidas, etc. The one in the red hoodie I couldn't resist giving a Woody Hayes style Ohio State University hat. It harkens back to the my Bucknuts survivor gang, one of my favorites that I've painted.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD9CrN-zXNMDV67Hpu4tLxDeOkHXYLaGtMDZAEGTiJo6aFkdfxBG0W3eOc3zqNAuF8O38FUPIXoKnr6qtzGTbiqCDbWRW5iiDx33EAI7UO5Ar6GDUY8MFlGEpqIUbsCaRLmeZeqZzEskvABRzyz7j2c6kJhY0f_YjCVBOO9k3T3YdUwU-DH_lDiTnkIBA/w640-h526/BlueVanFront.jpg)
I also immediately put to use one of my most recent purchases -- the pack of 3-D printed bottles I picked up at Origins from Elrik's Hobbies. Most of the tiny bottles appear to be groupings of 3 or more, but there are some individual ones, too. I was able to snip them off easily and add one to each base after the flocking was done. I painted a couple of the bottles "beer bottle green," two others brown, and a final one a gray/white that I was hoping to get a clear bottle effect from. Not sure it worked out so well (look at the OSU survivor and judge for yourself). I like how the green ones turned out best.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUlTxzTjc3In7ftg7rkegW-hcV20LuuDGSOwXqyZvqFAQer_M5rtRHsT6lPR2MLOKAvwEB5C3RhdA9NGCQ8tPmv76-oidUGx2bXXl1ShKFeMaUqut4CSmviDVSjs8PjQv1NAwwmGeySM4NStdciR7sD4K8ClzQp_pRs14z1g5WMT5wU6DImk7HD4iLZXw/w640-h424/BlueVanL.jpg)
At the same time I finished these five survivors, I also completed a 3-D printed van that I'd purchased from Diabolical Terrain at DayCon 2024. I spray painted it black, then added a 50/50 mix of acrylic black paint and water to get it into all of the crevices. Next, I painted the body of the van metallic blue. Of the handful of metallic craft paints that I have purchased, the dark blue is one of my favorites. There are a lot of metallic blue vehicles on the road, so it looks like it fits. The van is modeled with some dents and bangs (from running over zombies?), which I like. I did some rust effect where the metal would have bent and the paint may have come off. The windows are molded solid, so I painted them black and added in white and light blue cracks to show more damage.
I went back and forth whether to base the model like I have done for my other post-apocalyptic vehicles or not. I decided that vehicles that would be the survivors' "rides" would be un-based, while those that are wrecks would be based. This will allow us to move it wherever needed on the tabletop, whether on streets, sidewalks, or through fields, and have it not look out of place. I painted the bumpers a dark gray and the chrome Pewter. At the top of each window, I added in a two-tone blue "sky reflection" off the glass window. Maybe I need to go back in and add tiny diagonal white lines on the black part of the glass so it is obvious what effect I was modeling? What do you think?
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Funnily, I focused on the bottles as soon as I saw yours minis, even before reading your comment about them. They add an interesting touch to your minis. They are all well painted, but I prefer the green and the white ones. And no, I don't drink much alcohol lol
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They look good, mike. Well done! And I think the bottles turned out nicely.
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These new editions look great!
I'll be interested to read how you like these rules as compared to FFoL and XR for your Sunday crew.
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Nice, the bottles add a unifying theme to the bases.
I have used Zinge Industries engineering bricks (https://ultravanillasmurf.blogspot.com/2020/04/the-walking-dead-all-out-war-even-more.html (https://ultravanillasmurf.blogspot.com/2020/04/the-walking-dead-all-out-war-even-more.html)) and just started using Great Escape Games Dead Man's Hand scatter terrain bottles.
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The final batch of zombies are finished, and now I'm getting ready to try out both "Zombie RV" rules and "County Road Z." These were designed by Kraken 3D Studios and printed by JS Wargamer Printing. They're a bit smaller than I was hoping, in keeping though with the other two batches of zombies I received.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2SsZu6Ymw3vmZ5SwbegjfjjV6Si3aJxjfpo31e4EBc5nBmArD4wl2wt4VSQm_5NZI6lZq2-QiFAJwIg1PrpH9MP6Pvb546zRFOFrm8IWu5NDL-w6HvdeNa4KuowjAvF_0tdX4t_DYEitdTW1HPvcp7E8UxNsDvMr0MUO9GHsdROwDTMUnpzGJizX1Tlw/w640-h280/Infected01_All.jpg)
The above picture shows all 10 that I painted up. I divided them into three categories. The big dudes with ball caps are meant to be "bloated" or "nasty zombies" -- depending on the game. I gave them a distinctive brick road basing pattern. That way, my players can tell them apart easily on the tabletop. They are the "infected" style from the series The Last of Us.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdaZaZyiex5iZyIUZRfkR18ywRcv6YY0sKUNMcDR7mBGYDYUYDwEdPYTJansv_sDVvuAZWOqhyphenhypheniSmouVuoySymSVYoUJlOe6luCT9xvRrnHWJD6RWQqQEaiLIXLiN0r7E6Uya-wn7mE9PFr6zyWrB6cmRbbPfmsBis-RLVoxuSL96noFKal31wzMBDdwA/w640-h352/Infected01_BloatedFront.jpg)
Here's a closeup of the big guys. I love how they have bib overalls that are sagging and falling off of them in some places. I also like the ball caps. I tried to do one as a "MAGA" one, lol but the hat's surface and my skill with the micron pens meant that I didn't pull it off completely. I painted the overalls in different colors, hoping to differentiate them a bit. They are the same pose, though, which there isn't anything I can do about.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-FB0saG8HbtZtdbcJKj90ZGhT6CValeA39BbXUFC716TEKPxwoj8oiTlV3rZ6eHEp_NsZh3uaSVwTLytQ1jGOFzbv-Rt2K9QxK9-nZRiE3J1CUTNDKFtAJ6b4JS316crcRg3O3QqK5e7GKhy-frqhZJEEE0gIFKSqyj6NkvW1B-p6Ujtib7hOX95n_4/w640-h334/Infected01_BloatedRear.jpg)
The back side of the nasty zombies. You can see the huge Cordyceps fungal projections sprouting from their skin. I went back and forth on what color to paint them. Internet searches weren't definitive, and neither were Google Image searches. So, I settled on a base Terra Cotta color with a dull yellow highlight. I think it turned out pretty good.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5jyleJbhEwQuEJ2evIitqVd-_Nw0_XzDSGD8OkEm0vIIf2_YJZui07337D_XxUrOMWJK-zo2i0pwn0qNX7I34A_qZRnEq6tPosf2tk_yNg_11Aq1w_12rFNtG4_RWRs_Sr2RIU8K02OmEn6DddVwA5PzHmf59G3vE6IExADRVMfsn3MAANPxzQXOmq-4/w640-h350/Infected01_RunnersFront.jpg)
Next up are the "Runners." Many zombie games have a category of speedy zombies, and these running poses seemed perfect for it. Once again, I gave them a distinctive basing (a patterned styrene sheet which looks like cobblestone). The pose will help identify them, but I want to make it as easy as possible without affecting the look of the game. Aesthetics in a miniatures game are important to me. I hate just putting a colored bead next to things and saying, "these are the runners" -- or something like that. :D
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3dCyqq_dmLdbvDdt2WhyphenhyphenKENgYn1SfGJoWP9CjARiT0IT-MAhj6Ov00TgU9iLphUcxnsxcpcPj00t-KXBtZrJqhBfv_pekNeJ-_DuYxfoloy3Yj88EROn9Zr0WSynNuPTQaCWomQUljtlCdn7coInj3LFUvfsNxhAcuOcuDLWVJSm_eDqF-olD4s4hE2g/w640-h318/Infected01_RunnersRear.jpg)
I like this pose -- it really looks like it is trucking along! What's more, I think Kraken did a nice job on the ripped and torn clothes. I heavily dry brushed over the base coat to make the clothes look faded, too. The dark black wash over them also makes everything about the zombies look grungy. Also, unlike most figures I paint, I did these with a spray prime of Krylon Acrylic Black. For the skin, I paint a light flesh tone -- one that would normally consider too pale. The black wash over it gives them a good gray, decaying look, I feel.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEprumxqy3BA5taLZLxLOIRJ5iXdh5F8r1_-hiX3omEQBEnkpli5wAfzjH1BIwXSwILspDj8-2zUihpxPknnIuLs24ZN27hmEcYrDZ7oqn1KZOjs7kbo98kT6-Y39Lw-r2ABcTz-dTG92ruVn4oypA-y1G4WcQEBoyLLhaY8Jjn-xuKeH3F3pyNWw_Sno/w640-h222/Infected01_StandardFront.jpg)
Last up are the four standard zombies. You can see their flocking is done in my usual asphalt look from using Woodland Scenics Blended Gray fine ballast. I do a dark wash over the ballast after it dries, and then a light gray drybrush to pick out the pattern. I add the usual bricks and debris, including the discarded 3D printed bottles onto the base. I really like these four poses of infected zombies. My favorites are probably the crouched female pose (which I did in bright green pants and purple top), and the guy on the right with the mass of painful Cordyceps projections. I also like the one on the left with the classic, arm forward zombie pose ("Brains...") lol.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjneHTJN6vbMLzOkMHhccOlLJ3SfJlPVTNKCT1sI5ELDWvG4HArG6xNLUpsIFf8n7bELy6VycfAXyyM0JIv5ELpiLCNs2XqCZfZbGHtOzMLoGbb6MZIo-YimEMxqwv8nREeGdSRtcIZfYP86WMgG7Bb4V_Pcm61z5WeXlFSJDGlClIcIlnwGcgjBXO_Buo/w640-h234/Infected01_StandardRear.jpg)
In these photos, you also get a nice look at the 3D printed land rover I painted up at the same time. It was one of the batch I bought at DayCon 2024 from Diabolical Terrain. These are great prints and paint up very easily. I have dirtied them up a bit with dents, rust, and cracked windows. That way, they look like they fit more in the apocalypse theme. I used a metallic green, but got impatient waiting for a day I could clear coat them. I did it when we had what I thought was a break during a week of humidity. Obviously, it was still a little bit humid. You may be able to see a very light frosting on it, which actually worked out and looked like ash or dust had settled on the vehicle.
Anyway, I hope to play out a test of one of the zombie apocalypse rules sets soon, and will post a thread on here with my report. Thanks in advance for any comments!
Mike Demana
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They look great, in an infected, putrefying sort of way! I’ll keep this thread in mind for inspiration when I swing back into my post-apoc project.
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They look fantastic!
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They look the part, Mike. Like the Land Rover...
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(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WTINewMBKz29Gno9YBbfrRdvs8z_jbn8MtVTcTOtNGmaqMQ-Jy2Me1FsehcKD_PfnJrrAAerHuLOqA6ioxHwcqVHfxLDy12AmwjgZV5hFFqSSvW2oo3rV3YrsgeJ_vFi-c6WklSJM4bIlUVs98xaBd_p0cq-bg2ZelDOJIHUDIwjqTCjGmfb8A1U2bM/w640-h276/BrigSurvivors_AllLevel.jpg)
With the success of my two games of Zombie RV...er, meaning the RULES were a success -- not necessarily how it turned out for the survivors -- I decided I needed more survivors. Considering we were losing them at a 25% rate, maybe I need even more than I think! Anyway, when I went to Historicon 2024 one of my missions was to find a survivor armed with a crossbow. All the rules sets seem to have mechanisms for these silent killers, and I don't own any figures armed with them.
My first stop was to visit Lon Weiss of Brigade Games. When I asked him if he had any, he immediately walked me to the box full of his Post-Apocalyptic Miniatures. He pulled one out and said (I think) the character was meant to represent Darryl, the crossbow-armed survivor from the series The Walking Dead. At that point, I had not watched the series, so shrugged and snagged the pack of four survivors. It also included ones named "Curly," "The Fixer," and "The Mechanic." This week, when I went looking for more survivors to paint up, it was only natural to pull out that pack and get them primed and painted up.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikQUXakWYSJAUg1v2qc0rxrNIjJhz8lXTSTBjNRtzth5DCmLTgRiiUpScOvQCWsuSTUmCNgITMDZd1UofvOY88Vm0CDKUlQtWqGSpNp939_wVQ-CB6yQjIYt2gaJ8FRTE_FWUhLSKJ9Ki4-v5SEOJrhibYS-bgvHizT3qXib0U6LJ9cvCEOLfUdx4PrtM/w640-h486/BrigSurvivors_Hector.jpg)
One of the things I like about painting post-apocalyptic miniatures, is I can portray them as different ethnicities. For the crossbow-armed figures, listed as "Bo" on the Brigade Games site, I decided to make him Hispanic rather than good old Georgia boy Darryl. I used a medium leather base color for the flesh, dry brushed in lighter shades. He appears to be wearing a leather vest and pants. So, I gave him a sleeveless, brown leather vest and blue jeans. His straps for the quiver and bag over his shoulder were painted as canvas or lighter leather. I painted the crossbow a very dark gray with lighter highlights. The flights on the crossbow bolts were a fluorescent green -- hey, that's what came up when I Googled it! I really like how Hector came out, and he will doubtless see use on the tabletop one of these days. In the meantime, if anyone knows where I can buy separate 28mm crossbow weapons to strap to the backs of other miniatures, I would love to get some!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTCPHSF9_NgigSS9FXUa0RXVHGGiFVwIkkx7DNu_KO2Y07KEmCBP0GzS4FEDIbmEMmGBMMpIs3trxUDZifksJsbzqD8XsX7QzLNQ9wvLa5WHe8GhkXaf_JlX8wF-PFiQObO9nORjvcBHvipcV1BiVFMtTb1nxtWDP6n2alqJvEiEvhAXmgkT9gwdZnRak/w640-h514/BrigSurvivors_Junior.jpg)
Probably my favorite pose of the pack is called "Curley" on the Brigade Games website, but I immediately nicknamed "Junior." He is a walking stereotype of a good old boy. Heavy set, blue jean bib overalls, stained t-shirt, shotgun -- he checks all the boxes. I decided to give him a faded, light green t-shirt underneath the bib overalls, but otherwise, there weren't a lot of decisions to make on how to paint up this miniature! I really like how he came out. He's sculpted with a double chin and rotund body shape that is exaggerated but believable. Great miniature! I know Jackie and the boys could use Junior and his shotgun to beef up their ranks in our Zombie RV games!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy9Vz5VH6qY5Iy7Kf4aI20WeJJ-fT_Vve5FX5ZF-3s8otb7bV6Rvvn8JEwPleI45Edm9C9L-VwvooBtt2d931kNeKhXpfZcp7jP0iJhnZCW0ISzqx-7EauzYvVsUS_l2HNQgy_EMPKHaKwJdrDjqDkb3F7BJ6bT2BiGRVfh_iWT_8JYQt9K3xtpJ-CiIE/w640-h634/BrigSurvivors_Daisy.jpg)
Another figure that oozes character is named "The Fixer" on the Brigade Games site. She looks for all the world like a punk rock mechanic. She has a very punk rocker looking midrift vest, mini-skirt, and oversized, fancy boots. Her hair is shaved on one side and unruly, virtually screaming to me, "Paint me bright pink!" I faded out the hair color a bit, though, figuring that finding the time and supplies to re-dye hair might be hard to come by after the apocalypse. I gave her lots of tattoos, a black leather outfit, and impractical powder blue, knee-high boots to go with her pink hair. The tattoos were done with black and red micron pens and give her a hard-bitten look, which I really like. I named her "Daisy" because it sounded like a good name for a southern girl.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQ5m7B4fHXaFdJj_NtcaJm44gXWDH5Tl1J5Xavx3ZflWH6oPu23ECJMWusbNx5-kSqVrKnwwV0hlLhr_MV-CnG6hqELiNgdmy_-CvDErR4GjzKNqHR9-ldjHgE-EsVLzlGxHKSW4xbXS6_HKglu3AWvQw_09UM_yRKa6cxapnRbkOQdQNuPaN8cjCLuA/w640-h504/BrigSurvivors_JimmyChin.jpg)
Listed on the Brigade Games site as "The Mechanic," this figure looked anything but your stereotyped automobile mechanic. He looked very...well, almost "metro-sexual." Relatively clean cut, modern hair style, neat clothes -- I wasn't sure what to make of him. First, I decided to paint him up as Asian-American. Then I went with the city boy look, giving him a dark gray track suit pants and lighter gray long sleeve shirt. I gave him white tennis shoes and a dark red scarf around his neck (to pull up when splattering zombies, so none of their blood gets in his mouth). I gave him a military style web gear belt with a pistol in an olive drab holster. In the end, I really liked how he turned out, too, and named him after a former Asian-American coworker.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUpfCv1fL7fHUQ59113Wy2OXZh4jJGUK9k4A8EI11tSSvzrmudlIjsxk2qz4nr3A9gxGuUAYdgnykQ_-C484j4gYzJyzCPDZ9aso5AbYPcVKksHDN2DHwWSplYrNAhN1mFDXnhOhCJR7sCSazFeeUNpuNJD-Coa0gof4XXfYT9FJ6EZ8pQBMw99afDpGA/w640-h368/BrigSurvivors_AllUp.jpg)
These figures painted up very quickly, I felt. They are not carrying a lot of excess equipment to slow things down. They're very cleanly cast and required almost no clean up of flash or excess metal. Not that I am hoping more of my Zombie RV crew dies, but at least if they do, I'll have some cool characters to substitute in!
Thanks in advance for any comments!
Mike Demana
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Great minis with lot of character. I particularly like what you've done with the crossbowman, making him hispanic (mustache!). :)
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Good job there, Mike. Well done!
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(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUr1m4edXivvS4Hl658caMNhFM061KtA5HUxs8vRSpg2MDZXOzlJlTXMXcTqYvhkyeqLfXxK3RwGkuEWGmz7T-9iMT3BVkJoZU0Q7C04P-2ApcTjYeQNgn30yP1J8A9PjKKXurVga_FA_JotU9ceKzz415t-8xUjgu5TMmWPf1RzZpF5CAzVUKVQRZ7eE/w640-h232/WF%20Zombies01_AllLevel.jpg)
At Historicon a few weeks ago, I bought a box of 30 Wargames Factory zombies. My friend Keith put them together for me because I am awful at assembling miniatures. Here's my first batch of 10 from that box.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2ERvHMKDx1Y_ESx4-I7lvE9bQ-Nwa40ncFWExxTKNHCxJz3bq5Yc6bGLYu0beAgmWQ0o95JYlVae9fj0uOrxzythcG8C0W62YtbRR6Ju0yRW-rdBE5Ipc4IPJP1wIaXXRflbkhGWC89Px7LyRg2Sv0UW6o5S22jw8OYe16SYjoNKwLANaVy9olSNxcQ/w640-h488/WF%20Zombies01_GroupA.jpg)
I really liked a few of the poses, particularly the guys in lab coats. Makes sense those researchers trying to find a cure somehow get bitten and infected, right?
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNFTlEqr-DXTP-uvG1Or7DoeLlIugvUqNvMbhtopYqyT00RHR2oaZ31KJYNDvPQS5PBLWXpJJaPec0CGBAEielhxuMlbv3V7rf1afLRmIcHk9m3h0nMc3YSk4ryO8FS0il7PWYAVsORjg7Ld9E0of_pBxGfLF2Dtm4a5uOXeUlSwGwWJAnPR54RE8dfNA/w640-h626/WF%20Zombies01_GroupB.jpg)
I made this batch a little more gory than the last, I think. I bloodied up their fingers and hands besides their obvious wounds. I like the effect it gives.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxk_7AXifqLK0cLvrrLzr4G6l_UdHtb_O-E6FIQGBF1D5tap4mU3XJa2NpA9nWU6eYZNh6ovXIPEXPS6yTAY_shlm1jrdMolpn09uOrcgnfZp3T45IVF7enLYiA8wtRrpSJeQLQyMPyLSOxnYYFIej__bYnGAQJzUkIyXDVzH4NDVhJU-rjA2V1D4e-Nc/w634-h640/WF%20Zombies01_GroupC.jpg)
Probably my favorite single one out of this batch is the heavyset guy in the salmon colored shirt. I like the shifty look he has, and the holes in his shirt give it a nice bedraggled look.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYa7Z4oYTHFSHfgXgXINpsfy4hQvQgBFzFe4_uZCLnzyMkvyTKlzVDRkhAsyKOMuzQ_g0Gf3TH5eUpcwZaYfXSzJsePpTJ5raZvO1bHVXOxGzHpssh9OPQx_N8iV1LNold7dcA_pvvqmAS6LD50LmjwLmc557XBQWoMJSAJaNDxqQNuqaY9O89AmxAJHs/w640-h152/WF%20Zombies01_AllDown.jpg)
The horde coming straight at you! :o I need to ramp up my zombie painting as I am planning on running a zombie game at a convention in the area, Sept. 13-14. I need at least a couple more batches completed after this one to have enough zombies, I think. We'll see. I'm going to run a playtest for the guys this Sunday.
Thanks in advance for any comments....
Mike Demana
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They look great, in a gross, decaying sort of way! I hope the following batches go as well as these, they’ll make a great zombie horde for the game.
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Load of great ideas in this thread as well as an awful lot of work. The scatter terezín it's always extremely useful and thanks for including the manufacturer's details.
With the ruined buildings i always wonder what happened to the rest of it, where are all the bricks, stones and wood that have collapsed and should be piled up in roughly a building shape. I wonder if piles of debris would work as a seperate feature?
Anyway great work all round.
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With the ruined buildings i always wonder what happened to the rest of it, where are all the bricks, stones and wood that have collapsed and should be piled up in roughly a building shape. I wonder if piles of debris would work as a seperate feature?
Thanks, everyone! And yes, I agree. More debris is needed. I wish more manufacturers created debris scatter. I suppose I can make it easily enough, and actually have been thinking of doing that. I just haven't figured out what to use as the basing material. Do I want it to be stiff like styrene plastic? Or flexible so it could lay over something? If I do flexible, what material do I use? ???
Mike Demana
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Fantastic new additions to your game!
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I love the tattoos on "The Fixer". :-*
I wish I were brave enough to give that a try on my figs, but, heck, I don't even paint eyes! :/
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Nice work, Mike. They look appropriately zombie-y... :)
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I love the tattoos on "The Fixer". :-*
I wish I were brave enough to give that a try on my figs, but, heck, I don't even paint eyes! :/
Micron pens available from Hobby Lobby, my friend. I have tried (and usually done a botched job of it) tattoos with a brush. The pens make it much easier...
Thanks for the compliments, everyone!
Mike Demana
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(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjspMRc3_DfWA1vw_Idp544He0pGMacUWdQn-79T7LrK_VoLGYLdqjvEa7QLvkcOkFR37xCBjmCxVfViJYOHGoEkg592J6ToqR3gD2ux479mxOD2XVIoqjBY1pVB_PMTzM6rVTXkB4EdDUjN26c11vmrvrfLLy8MsWaiaCLxbMIfJDGXG82SVoBjOLXehk/w640-h286/WF%20Zombies02_AllCenter.jpg)
Spicing up the zombie posts with Zombie Vixens (from Wargames Factory)! Why does it sound like a B Movie that should have "...from Venus!" added onto its title? lol
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlg9qlAGpCAl0Qgssbj0EnQwhdCaDuSLzusuVxNBLa6KFTc1fjIR61ObYxvE3JOi2pxaazPrrBLCb4tPHzbxGNvRGr-rPBSynZAAm9x5jM-HvUxma6JbHHnKzaTokx2T-nXMXvJqRZxha2DrR4AyWt4t-Ti9xulDyncPpLqtiECB1j7KdLwR6-Fd6ytz4/w640-h558/WF%20Zombies02_GroupF.jpg)
These were a lot of fun to paint. I purposely tried to individualize them more, though I think that when these were designed, they had that in mind, too. Either that, or my friend Keith who assembled them did a great job mixing and matching torsos, heads, and limbs! :D
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipinbhCLf5DrM0QFq5BKLBSjBEhquaBWLaHLEoXdlmuinHML5pjgvwk-SNUlIHivR5B2B4v8woJ0qMP-isrnzZk9HVfvyUfHUR9637oBjgZHOGHaz1xT5NVohYP7Gl-hdEgwbHwCOZ7Ts3jCOoZJjALA1PN2-N0jmhreDjragMmlhLZU9u-u_7ki1lroc/w472-h640/WF%20Zombies02_GroupE.jpg)
I also bloodied them up a bit more than one or two of my zombie batches. The sculpts have places that are obviously gouges out of legs, mid-sections, and so on. I also gave most of them bloody hands or fingers. That seems to make them more horrifying to look at it. :o
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVyYAkJpmo2wb4-Am4h7JIIId2ROmm75MzkRfwMBSOC0lEpcrbyn2t6LiOr-BDMoHEWitDq9wPzuTZdgD34vApAAiVt-zT-NwM1KaN93GT6tQJUs-kS0mkGDbQRoKTaIwJsFae_U1p3l0dgig4kR31KzvDfRz2gZpeOgo2HiMhnUOlkREK8VqIYJZqYNI/w640-h490/WF%20Zombies02_GroupD.jpg)
You may have noticed that "Vixens" was a purposefully chosen title. These were all slim, well-proportioned ladies prior to them being bitten. The one in the bikini was a bit over the top, but why not? In fact, the poses were active enough that I selected three of them to be "Fast zombies" or "Runners." I want it to be very obvious on the tabletop for my players which are which. So, I have made the flocking a dirt look (sand, washed twice with a dark brown vehicle wash) as opposed to the asphalt look of the ordinary zombies.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGnKeRFc-laBGcydXaSKIcpAEBxZt0p6q7A3qNM2tXjUA2Zwji-397FRTOIgWlry5VhJAqSCu8nfNlyi0_7LYxq3YSHJ1rswuJtpq5ZIjrqhjJJTTHy14jqW2dtDhtwND8jaVT9rxM-giNGA22KGJL1TSd-9LiQ-QkTbT0Wriy2JQxSz6ZxJr5oRYhWN4/w464-h640/WF%20Zombies02_GroupG.jpg)
I had fun doing the party dress on the above zombie. I don't know if it is supposed to be a younger girl or simply one all dolled up for a birthday party or whatever. I used brighter or more vibrant colors on their clothes and the micron pens on the patterns. They'll get a chance for their night on the town tonight, actually. The guys are coming over and I'm introducing them to Zombie RV rules.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiXmP9UlkKCSlwByhWggD5ir3l0ToJw5gCJ35VUGQjGSOwPEO91ePz_17Be4jUHW6oEHDucEAsVp8qWkuF8Qjtf-ZNywqL58x00g-UjDET9r1xEO56EarepQYMW9vHseZ5Lmv7ypiuURLzI41xPtCGlL9C1lDipBNaN1wMDQrVEkeeSBwg_M9TZJ52J1E/w640-h344/WF%20Zombies02_AllLeft.jpg)
Thanks in advance for any comments. I'll post up an AAR on the big game of Zombie RV later this week, hopefully.
Mike Demana
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Mike - I painted up a box of those a few months ago. They’d been kicking round unpainted for a few years. I’m not keen on plastics but when I got round to painting them, I began to think that they are right for zombies. Not used them yet, however.
I like what you’ve done with yours - you’ve given them character. I’m inspired to run the scenario I’ve got mapped out for mine now I’ve seen your work
Doug
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Nice work on them.
I found the Wargames Factory Zombies (and survivors) a bit too distinctive, making the hordes look repetitive. Yours certainly look different (saying that I have three painted TWD:AOW figures https://ultravanillasmurf.blogspot.com/2020/04/the-walking-dead-all-out-war-you-look.html (https://ultravanillasmurf.blogspot.com/2020/04/the-walking-dead-all-out-war-you-look.html)).
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I like your zombies, too! As long as the three characters aren't right next to each other on the tabletop, I feel yours look distinctive enough. How you paint a figure tends to make it look different, assuming it's not just one or two poses in a horde.
Doug - glad to hear my posts inspired you! That is the thing I like best about LAF, it is always inspiring me to look at a new rules set or period. Or set up a game with one I already have... :-*
Thanks for the kind comments...!
Mike Demana
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Those women-folk look good, Mike. In a bad sort of way... ;)
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(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhih5sJeT6UfedEeIshIAyrczf7tW2_eu1-2oDGpBLvpICfDBxTgTu_VSWC5LyJv5_xMNUBOQDy2VutQtq_E5mIFqNctvW3EzBYKBevSUwLR1P84rg3WV8_yZWIRsyfng-T-B71kTrLgV_lByTvgO3xUAds-soycKTVgePpQgU0tG62goTNebzNvb82FrY/w640-h432/YellowFortTrailer_front.jpg)
My favorite "find" at Historicon were the products from Bad Goblin Games. Even before I played in their Trailer Park Apocalypse game on Saturday, I had snapped up two of their 3-D printed, fortified trailers. They had six different varieties. I purchased my two favorites (#1 and #6 on their packaging). I wanted to use them in my Zombie RV games at the upcoming Hold the Line convention in Port Clinton, Sept. 13-14. So, it was time to put work on the horde of zombies on hold and get cracking on "them thar trailers!"
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Hy84C9URZ0cs-CoEci5mtfoOnntrLTD5NuymLb6M0X-Jofe21TaLeuli4OwKIosiHcoLcOCTcW72yeixhgdhvV3wdr0WRuke1fgh41cdyjlSWhmGiDE92wG1QYTtu-98kjeVlUffNdcPf79rXrAR-8GLYRdIe5Vynwh_1_7cKZv1t25HNQhhAhT_OnM/w640-h356/YellowFortTrailer_back.jpg)
They were incredibly easy to prepare for painting. I saw no flash or strings or anything that I needed to clean up. If I were to do another one, though (check that -- when I do another!), I would shave some material off the top, bottom, and side of the doors. They open and closes easily until you prime and paint them, and or in my case, put patterned paper down as the flooring. All those layers of paint and paper add to the thickness, so to speak, and I would rather it not scratch it every time I opened or closed it in a game. This is an incredibly minor point, though. I am very happy with these models.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhts-nLf-qWJijkFbVCW3NphMEvvUhOTPhpULvG0R3KWB-u2WA13Iy3qKmajd1jLmfalN5zazs7SY3tJ0KIj918N1OSEl8marWXh6MJUG4_wcf-cKIaY9XbQogMykuKomFL3hSVi2O1Fx_3OWMx4lTDCmWIvU-iV53xEvuwYoJtg2v2LzAcpOdxBYe2FDw/w640-h216/YellowFortTrailer_roof.jpg)
I cut a piece of 9"x5" plastic styrene to base each trailer on and used two-part epoxy to attach them. I did my usual method of prepping -- spray painting it first with Krylon Fusion Acrylic Black Primer, and then following that up with a 50/50 mix of water and acrylic black paint. For the base coats of the colors, I had to apply two coats to get it to cover over the black undercoat, though. For the first one, above, I used a light straw color and then did a white dry brush over it. Next, I painted the brick a dark red and dry brushed it Howard Hues Middle East Flesh. I used a light Terra Cotta color for the trim to keep it in the same color tone. I dry brushed the trim pieces tan. The door was painted a dark red with window frame.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQTV0ju8VzI4cStATKpsp8-u3yXdM4dzE8ZlSVmRUMuYxe49KcWAsXcr6zl6eZYRoX674ok4Vywzi1mMKLYBosQzNm0JeBWQ81TIBa05HNFSkwRouvofMN7y-QNbo2nTMAZr-p6MpvReTCyJ-HUlfm__hudbiIAkfvFNNkRDQ6OIu7zJfwgUgB0Z_yv0/w640-h396/YellowFortTrailer_frontZoom.jpg)
The roof was painted Georgia Clay, then dry brushed with Middle East Flesh. All of the woodwork was painted dark brown first, dry brushed Camo Brown, and then tan. I thought it was cool how they added street signs into the fortifications, too. So I painted them up to as "STOP" and "YIELD" signs, with appropriate gouges in them. The oil barrels were painted a light blue, dry brushed a bluish-white, and then I made them rusty with several colors: light brown, Georgia Clay, and then bright orange.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdL7G6fYP20ddZFqfmlRsJfDqlkSQ4LMRqxKiEZJPY3etYkX1XWoTMPykdzdTS23JeUQLKgu2IfR_l3u3I9o9C7rS2_lsG2vVP0yDXL8nymBg8_Cs-oXy6GDVZeZIY0E02Io0-qznal3k9EMK3BHYppHJQzQZzvtlDX5xyh6-l7peXt8VPd3VKairhlY/w640-h168/YellowFortTrailer_Interior1.jpg)
The interior was purposely done in what I felt would be tacky, "trailer park" colors. For this one, I chose a light salmon color. Once again, I needed two coats to cover the walls sufficiently. However, with all of the explosion or fire damage on this model, I did a lot of black dry brushing to simulate smoke stains or fire damage. For the floor, I used patterned scrapbook paper from Hobby Lobby left over from an earlier project. It is a light gray, which I dirtied up a bit with black dry brushing to simulate smoke and dirt accumulation since the apocalypse.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhltAd530DZ-irzoKj8uywQw24GFvYFLvwK5kBPU-826lkl5b7JVuiuXD_MjEhS3kvuQHbbza_9lXNrpESpuV-rfchZC_ikBbzUBya_aZxaxALCAaV5nH8s8F4vxmVZN-ctviRCbABgeoFOdI28Lkwc9qN8a-LPxLjnBGzyLPC6YCw2wmZS4ZweolYoCx4/w418-h640/YellowFortTrailer_Interior2.jpg)
I admit I was definitely going for an Appalachian vibe in my decorations for the walls. There are pictures making strident statements about gun rights. There is a hunting painting. And, since you-know-who seems to be very popular in Appalachia, there is a political poster honoring their leadership choice. For these, I simply did Google Image searches, downloaded suitable files, and resized them, gave them a reddish brown border for a "picture frame," and printed them off on a laser printer at the local office supply store. I cut them out, painted white glue onto the backs of them, and applied them to the walls.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvAbCVw2QpToB8SEyZs38d4r47O-1KXwqCOBxOR1Ba_2Gq1IRjRZ0syK5mbQ88XNsHOpL4eA85UVf1oqv3viMoSjeb7ZEfGfpdfr2O1ceIkfMkdupXszq0nSdIrixWHCYIQXWu0pgLuRYVTR95oqtGHAidq9D9XCAfv-Zq0D8lFcVER6xP5R6YHgBHatQ/w640-h420/YellowFortTrailer_frontNoFigs.jpg)
I gave the trailer a couple coats of clear matte spray. I did have to go back and add a black wash over the warning signs on the doors, too. They looked too bright white without it, I felt. Note in the photographs, I posed some couches, love seats, and recliners sitting outside and look worse for the wear (in true hillbilly fashion). These are my own and were not included. A friend of mine molded them in dental plaster -- not sure where he got them from (maybe Hirst Arts?).
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2qMQUfI0jJNqrR2iWVb35LxU1ad8q7hVVCxD5UrBnEG4UWtU1ciwFWM80lVfjWCpb-tiS0CagPkSHJrFaNFkLehuVIBB6h4q9DQF4BQuGYsXdzRL5zgzJdYhjSZTM3GyRM6NpmERMB21PqHIVjDhTSMT5m-Ne2kadRscU1QkW9QxYlgm7AGWP06BSXqw/w640-h428/BlueFortTrailer_front.jpg)
One of the things that I really liked shopping at Bad Goblin Games booth at Historicon was the sheer variety. If I remember correctly, there were six varieties of fortified trailers and just about that many of ruined or partially ruined trailers. It allowed me to pick out the ones I liked best and were different from each other. If you go to their website, I'm not sure why they are not showing up, yet. Maybe they don't want to put them up there until the convention season is over and they've built back on their stock. By the end of Saturday at the convention, their shelves and racks were looking pretty sparse. I wasn't the only one who was buying up their stuff (which is very affordably priced, by the way)! Another thing I liked was the choices they give in staircases leading up to the doors. They give you both the wooden one shown in the yellow trailer, and the cinder blocks in the blue one, above.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMU4WbXhtadnHsfMhiOISz_gO58hItLRasXapfNWoRVFpaQCu77AyFGqbdn1Z0SaVYDfgMKpbosKU5PX_f8Fb8qQa59tsiUpEyz3odQiazeGI_hyphenhyphen5Jeo8aXzjG3aL2x_2lfIQvpVD2_nPT_4xluIG4DgajaCcELQggibwJ6MjxR6fHCoSk_TlPxT4Peg8/w640-h398/BlueFortTrailer_back.jpg)
I used a pale blue for the exterior of this one, dry brushing it a light, bluish-white. The trim was done in a Denim Blue craft paint, also dry brushed to give it a worn and sun-bleached look. For the roof, I decided to go with a light gray-green, dry brushed a very light gray. I love the wooden boards covering the windows and the crack in the walls. As with the previous one, I did a black wash on the exterior to make it look dirty, run-down, and possibly abandoned.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_OuBvUX-Q8tZMzDHROX8_Cr_cfJN2Ea9vVmSL84w_IBhUIdjS3iiij0MTcKOLBq0v0wU-nsSu1qVyvUHWFnkBVwiTECnbyPgRe_0TR2ulmUdQIqUtxQ_8fqw6ejhfxrDl-2-2AlKzseFbwZY8iPJqhEhq4E-Yz3B9DCACo3kWigLRFatTU8TDnKJ6oc/w640-h368/BlueFortTrailer_roof.jpg)
Not only is the vinyl siding pattern different on this model than the first, the roof is completely different, too. Rather than a ribbed, almost corrugated steel look, this one looks more lilke siding. Instead of the sandbags and wood barricades atop the roof, this one used piles of cinder blocks. Apparently, Bad Goblin Games also sells bags of 3-D printed cinder blocks, but they were so popular they were sold out by the time I made it to their booth! I love the tire, open hatch, and random cinder blocks that come printed on the roof. These would normally be a customization done by the modeler, but Bad Goblin does it for you! This saves tons of time compared to my MDF trailer from Sarissa Precision, which I spent hours and hours modifying!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjleuu76arZVWCtp_f3xwfMrQlej3odDUlkX4LnqqP9JgfGjDH7_XfZA_8T05nrtgq7NzzqUfewWk8H-9aA0riZf6XybxIplztkAUobKsBHA1-2O4SZxFe6eGD0B1wMTuL5QApihpZtn7_JSauWEJqZIQ3WEIpl7d_yAmu5q2UiPBFDG3Fo6lGRjQCWI5w/w640-h186/BlueFortTrailer_Interior1.jpg)
Really, the only thing I tricked out on these two models is the interior. My choice of tacky colors were blue and green for this one. I painted the walls a medium "Leaf Green". Next, I dry brushed it a lighter green, and finally went over it in a dark, black wash. The interior door was painted dark green. For the flooring, I cut more of the patterned paper you can find at craft stores (I think they are intended for scrap booking). For this one, I also did a black wash on the flooring after I had glued it in place and done a first spray clear coat. Big mistake! After a few minutes, the water began to warp the paper. I took a paint bottle and smooshed it down (technical term). Then, when it was drier, I smoothed it down with my fingers. It looked better. Unfortunately, the black washing of the surface was left a little streaky. In the future, I will follow the method I used on the yellow trailer, above.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoYFiT5VCwZFSnBqfENTbARX2X8XMPo9Ll022PRbRS8djt9IbfpdXGwf-H8Fg5fDj83FxDLo8ki2Aioj0znrBnu1W55HxHLpPZmupG8nVtBp73yeP5x79gAFtX5xGog3KWJa0iwfVkJP_j1Kn71hyphenhyphenZsfnHrQ6yZslA6t6xghgHkXWoT9U_RVcg52Keal4/w640-h512/BlueFortTrailer_Interior2.jpg)
For interior decorations, I kept up the tacky, hillbilly kitsch. The famous painting of dogs sitting around a table playing poker had to be in there. An "America - love it or leave it" belonged in there for that well-known, rural patriotism. I also threw in a hunting painting and a Jesus one. I have gone back and forth about furniture on the interior, and have pretty much decided not to do it. I want my terrain pieces to look good, yes. However, I want the miniatures to be able to move around inside, as well.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAgL0e0zHKObpYvfWMqe5DFAo9V1DbwoyFZrlAQteOtQTJ8Wr2Tg5WzYgJWo7synZ-3GnvwvXHjA6uJEKNiAPyRlTquP_yUjieUhFP-0Tb5693aYnrZwD5C5S_WTiF-ZLIfER0soTx9eVX_AFwVEagF1JIdQiu3QFzlgMMINYsJWeAzjEd4NMMLHIL5Zk/w640-h580/BlueFortTrailer_frontZoom.jpg)
These two post-apocalyptic trailers will see playing time in about a week when I run Zombie RV at Hold the Line in Port Clinton, OH. I have other things from them that I need to paint up and get ready for games, too. The tall water tower will be an eye catcher on the tabletop, as will the dumpster fire and other fun pieces using LED lights. Stay tuned for those!
Thanks in advance for any comments!
Mike Demana
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They really look the part, excellent pjs. You've got some very unique characters among your survivors too, like them a lot.
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How did you get all the posters and paintings to look so sharp? I just did up a few post apoc buildings as well where I tried something similar and … well… they didn’t turn out so well :(
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I download images that are a tad higher resolution on my Google Image searches. If they are less than 600 pixels, I pass and look for another that is a bigger file. Then I paste them into the Mac word processing program, and resize it for what I want. I usually "bracket it" and go a bit smaller and larger, too. Then I take it to the local Office Max office supply company and use their color laser printers. Their paper is usually pretty good quality, too.
Thanks for the kind comments everyone!
Mike Demana
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Superb, especially the interiors; I really need to put together something like these to add to my board.
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Those are very good.
The interiors are excellent.
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Those look great, Mike. Well done.
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The zombie horde is now complete - at least I am hoping that it is! lol Here's my final batch of Wargames Factory zombies. In addition, I painted another 3-D printed car that I purchased from Diabolical Terrain.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXeGhv9-PuV4q-eBz3gWz6ciov4ssTmbDlg7A1OX3oYwaYEaUiC6lHRUMNJEVmcaBI3qNTn0c0my3KWEnLLYHN9EoktPlfd9WsBJoW1wQvRpbE_eXiMAPBNb4RAR7K7RC1vQAzR4LAXb0B6243Bgiqz8ZitJtMs3FwwsZs_E-xvJbqvFAaEPZh0kRVqC8/w640-h218/WFzombies3rdBatch_AllLevel.jpg)
I found out that I needed more vehicles when I ran my Zombie RV game at the convention the other week. I have at least another half dozen sitting in the closet waiting their turn. Just need to get more regular about working them in to the queue.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixZhIl5cXWdU49LgKT7EswO3WE4Uh64hQL8B1LCTVG3RX0Bp8ugcpxwa_TfFY9PaSpKLk5bLr2JOOgdvxLuAzGJ7MOWIWR2zljfydvugNPU-_8HeEg5auUk_Wx2JVPVq5F2EN8q_LRhJq57MJIT60t3iSjmjW13bsWryAumUq3hWxgg6VKIUrfx_HFmxQ/w640-h328/SilverCar%20side.jpg)
For a lark, I painted three zombies from this batch of 10 as my gamer friends from Sunday evenings. So, behold Keith Zombie, Joel Zombie, and Allen Zombie. I wouldn't say they're spitting images by any means, but just something fun to do. I even tried to give Keith (on left) Crocs footwear, which he swears by. Allen's big, bushy, white beard was made possible by a little extra blob of glue when the head was attached to the body in assembly stage.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9-jxHqD3oH_Lh8874XAi-VMQhyphenhyphenbbzK9tDXez0EqodxYeO1yH0SiRbaWpGNeE1J8XOjizqOP01bSXeRXQe4k2VCJjepzs47ypUZnQbHg9UBc_zfs6u7-8dxUJcxhbbScb-JU_CKJqrtCSm0TbTKGIvORqBYnV28vK1_XPSYG5j0s43f29QLNunW859D0c/w640-h460/WFzombies3rdBatch_KeithAllenJoel.jpg)
Next project you will hopefully see soon are two "mobile homes" or Zombie RVs. I am converting a large, 3-D printed ambulance and a die cast pizza food truck into the iconic, rolling vacation homes from suburbia. We'll see how it works out!
Mike Demana
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Nice job. And I recognized Keith! ;)
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(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05kXHzrq4-xHC_gJEBPOQpC0znFlhyphenhyphenNLfjud_ZJDxvNWJS_hlh9zIiLLJP0ePlE9vz8htVM2NmZLYtsg39P26bBS_rAD58rrIk9Ymri8-0gi02cZBkDVv3naPe76gEt36BK1C01ro7YIXKK0pRnjdabygqAXwva8bxJqx0DJJ-71jfWTZuO8pHIwJuGo/w640-h522/RVbuild_11ZombiesSwarmRV.jpg)
Now that I am done with my zombies, I hope, it is time for me to give a little attention to my survivors. First up, a recreational vehicle for their mobile home and fortress during the apocalypse. I wasn't able to find a 3-D printed RV I really liked, nor a resin or MDF one I wanted to buy. So, I decided to scratch-build my own. Or rather, convert a die cast pizza truck into a Zombie RV!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyYUogkGVx84_7y53gxtidC9lIIqD6g469LOzGwZSW3myqgbq-oehIJCswDATAugEflAhjO19f-l4M47i5MSK0wHMXP2Y-l-h9N7fjpinVUZsoau9kTnB2ZuB9O4tXPOsruHqP4w7mD9WpVCLSkrRS2BNrZnJXjuZQK2zotOid23_fLLhRIzScEGDKok/w640-h630/RVbuild_14ZombiesSwarmRV.jpg)
Check out my latest blog entry for step-by-step details on how I did it. Lots of photos illustrating what I am talking about. Also more photos of it being swarmed by my zombie hordes. Thanks in advance for anyone who takes the time to check out the entry:
http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2024/10/rv-scratch-build-forwell-zombie-rv.html
I'm pretty happy with how it came out. Appreciate the comments... ;)
Mike Demana
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Nice job, Mike! Love that camper-van...
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(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGOj6BD46Y6PLiqww_2EvmSuBVbtQojqiM9ZlQHfTWXCRjQegpW8eXmmobLGpBQqD1VS4aUl_3iQdDMaFB7bWERPP-5g55KpNDDc4RfbwbdY4LyBlVFOlCWP0pFIywXWm7TkZTBxFgiHWgjBY3A_-uGDyShd9ygy9SJjP8KCt9yeeucTjpywQTTbkko8M/w640-h398/CityBlock_Players3Zoom.jpg)
After a way-too-long six month layoff, I finally ran another game of our post-apocalyptic campaign using the Wiley Games rules. My friend Mike S asked me to run one. He wanted a chance to get his ruined, city block buildings on the tabletop. He promised he'd bring all the terrain. All I had to do was run the game... :D
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnRFsyd7M-qoy93bIb9leyJiA5tlCJtLMU90Zt-LQvzqXp0Ob8yi6D9dyFGsONHZPTJa2C5dm-uW_49YCVufC9xmdHe3S23R1BUKhi3U5MleWvWhjdpqIcchuicEG5sFm83eXm8wSApsie4M8ZyRDN489iXEDjQVpnlTSgu-rEKFCytQN7LXlBoakTA8Q/w640-h616/CityBlock_FollowersAdvance.jpg)
Anyway, his terrain was very vertical and fortress-like. I was worried each gang would enter their own building and then line the windows and dare anyone to try to breach their citadel. Mike S scattered a bunch of objective markers around the table -- mostly on second, third, or even high floors. He put lots of other scatter terrain on the table, too, forcing me to mark the ones that were actual objectives for the players with little beige pom poms.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp1xifAi1E9xKpOa0ES2Fk2qAinloCI4vdW5BL63HeFDq95xt91hpFWpnM91b9FtPoIHb3RXjXvSjUhRWHFsPr5tnIbnv-fhWHLMYK6DLWz2WV2EM30mGr-5ymo56QxlZN6xERjIo9xD94_tUy1QDXwVVhdxff9wbOrbDFQo-gVjMD0Ar2tjK_uXG_JDI/w640-h636/CityBlock_BucknutsLobby.jpg)
I sat the players down and asked them how they wanted to handle ascending to upper levels, since there weren't any stairwells modeled and only a few scattered ladders around the table. We came up with a system which was probably too generous, but it was quick and made sense to the players.
Read the full battle report on my blog. LOTS more photos on there and a true, blow-by-blow AAR.
http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2024/11/scavenging-among-city-blocks-post-apoc.html
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1SAPMGEz4KQCunGwCLuwpYYADXSPJqP9qne0LYsNtQYLGwOcFkazowhWYA-FO0BqvT-GTNW05gCfOANQcwFVFOoymfgt7QngVhaHKU13a5Ql8AotTfD0LSLuMvO8Ky6_jAB2WpdDQ0EvT0RUP3nvLBOaJcdKncXoDisyXymsP1dpzKAwnieyfOwVpccg/w640-h290/CityBlock_Players1.jpg)
Everyone seemed to have fun. I was happy every player's gang took out at least one enemy -- whether it was a rival player, wandering creature, or the Machines. Mike's terrain was interesting, though I would have dirtied it up more and washed the colors darker, whether stone or wood. Hopefully, it won't be another six months before I run another game...!
Mike Demana
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What a table! Interesting report. It makes me think about including effect of insulting in some rules... ;)
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I was following my friend Keith's description of them. They are loud, annoying, but cowardly. Their chief danger is they draw other creatures to where they are (and thus attacking them)... lol It happened at the end of the game so the "Claw Creature" never got a chance to be drawn to them. :D
Mike Demana
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Nice job, Mike. Glad everyone got to kill someone/something.
Sometimes there is a fine line between not enough terrain, and too much...
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A long time since updating this thread. Surely that doesn't mean I have all the post-apoc terrain and figures I need...? Oh, no!!! lol
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Ux7oipmQHE_2fzP6L7WK9_nRC0FGoLYXY_nMDIatCxpYC5KLM5uRjap6kvFBsuKTkkUPGSES2iVloADXvmovRtHEqzLlL5l2Z6Xq1N-hEK5WirJ4AZXd3H0nq_k6rzBnnHNnNhhKkS9l0ANdqHsEAt3EVYQ8lEhv95kpZZa0RjvQKJB02rcyxkz8l2A/w640-h396/FortTrailerPink_Back.jpg)
Here are a couple more 3-D printed trailers from Bad Goblin Games. They're Fortified trailer #2 and Ruin Trailer #2. These are great pieces of terrain. They come with all the various pieces already affixed. The only thing you do is glue the upper section to the lower section. The roofs are detachable, though as you'll see I glued on the ruined trailer's roof since it won't prevent access to the interior of the trailer. The only thing I add are the posters on the interior and the various junk in the yard on the base, so to speak.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVZXQHFBIUWQjUJu8SD2ew0eGFpQZcGgZ9uRFlWUFgsmqHs6x2C-lX8E3TrEh-TJ8zNIhNXtN5cbcnYCfSRxLlOfoKGQoQ336FsckrSZukwbQbe8wPhXVt-4M4ZQvlXcGn4YG6tgB464B3mEvyJ8Q0gQMJEjJJeknjrAVQJgTlPnpB4K21FHvAT_lr_B4/w640-h398/RuinTrailer_3:4View.jpg)
I went with pale colors again. A light gray-green for the ruined trailer and a granny salmon/pink for the fortified one. The pink gave me the flamingo idea, that and having just seen flocks of flamingos on my Galapagos trip. Unfortunately, none of the craft stores or train supply stores had any small plastic flamingos, so I had to resort to Amazon. That meant they came in bigger than I expected, so are out of scale for the classic, kitschy lawn flamingos.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJ3HK9uygmhElnC94vy6AXwgxI_wOQv-1dwyT90aiz6sJZ_W8GnbTCSOY3xRXB5cziXe0Df7xzwB0KNHRqJcUw95e4RAcPT58P7cexogEzPmFaxpwjUub5bT0M4zjS8hyBjULPdFox3CxQTrQO4efb6W5sxW-VwFjrGIiBXHDdr9fNeCG_4nb2PZl9ZY/w640-h382/FortTrailerPink_Front.jpg)
These paint up super-fast. I prime them black, do a base color, dry brush, and then add all the details like boards over windows, stop signs, tires on the roof, cinder blocks, etc. Then everything gets a black vehicle wash to dirty it up. Finally, I add in the posters on the interior and extensive black dry brushing for "smoke damage." I really like how that came out. The floors are pieces of scrap booking paper, also smoke damaged.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGtqxl2txd_-ULpVrtrfePb6RC5LMOOyjXZgUahn9L34_1qSBkeSXdXGUqNUzB4S-ZJ-GcEszlcm6BiJxQNom9IacZPalVz48qssG_eluS1_8SiHbiPwGFAdO_B0dg_u2Gnfgmw3HiHsgBJlW7uW9Z9x9iiFjvkBedGtm4eHXglCB-mVx1-zIpnMta8Jc/w640-h286/RuinTrailer_Back.jpg)
LOTS more photos on my blog with indepth discussion of how I do each step. Check out my Lead Legionaries post on these here:
http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2025/02/trailer-park-grows-two-more-3-d-prints.html
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggBZhcw3B4MlBf0qsGDASWnzcqhTmgC8o6M7g-ENwWSkYMZPCB10kFtHROI4SumW2EYNi7arNS4JtPgZjLHNeG1TaEV7feETV2uH2gx8U5AX8MGJ9nt2pipsWev7nnpr-Nmtq6_7zUUj70szrJwED8ngQy6O-oome6pDtsyZz9WKnPn_SmrhsbaPKv1Fg/w640-h334/FortTrailerPink_PostersZoom1.jpg)
As an added bonus, these trailers will be put into use this weekend at a local gaming convention. Two of the owners of Bad Goblin Games are in Cincinnati for a work event and are sticking around for Cincycon this weekend. I'm bringing down a mat and some of my trailers so they can run a game.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj05KI6zj0k_t9szi0yrC4LW2jJM61WcsyMBDWl36LX7Gg6BIBeHcdQ2AkXqpSyCAjg8PvAdhBU37r4-8n4cfWHIf8ITkKTn9iIqT3aq_1yyWHQ6CWtVDJOVJ9CMPmprL3zqdgVX4Sopz6Z-lqoDksWA6CfR5GK7abMIm4KEsP1RbJ3x6Wna5r1jk3mgc/w640-h334/FortTrailerPink_FlamingoANDFountain.jpg)
So, look for pics of that in the General Discussion Thread, though I won't be playing in the event. I'll be setting up for my own game.
Mike Demana
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Oh Mike, you’re too cruel parading those trailers. The price, including postage to the UK etc, makes them a bit hot for me to consider but I love what you’ve done with them. And the flamingos…! Beware Flamingos - I love it.
Doug
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Wonderful renditions of those trailers Mike, they really "pop" and I love the little extra details you've put on them. The flamingo warning sign made me chuckle. But as Mr Doug says, they are very tempting, but getting them shipped to the UK is an expensive affair unfortunately.
Regards,
Legionnaire.
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Thanks, guys! It is a shame that postage for us buying wargaming products across the Atlantic is ridiculous. My last purchase from the UK was made when a friend was visiting family and friends there, and I had it shipped to them. He then picked it up from them and brought it back as a "gift"... :D
Mike Demana
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Them there trailers look dandy, Mike. Love the flamingo and that sign... :D
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You've gone a few extra miles on those for sure! Most excellent!
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The trailers look great Mike and as had been said, the flamingos are a very nice touch.
Bravo
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(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2kW9u6K6sjd66d_uLK1oCm9RImlt3s01bURF4-UWFp-SJs5sVgZGWkDw7O4veO2KYen599alCYflXft3PQiTwqLdW8jn9nuSXqshMk9AuVs404RNozkHAayElW1E-S2T2Z7F__Hi1fje80GJ_M9J0qOsoTgV6P8YZNQdlGiKSKVj4GzPhyphenhyphenCIszOlXP0/w640-h502/GetYourGoat_FtroopBrotherhoodSideBySide.jpg)
We played the 8th installment of my post-apocalyptic campaign using Wiley Games rules. I'm actually pretty happy that it has been going on for so long. With the "Ooh, shiney!" nature of miniature wargaming, I'm glad my players and I have enjoyed it enough to keep playing once every 3 months or so over 3 years.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4CyV8ZbR41b2ZM_AkUw4upDOHDC_L-p5wts-vBxwUHjVnQQ18qp_NWxQVUG2ayar35cYGwdlLtvYahVCDro9N9At-9xrSqGsY7eq-8W74Y_O4PqJqjSCQVR5M29mxmZevwTtjjo0Myt1CZsBanP2WRVQni5IkapwmfkyNdrmL_p2uOzSgWWu75ZD8uc/w640-h356/GetYourGoat_BucknutsStalking.jpg)
In this scenario, each survivor gang had sent out a hunting party of four to track a herd of goats that wandered through their territory. In "Get Your Goat," the scavenged canned and packaged food they've been subsisting on is all expired. Some fresh meat would be nice.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxsYkHH84U_Vj7cXNWoCTB3Ooz_FF9SNNbAiHoMsqqIVw8NGUhI9cJh1FlbIYmccIuHFYCwOAIvlgL3w8iEwPexp4st92zxXoZKa5krzo6Hg_InIz7mGSUTuXeXgrJqUZK0sVUPSDDrtIOzAAUcvAE_1rJA4D2yfu0DRrPg75jHMOqaONDE5tYqkoiDf0/w640-h388/GetYourGoat_Players02.jpg)
Since this is set in my take on the world of "Terminator," the machines make an appearance, of course. Check out my Lead Legionaries blog for the full report and lots more photos:
http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2025/03/players-able-to-get-your-goat-in-8th.html
Mike Demana
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Lovely stuff there Mike! Excellent gaming and your players look a lot like some players at my local club here in the UK lol. Some things seem to be quite universal :).
Regards,
Legionnaire.
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Lovely stuff there Mike! Excellent gaming and your players look a lot like some players at my local club here in the UK lol. Some things seem to be quite universal :).
Regards,
Legionnaire.
Er, you mean the White(or no)-haired Adventurer's Society? 8)
Good game, Mike. Savor the players staying on task (mostly). My guess is it was an anomoly... :D
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Savor the players staying on task (mostly). My guess is it was an anomoly... :D
lol lol lol
They do like to do that...!
Mike Demana
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Er, you mean the White(or no)-haired Adventurer's Society? 8)
Indeed sir lol.
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Don't be mistaken by white or bald heads or any other aspects of apparent physical age in general. I bet none of them considers himself any older or much wiser than when he started in the hobby. My mind is 20 if so at all, however my body can't match... lol
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Don't be mistaken by white or bald heads or any other aspects of apparent physical age in general. I bet none of them considers himself any older or much wiser than when he started in the hobby. My mind is 20 if so at all, however my body can't match... lol
I can only vouch for myself on that note. I'm middle-aged and I am renowned at the club for doing sound effects when I'm gaming so there lol.
Regards,
Legionnaire.
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Intriguing game, and I enjoyed the report. Not heard of these rules before - are they commercial or home-grown? Either way, looks like a fun type of game.
Doug
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Doug, they are Fistful of Lead rules, put out by Wiley Games. I say "Wiley Games," as I first played the original Fistful of Lead, then bought the Core Rules set for more generic and less Western themed gaming, and then purchased Galactic Heroes. It was the most recent one using the FFOL engine from the stable, so has some updated clarifications that the others did not. It is the same rules that CapnJim uses for most of his games, though he does make forays into the Fistful of Lead Bigger Battles set.
There you go...about triple the wordage you were expecting! lol
Mike Demana
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Doug, they are Fistful of Lead rules, put out by Wiley Games.
Mike Demana
These are my go to rules these days. They are uncomplicated, work very well, take 5 minutes to explain to others who've never played them before, you can play ANYTHING (cavemen to far future sci -fi) and most importantly, they're very good fun! :). Excellent for participation games.
Even if you only get the Core Rules, you're pretty set. Can't go wrong.
Regards,
Legionnaire.
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Doug, they are Fistful of Lead rules, put out by Wiley Games. I say "Wiley Games," as I first played the original Fistful of Lead, then bought the Core Rules set for more generic and less Western themed gaming, and then purchased Galactic Heroes. It was the most recent one using the FFOL engine from the stable, so has some updated clarifications that the others did not. It is the same rules that CapnJim uses for most of his games, though he does make forays into the Fistful of Lead Bigger Battles set.
There you go...about triple the wordage you were expecting! lol
Mike Demana
Fistful of Lead-Wiley; I should have cottoned on but missed the connection - senior moment. That?s good news - I?ve got a copy of the rules but have not used them yet. I probably need Galactic Heroes because Capn Jim?s "Modern Stuff" is tempting me as well.
Thanks for the info.
Doug
These are my go to rules these days. They are uncomplicated, work very well, take 5 minutes to explain to others who've never played them before, you can play ANYTHING (cavemen to far future sci -fi) and most importantly, they're very good fun! :). Excellent for participation games.
Even if you only get the Core Rules, you're pretty set. Can't go wrong.
Regards,
Legionnaire.
I?ve tended to use Pulp Alley for small-scale skirmish games so it looks like it?s time to give FfoL a go. :)
Doug
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In both games, characters aren't knocked out of action (killed?) as easily as in others sets. They are easier to put down in FFOL because of that nasty 9-10 result on 1d10 roll for seeing how badly wounded a character is after hit. Last Sunday, I asked the guys if they recalled in any of our games of the Wiley stable a character dying because it hit 3 wounds suffered. No one could remember one. So, that Out of Action roll on the Wounded chart (especially in light of the +1 per wound already suffered) is the real killer.
Mike Demana
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In both games, characters aren't knocked out of action (killed?) as easily as in others sets. They are easier to put down in FFOL because of that nasty 9-10 result on 1d10 roll for seeing how badly wounded a character is after hit. Last Sunday, I asked the guys if they recalled in any of our games of the Wiley stable a character dying because it hit 3 wounds suffered. No one could remember one. So, that Out of Action roll on the Wounded chart (especially in light of the +1 per wound already suffered) is the real killer.
Mike Demana
Yep! Gotsa to have body armor, baby. Body armor...if it works...
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Don't be mistaken by white or bald heads or any other aspects of apparent physical age in general. I bet none of them considers himself any older or much wiser than when he started in the hobby. My mind is 20 if so at all, however my body can't match... lol
I really hate that I'm the same age as old people.
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I really hate that I'm the same age as old people.
lol lol lol
The only advantage of being old AND retired is the increase in time to spend on the hobby... :D
Mike Demana
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lol lol lol
The only advantage of being old AND retired is the increase in time to spend on the hobby... :D
Mike Demana
Oh you old and retired persons! Me, still having more than a decade to my own envy you and your time you have at your disposal lol! Flaunting all those games you play and all the minis you paint, filling us young 'uns with inspiration. How dare you! lol ;)
Regards,
Legionnaire (rarely feeling OR acting my age lol)
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(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7uVTNPuz7PLHakhieZ7G1RMwtLRScOV1CB3TqiFg6iaXRe6F-1Zf0ntK8MDOeUJR8U8b1n5XJIDddXJdUcH6MqWya7V_xv2AcGRyfNQSvu6idLlflWKNUcfCCnmmgzBaHATaRp6f6yoswbkofGKHMxmtEBqL8q6l-qjoj_FwnRRUf1ALtH0IZlowxtI/w640-h374/SarissaYelTrailer_Front.jpg)
My sixth trailer is finished. You may or may not have seen it my most recent Zombie RV AAR (Unemployed? In Greenville...?). This is a Sarissa Precision MDF model. I covered the outer walls with a plastic corrugated material and added a big, wide 3-D printed deck from Bad Goblin Games.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYb0AtdVbrAH-Q1RgkuaInedjFx26X1QKEf9LKiuTI7228tmK50XZzKdLcU6Ovaw6HYbl5a6v7hL203iy3QWZR8g3h0PVMC44b3nJmwaTRl-EKDcXoiEVaQXu1s4hH94nuLOPCIketoa0IAoK9GS1eVGxj9KvV91bkjqaXuMELzpSe_fLh9Nrth7UoSvg/w640-h404/SarissaYelTrailer_SideFlat.jpg)
For more photos of it and discussion of how I did everything, check out the link on my Lead Legionaries blog:
https://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2025/04/sarissa-mdf-trailermodified-some.html
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1Q4gn_RVDFehxhm39u5WF4dvwXhH34gklFsNUc3mk6XMA6OAPHS3KwNiOYzJjzLeL-g8FcRlOJLZRGA1Pp_F7eg8IoOUz6R3xxDg1wzJKg_XwmQ0lvrJACgXHGy8FB5jF4SbQH6RkrkHbD9KRRlTXf79R0WqQFUQ0JIKBMWEg7hVF9yBKD1TqM-8QzY/w640-h276/SarissaYelTrailer_Skylights.jpg)
I like how the clear pieces of acrylic that they include for skylights turned out....
Mike Demana
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Ooh, very nice Mike :-*! All it needs now is a chap in a string vest, beer belly and receding hairline wielding a shotgun lol lol.
Regards,
Legionnaire.
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Nice. I noticed the decking whilst reading your latest report and thought I must get some of that so thanks for mentioning where you got it from.
Doug
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That looks good.
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The trailer is very cool! Brings back memories! Lol
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Ooh, very nice Mike :-*! All it needs now is a chap in a string vest, beer belly and receding hairline wielding a shotgun lol lol.
Thanks, everyone, for the kind comments. Yep, I probably should pick up some back-country yokels when I go to Historicon this year. And just to show it is a disease. I was in a model train store today and saw a box of 3 Plasticville trailers on sale. I thought, "Well, I don't own any Plasticville ones...I should get them and mix them in with my trailer park! lol
So, I bought them...
Mike Demama
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Great trailer that. Added myself as a follower of your Blog :)
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Great trailer that. Added myself as a follower of your Blog :)
Thank you! I always appreciate knowing folks are out there reading it. :) I read yours regularly, too!
Mike Demana
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That trailer looks good, Mike. Looking forward to seeing what you do with the Plasticville ones...
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Great thread this Mike.
Love the fact that Fistful of lead rules work for you.
Like you say, they add the old school FUN element to games.
We always have a giggle when we play them.