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Miniatures Adventure => Future Wars => Topic started by: Inso on 08 September 2012, 09:53:50 PM

Title: Martian Invasion Force.
Post by: Inso on 08 September 2012, 09:53:50 PM
I have been putting together a small army of Visitors that revolve mainly around Tengu Miniatures Greys and Games Wrorkshop Eldar dreadnoughts and walkers.

I have amassed 8 Dreadnoughts and 20 greys along with a couple of Eldar support weapon platforms. My initial plan is to have 5 visitors per walker/dreadnought and a couple of overlords riding on hover chariots made from the anti-grav platforms with a few honour guards to go with them. I won't have any transports because I have decided on teleportation as a means for the little guys to get around.

So...

I didn't want to have naked greys running around like this (even though these are awesome):

(http://www.tengumodels.co.uk/USERIMAGES/TENGU-MODELS-UX01.JPG)

So I had to convert some. Here's the first batch finished apart from the bases:

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d161/Inso/The%20Visitors/Visitor5.jpg)

And here they are with a WIP dreadnought in the chosen colour:

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d161/Inso/The%20Visitors/Visitor4.jpg)

The dreadnought will have some red symbols on the head carapace but apart from that, will remain dark blue.

I have a bit of further progress but I'll post that up later.

Watch the skies!
Title: Re: A small Visitor force.
Post by: Daeothar on 08 September 2012, 10:27:02 PM
Great work on the greys!

And that Eldar dread fits with them very well...
 8)
Title: Re: A small Visitor force.
Post by: dwartist on 08 September 2012, 10:34:38 PM
very nice - clever conversions!
Title: Re: A small Visitor force.
Post by: bandit86 on 09 September 2012, 08:56:03 AM
Great conversions, it really does wonders for the naked little fellows
Title: Re: A small Visitor force.
Post by: Inso on 09 September 2012, 08:31:01 PM
Cheers :)

I have been busy this week so as well as finishing the first five Visitors off:

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d161/Inso/The%20Visitors/Visitor6.jpg)

I have also been busy converting and winning stuff on E-bay so have a look here (if you fancy):

http://insosworld.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/preparation-another-sunday-post.html

The army is amassing! :D
Title: Re: A small Visitor force.
Post by: Hitman on 09 September 2012, 11:57:10 PM
Those conversions are amazing!!! Thanks for Sharing.
Regards,
Hitman
 8)
Title: Re: A small Visitor force.
Post by: Chairface on 10 September 2012, 03:57:33 AM
Lovely. I'm a big fan of the Tengu models.
Title: Re: A small Visitor force.
Post by: Inso on 10 September 2012, 09:52:12 AM
Lovely. I'm a big fan of the Tengu models.

Me too. The Tengu greys have a sort of 'innocent menace' about them that other companies just can't get.

The only reason I dressed mine is because I can't grasp the concept of advanced aliens travelling across space and walking around an alien environment with no clothes on... If they can build a space ship, they can make some clothes :) . Otherwise I would have left them as they were (because they are very cool minis :D ).
Title: Re: A small Visitor force.
Post by: Daeothar on 10 September 2012, 02:30:29 PM
Hey; differerent evolution and culture. We're only wearing clothes because we chose to live in places where we need them. Several human cultures preferred the comfort of high temperature zones, and never took to wearing (much) clothing.

Think of the Greys as a sort of dolphins who reinvented themselves as bipedal (again). Hence the grey skin and lack of clothing and visible reproductive organs. Then again; they might be engineered bioconstructs that have no consious need for clothes. Heck; what we're seeing could be an environmental suit! ;)

Then again; your conversions are really cool in a retro kind of way and complement the sculpts perfectly. So get on with it!! :D
Title: Re: A small Visitor force.
Post by: No Such Agency on 10 September 2012, 06:13:29 PM
^^ what he said... but I think they look great with the little gloves on! 
Title: Re: A small Visitor force.
Post by: DoctorPete on 11 September 2012, 01:46:52 AM
I have never heard of Tengu Miniatures.  I really like those Greys (naked or clothed!).  The color scheme has a very '70s science fiction feel to it (and that ain't bad).   :)
Title: Re: A small Visitor force.
Post by: Inso on 15 September 2012, 08:33:30 PM
Cheers  :D ... now for a little progress...

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d161/Inso/The%20Visitors/Visitor9.jpg)

I still need to put together four honour guards but once that is done and the dreadnoughts are painted, that will be the first wave complete :)

More info here:

http://insosworld.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/sundays-post-on-saturday.html
Title: Re: A small Visitor force.
Post by: blackstone on 17 September 2012, 08:30:30 AM
Great work on those! Really like the retro sci-fi vibe and seeing the skin painted in a colour other than grey!
Title: Re: A small Visitor force.
Post by: James Holloway on 17 September 2012, 12:12:12 PM
The Eldar weapons platform as a sort of grav-chariot for a dignitary is a great idea.
Title: Re: A small Visitor force.
Post by: Inso on 17 September 2012, 01:42:21 PM
Cheers :).

The hover platforms were a perfect mix of Dan-Dare and keeping with the Eldar themed hardware. I have a couple more of the same type that will be used for other leaders... and I also have a pair of larger ones that I am not sure what to do with at the moment... maybe a couple of Visitor heroes who have lost their psychic powers and wear bulky power armour to fight in... they'll need to get about so what better than boosted hover platforms?
Title: Re: A small Visitor force.
Post by: Inso on 23 September 2012, 01:55:19 PM
Mekon has arrived:

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d161/Inso/The%20Visitors/Visitor11_zps0c45909a.jpg)

More info here: http://insosworld.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/blam-its-sundays-post.html

Iain over at Tengu Models sent me a couple of Grey Leaders and it was a simple matter of covering toes and changing the pose and he was ready for action. Cheers Iain... I am well happy with your gift :)
Title: Re: A small Visitor force.
Post by: Inso on 30 September 2012, 10:49:21 AM
The exalted Octu has some honour guards now:

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d161/Inso/The%20Visitors/Visitor12.jpg)

This is the entire first wave:

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d161/Inso/The%20Visitors/Visitor13.jpg)

Just the walkers to go :).

You may have noticed the natural colours in the photos. That is because I used daylight and didn't use my non-daylight lamp :).
Title: Re: A small Visitor force.
Post by: Inso on 07 October 2012, 04:32:56 PM
I have finished the first two walkers (for now)... here they are:

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d161/Inso/The%20Visitors/Visitor15.jpg)

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d161/Inso/The%20Visitors/Visitor14.jpg

At the moment, the probably need a final highlight but I want to get them to a point where I am happy before I worry about extra highlights. With 12 of these suckers to paint, I need to keep up the momentum and faffing around with highlights will probably cause me to stall. I have two more to go and the first wave is finished... then I can treat myself with some more troops.

The second wave will be very similar except the walker weapons are different... and the leader won't have an octopus head.

But I have to finish the last two walkers for the first wave before I get too ahead of myself.

Ticking along.
Title: Re: A small Visitor force.
Post by: Inso on 07 October 2012, 04:42:29 PM
Inadvertent double post.
Title: Re: A small Visitor force.
Post by: Cherno on 07 October 2012, 06:12:37 PM
I like the walkers, The blue works well with the red decals. Are they brushed on by hand?
Title: Re: A small Visitor force.
Post by: Inso on 07 October 2012, 07:01:49 PM
I like the walkers, The blue works well with the red decals. Are they brushed on by hand?

Cheers :) . Yes the red markings are all painted on... that is why they are different sizes (which is a bit annoying but it isn't going to change  lol ).

The markings are names; Spear and Sword so far. The other walkers will have similar markings for their chosen names too :) .
Title: Re: A small Visitor force.
Post by: Inso on 14 October 2012, 08:09:38 PM
I am not as far along as I would like... but the next two walkers are now base-coated, ready for the wash to be applied:

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d161/Inso/The%20Visitors/Visitor16.jpg)

The two minis below the walkers are going to be the powered armour heroes... they just need a bit of chopping and re-sculpting here and there... but at least I have them :)

More here:

http://insosworld.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/sunday-milestone.html
Title: Re: Martian Invasion Force.
Post by: B. Basiliscus on 16 October 2012, 03:54:39 PM
I'm not a massive fan of the grey alien archetype, so when I say these look cool, it means you're smashing through my predisposition to dislike them.
These little green guys are looking awesome, and the additions of the smooth, lithe walkers adds a lot of flavor to their forces. Neat choice in colors!
Title: Re: Martian Invasion Force.
Post by: Diakon on 16 October 2012, 04:46:33 PM
Awesome project with some brilliant ideas. Good work man and I'll be watching eagerly to see where this goes.  :D
Title: Re: Martian Invasion Force.
Post by: Dr. The Viking on 16 October 2012, 04:54:04 PM
Who in their right mind wouldn't want a Martian invasion force?!

Love!
Title: Re: Martian Invasion Force.
Post by: The_Beast on 16 October 2012, 07:33:47 PM
Who in their right mind wouldn't want a Martian invasion force?!

Love!

Actually, I'm a bit on Basiliscus' side. Always a bit iffy on greys, though X Files could get me interested in them on occasion.

The painter Rich, and Inso, of course, have done well on budging me, too.

Nice going, Inso.  :?

Doug
Title: Re: Martian Invasion Force.
Post by: Inso on 17 October 2012, 07:40:05 AM
I'm glad you like them :).

I have been desperately trying to finish some commissions this week so I haven't had any time for these... but once the obligations are complete, I have some big plans for these :).
Title: Re: Martian Invasion Force.
Post by: beefcake on 17 October 2012, 10:46:34 AM
What are the commisions for Inso? Sculpting stuff?
Title: Re: Martian Invasion Force.
Post by: Inso on 17 October 2012, 12:53:31 PM
One is a gift for a leaving do (sculpt, paint + base):

http://insosworld.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/just-varnish-to-go.html

The other is a sculpt that I am not allowed to show off (a space cowboy ;) ).

Once those re fully sorted, I will be done for commissions for a while (I don't enjoy doing them and don't need the money either).

I also have to make a Santa's grotto and a Santa's sleigh with reindeer (both full sized)... but they will be done after work in the workshop there.

Lots of stuff  :-[
Title: Re: Martian Invasion Force.
Post by: Inso on 22 October 2012, 12:38:05 PM
Blade is finished and Trident is nearly there:

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d161/Inso/The%20Visitors/Visitor17.jpg)

Trident is now ready for his markings and then both of the walkers will get their bases finished.
Title: Re: Martian Invasion Force.
Post by: Inso on 23 October 2012, 12:31:24 PM
The first wave is now complete:

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d161/Inso/The%20Visitors/Visitor18.jpg)

Next up, Mekon will get some honour guards and then I'll start on the second wave :)

...and for those wanting to know, the Tengu shop is open again and you can now get the Mekon and a Startrek version of the greys too:

http://www.tengumodels.co.uk/index.htm
Title: Re: Martian Invasion Force.
Post by: tanktastic43 on 23 October 2012, 02:44:28 PM
Oh yes!

That works for me!

tt43.
Title: Re: Martian Invasion Force.
Post by: Inso on 28 October 2012, 04:51:30 PM
Cheers :)

Here is a pic of the next Visitors 'in the green' (to show the bits that are converted):

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d161/Inso/The%20Visitors/Visitor19.jpg)

They are the body-guards for the supreme commander; Mekon.

More stuff on the blog (as usual):

http://insosworld.blogspot.co.uk/
Title: Re: Martian Invasion Force.
Post by: Inso on 02 December 2012, 05:43:38 PM
I have now finished the Mekon's honour guard:

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d161/Inso/The%20Visitors/Visitor20.jpg)
Title: Re: Martian Invasion Force.
Post by: Inso on 27 August 2016, 05:13:31 PM
I think it's about time I blew the dust off this one...

Since Khurasan Miniatures released the 15mm versions of these, here:

http://khurasanminiatures.tripod.com/15mm-alien-invasion.html

... I have been thinking about restarting this project.

As a result, I have ordered (and received) more standard 28mm versions from CP Miniatures (who now have the 28mm versions since Tengu disappeared):

http://www.cpmodelsminiatures.co.uk/28mm%20Grey%20Aliens.htm

and have ordered a bunch of the 15mm ones, another Eldar Dreadnought (from EBay) and some multi-faceted beads (also from EBay) and I now have everything (either in hand or on the way) to complete this army. At the moment, I have opened up the little case of components and have started work on a couple of power-armoured champions.

On a side note, CP Miniatures gave great service; quick delivery, well packed and an extra pack of minis so I'd recommend them :) .

Pictures will follow :)
Title: Re: Martian Invasion Force.
Post by: jeffb on 27 August 2016, 05:57:42 PM
Where's Dan Dare?
Title: Re: Martian Invasion Force.
Post by: Inso on 27 August 2016, 06:40:06 PM
Said in a broad London or Australian accent,

" He's Dan Dare"

(he's down there ;) ).
Title: Re: Martian Invasion Force.
Post by: Inso on 28 August 2016, 04:21:11 PM
The first Champion:

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d161/Inso/The%20Visitors/Visitor22_zpshw2cqdzh.jpg)

More information is on my blog:

http://insosworld.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/the-aliens-are-starting-to-arrive.html
Title: Re: Martian Invasion Force.
Post by: Sardoo on 30 August 2016, 11:56:46 PM
Inspired by this so much I've today sent an order off for the little chappies!  :)

Now off the the cobweb covered GW bits box to rustle up some old school Eldar figures.

These wee guys would probably also go well with the Hydra Miniatures range as, perhaps, support troops for the Valkeeri.

Great thread and excellent painting and converting on display!  :o
Title: Re: Martian Invasion Force.
Post by: Inso on 31 August 2016, 08:00:27 PM
Inspired by this so much I've today sent an order off for the little chappies!  :)

Now off the the cobweb covered GW bits box to rustle up some old school Eldar figures.

These wee guys would probably also go well with the Hydra Miniatures range as, perhaps, support troops for the Valkeeri.

Great thread and excellent painting and converting on display!  :o

Thanks :)

Did you go for the 28mm versions or the 15mm versions? What Eldar will you be using?
Title: Re: Martian Invasion Force.
Post by: Sardoo on 31 August 2016, 11:15:47 PM
I went for the 28mm figures.

In relation to the Eldar, so far I've found one whole walker and bits of another so I'll need to keep on hunting for the missing bits. I've also found bits of what appear to be an eldar on a skimmer - hopefully further digging will turn up some more stuff. The bits box also contained what looks like a smaller version of a Titan - looks like it might come in handy!

Title: Re: Martian Invasion Force.
Post by: Inso on 02 September 2016, 01:08:53 PM
Cool :)

I look forward to seeing what you come up with :) . Will you be leaving the Greys as standard or converting them? Either way, they will make a great ally for some good old fashioned, space adventurers... or their enemies :)

I have just received a parcel from Khurasan Miniatures so I can now show off a scale pic:

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d161/Inso/The%20Visitors/Visitor24_zps3gbbw4wb.jpg)

I am totally amazed at the quality of the tiny guys... they are brilliant :D
Title: Re: Martian Invasion Force.
Post by: Sardoo on 04 September 2016, 01:58:52 AM
I think I'll be converting them but, at the moment, they are on the waiting list as I've got three other projects to complete before I can get to them.

Very impressed with CP Models - very fast turnaround from order to arrival. Also got a couple of freebies  :)
Title: Re: Martian Invasion Force.
Post by: Inso on 11 September 2016, 03:01:59 PM
CP were very good (I got freebies as well :) ).

The next update is the continuing progress on the two champions:

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d161/Inso/The%20Visitors/Visitor26_zpsanlaqkkx.jpg)

The pic also shows some of the MDS bases (the middle one finished).

As is usually the case, Inso's World has a bit more information :) .