Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => The Conflicts that came in from the Cold => Topic started by: racm32 on September 16, 2020, 10:40:03 PM
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Finally starting work on my 20mm Modern US infantry sent to me from Elhiem Figures to rebuild my collection after my last one was stolen. Can't believe the selection I got. These really are some of the best quality minis for price you can find on the marker. Pictures don't do them justice.
(https://i.imgur.com/z4eCTvH.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Xuqcmx9.jpg)
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Sorry to hear about your loss.
You certainly have made a good start on rebuilding.
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[edit] modify not quote...
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Sorry to hear about the theft. But those do paint up nice. So hoping to see more of your work soon.
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What was stolen ?
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I had a chrome case with my entire 20mm Modern collection, over 180 painted minis, stolen out of my hobby room during a home invasion earlier this year. Most of the collection were Elhiem miniatures and they saw me post pictures on market places asking people to keep an eye out for my stolen minis. The owner reached out to me and offered to send me extra castings to help rebuild my collection.
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Here are old pictures of what was my 20mm collection. I had done a photo inventory of most my collection last year.
The case they were in:
(https://i.imgur.com/RnYWkv3.jpg)
Everything circled in red was in the case that was stolen.
(https://i.imgur.com/LKKnUXH.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/y5JG0za.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/PUldPP6.jpg)
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First thing I do when painting is base coat, just like everyone else. This time I have to used a brush on primer as my location (deployed) prevents me from bringing or shipping spray paints. Normally I prime in black or white, depending on the main color pallet I'll be painting in. As space is limited I brought 1 bottle of grey primer as an in between solution.
(https://i.imgur.com/k9XIh4Z.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/xvDEG7o.jpg)
After priming I always paint skin first before anything else. On my old collection, out of laziness, I had painted all the minis in the same skin tone. Since I am redoing the collection I felt it was necessary to take a little extra time to more accurately depict the diversity of my brothers and sisters in arms. Doing anything less felt like disrespecting the sacrifice of the brave soldiers/marines and want to depict. So in that vain I painted all the US troops in a mix of 5 different skin tones. I am quite happy with the result.
(https://i.imgur.com/33kAx02.jpg)
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Going with a multicam style camo pattern but using my Air Force OCPs as color reference.
The hardest part for me is figuring out what should be the base color for the camouflage. On my uniforms it looks like this light, yellow green color could be the base so its what I have gone with.
(https://i.imgur.com/jhru1KE.jpg)
As I could not bring my complete paint collection with me I have to make do with what on hand. Fortunately this one seems to be close enough. Its a bit light but should darken up when I apply a wash at the end.
(https://i.imgur.com/JDSIhLd.jpg)
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More work on the multicam pattern.
Here is the reference I am using, out of my closet.
(https://i.imgur.com/3jrvuXD.jpg)
After the base color I moved to the lightest one.
(https://i.imgur.com/7ipArqQ.jpg)
I used 1/4 Desert Yellow and 3/4 Beige. I think on the next batch I'll use just Beige.
(https://i.imgur.com/CLtFS7G.jpg)
Next I painted the brown.
(https://i.imgur.com/Qe2u3m4.jpg)
I feel like this is a bit too light so I plan on trying Army Painter Monster Brown on next batch.
(https://i.imgur.com/iVyF6Xs.jpg)
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I use Tan Earth for the brown on my multicam/MTP, I've tried various browns, this one seems best. You've seen my stuff on Facebook mate.
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True and I don't recall thinking yours looked too light. I'll finish up this batch and see how I feel with the finished product before I change what I'm doing.
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This is is very useful.
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Nearly done with the first 17 US infantry. I am done painting all the multicam on them. Here are the rest of the steps:
The next layer of the camo I painted is the green.
(https://i.imgur.com/fQMIwWc.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/oTbWzYI.jpg)
After that I put patches of the dark, not quite black. I found Dark Stone by Army Painter to be almost perfect match.
(https://i.imgur.com/Qi3qJMa.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/EnRcz8c.jpg)
With that my attempt at Multicam is essentially done.
Next I'll go through and pick out details that are often in a color we often call coyote brown. As you can see I am using the boots, gloves, and balaclava I was issued as reference. We also tend to use a few self bought pouches and attachments in this color that are strapped to our vests or packs. I find Desert Yellow by army painter works well for this.
(https://i.imgur.com/myRwXIU.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/9Hw3DSU.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/xsVpqZF.jpg)
Last thing will be weapons, washes, base and done.
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Thanks for the step by step with the paint colors, that’s very helpful. It might be the first time I’ve seen a tutorial where the painter had the real items at hand for reference!
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Thanks for the recipe.
I will try it out on the 28mm US I ordered from Empress.
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Thanks for the recipe.
I will try it out on the 28mm US I ordered from Empress.
I look forward to seeing pictures. I think the effect would be even more convincing on the larger 28mm miniatures.
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Thanks for the step by step with the paint colors, that’s very helpful. It might be the first time I’ve seen a tutorial where the painter had the real items at hand for reference!
Not only do I have the items on hand but I'm currently deployed. Maybe a bit weird painting miniatures for a conflict I'm actually engaged in.
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I don’t think it’s weird at all - no weirder than painting napoleonics or Star Wars or fantasy figs, at least (ours is an unusual hobby by default!) If you get a similar kind of relaxation to mine when I’m painting figs, it’s probably a healthy thing to do for stress busting. I know I spent a lot more on booze before I got back into painting minis!
In any case, I appreciate seeing the paint go on your collection - the posts are a great reference.
I hope your deployment goes as smoothly as it can, and stay safe!
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Not only do I have the items on hand but I'm currently deployed. Maybe a bit weird painting miniatures for a conflict I'm actually engaged in.
Not at all, I painted dudes up in the grey pixilated pattern when I was in Iraq. lol
But that was many moons ago now.
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The last step in painting is the weapons which all get a coat of Army Painter Matt Black followed by a highlight of Uniform Gray. Now the gray highlight may look a bit too heavy but that is intentional. After I apply the wash the highlight gets muted down to just right.
(https://i.imgur.com/v8zRMeR.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/lRt33D8.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/EB2rvS2.jpg)
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Small suggestion. If you get a brown wash, eg the Games Workshop stuff, it will add depth and blend everything is. ;)
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Good advice. I have started with the Soft Tone Wash from the Army Painter and I'm loving the look. Would a brown specific was work even better?
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The Vallejo Game Color Umber wash (lavado sombra) is rather nice, dries matt as well.
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I recommend the AK Uniform Definition Filter as well, I chuck the brown glaze over everything.
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Here is what they look like with the wash I'm using and before the matt varnish goes on.
(https://i.imgur.com/It8Lqzr.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/lPzAGya.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/EOasdV3.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/1oKluVB.jpg)
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Very nice.
Have you got a flesh wash for the (admittedly limited) exposed flesh.
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Very nice.
Have you got a flesh wash for the (admittedly limited) exposed flesh.
I do but it seemed a bit pointless/wistful to use it in this situation. Mainly because not only is their limited flesh but what little there is, is obscured by helmets.
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Sometimes you can get a good effect with rips of blisterfoam, stippling them into some almost dry paint and then stippling them onto the figures carefully.
Apart from that pretty cool!
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Here is a group shot of the 1st squad, 1st platoon all painted with the Platoon Leader and Platoon RTO. Just basing left to do and then I'll get some close ups.
(https://i.imgur.com/YTBqHA1.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/RCjAGY5.jpg)
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Well, you won't be stuck for realistic basing material. It's everywhere! lol All my modern British bases have a sprinkling of fine dust from Helmand.
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Well, you won't be stuck for realistic basing material. It's everywhere! lol All my modern British bases have a sprinkling of fine dust from Helmand.
I'd love to see a photo. I have only tried basing with natural dirt/sand (that I didn't paint over) once and had mixed results.
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I'd love to see a photo. I have only tried basing with natural dirt/sand (that I didn't paint over) once and had mixed results.
You've seen them before mate, the JTACs have it on the base, the blokes in the cornfield just have AK Dried Ground before I put some Afghan dust on. http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=127183.0
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looks pretty good
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Cheers mate, there's no real need to put it on, the AK Dried Ground is really good on its own. I just like the fact it's dirt I scraped up outside my tent in FOB Price, I'm desperately waiting for that day when someone tells me it's the wrong colour for Helmand lol
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Its a great connection to you past and the history of those minis. I like the idea of it.
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So I decided to try the local basing material and I love how it looks. My problem is how best to seal it. I'm thinking of just gently brushing on watered down PVA glue. If there is a better solution then please share.
(https://i.imgur.com/YPBws05.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/PiAEtED.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/JqMkqST.jpg)
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One of the traditional model railway solutions is watered down PVA glue in an eye dropper..
An alternative is to mix the basing material with powdered wood glue and use a mister (is that which mists). That probably takes practice, but allows you to dry sculpt the material.
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Sorry to hear about the theft :( Really nice figures :)
I have some WW2 Fallschirmjagers camo smocks to paint on 28mm figures so read this topic with interest as I am not a great painter.
I have been advised to use the lightest colour of the camo pattern as the base (so maybe the beige in this case) and then apply the other colours quite thinly?
Also from the photographs, I am not sure how well the final brown wash works? It seems to reduce the effects of earlier stages which looked great. Maybe it could be applied more thinly or use a different shade?
Like I said, I am no great painter so not really qualified to give advice. I have always been put off moderns due to the challenging camo patterns. That’s on 28mm as well and you are painting 20mms!
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So here is my first test to seal the base using hairspray. It did a very good job sealing it but as you can see did darken the soil a bit. Photos where taken about 14 hours after application so I don't think it will lighten up an more then that. It sill has a good natural earth look but not quite the arid earth I want. Not sure if I like it. Could always give it a light drybrush.
(https://i.imgur.com/p1gofuf.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/mqm8Tii.jpg)
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It’s the perfect color now for damp arid ground...
A dry brush will help get it back toward looking arid, but probably not quite to how the unsprayed base looks. (Just an aside, you can also use a light dry brush on the uniform of very pale buff or sand that has a yellow tint to help it look ‘dry’ after using the wash for the shadows. Washes sometimes make figs look ‘damp’. Basically, the dry brush brings up the edges and folds like it is getting hit with sunlight. I use that technique on 6mm vehicles and it helps them ‘pop’ visually, especially ones with complex camo patterns like WW2 German tanks.)
It’s a challenge getting natural dirt to look dry after it has been sealed - I can’t think of any sealant that won’t darkened the base. My wife thinks I’m crazy going through the steps I do to make actual dirt look “right” on the bases.
Is the grit on the unsealed base glued down hard enough that you could get away without sealing the bases? They’ll shed dust a bit, but might hold up well enough. Some of my collection doesn’t have sealant on the bases and they’ve done alright.
Alternatively, and this might be a long shot, sprinkling a bit of fresh dirt on top of the base immediately after the sealant goes on may bring back the dry effect. My guess is that the material is darker after sealing because the clear varnish soaks through from the top and when it dries interacts with light similarly to a layer of water. By adding dust on top, hopefully the new layer will stick to the varnish, but won’t be soaked through, so it will keep the right reflectiveness. If you try that, you’ll have to be really careful not to get dust on the figure! On the other hand, maybe a bit of dust part way up the boots and pant legs would look authentic...
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It seems like the larger grain bits stay in pretty well but the finer grain in between didn't reach the glue below.
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Looking great though !
Great job on the camp too
Cheers
Matt
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Well I'm calling the first 17 done. That gives me a full squad of 3 five man fireteams plus a platoon commander/leader and a radio operator/JTAC. I'll be consolidating all the posts down into a single painting tutorial on my blog. I'll post a link when done.
(https://i.imgur.com/whS7qlF.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Xbi1iic.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/dNclP3N.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/vEFb6Xr.jpg)
I'm really happy with how the camo pattern turned out,
(https://i.imgur.com/2vNpAJl.jpg)
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Those look excellent- had to remind myself they’re 20mm and not 28s. The camo definitely captures the feel of the actual kit you posted earlier. I like the way the weapons and other gear turned out, too.
I’m looking forward to seeing how the rest of your collection turns out!
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Just out of curiosity, what method did you end up using on the bases? They turned out well- very close to the unvarnished sand color you originally had.
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I ended up just hitting them with the hairspray and letting them sit for a few days.
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That’s great the basing material reverted to the original color after drying a few days, the bases look quite good.
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Use of 'local baseing material' was a great idea.
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Here is the consolidated paint guide: https://wyndehurstproductions.blogspot.com/2020/10/painting-guide-20mm-modern-us-in.html (https://wyndehurstproductions.blogspot.com/2020/10/painting-guide-20mm-modern-us-in.html)
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Among the several companies who offered to help be rebuild my Moderns collection after it was stolen was the small company of M & C Miniature Painting. They had just started a 20mm Insurgents line and offered me my pick from their selection. The line currently consist mainly of support weapons ie: RPGs and LMGs. They also offer some casualties and a team for manning a rocket launcher that will coming soon. Generally the sculpts are a little thicker then other companies but I found this made them very easy to paint which is a real advantage to new comers to 20mm from larger scales.
M&C Miniatures: https://www.mcmodelpainting.uk/collections/20mm-insurgents?page=1 (https://www.mcmodelpainting.uk/collections/20mm-insurgents?page=1)
More photos on my blog: https://wyndehurstproductions.blogspot.com/2020/11/m-c-miniatures-insurgents.html (https://wyndehurstproductions.blogspot.com/2020/11/m-c-miniatures-insurgents.html)
(https://i.imgur.com/HRLvYxP.jpg)
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Here is the consolidated paint guide: https://wyndehurstproductions.blogspot.com/2020/10/painting-guide-20mm-modern-us-in.html (https://wyndehurstproductions.blogspot.com/2020/10/painting-guide-20mm-modern-us-in.html)
Thanks.