Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => Future Wars => Topic started by: Sgt. Scream on September 01, 2012, 04:40:58 PM
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Let me begin this project-log with saying thanks to the following LAF members for moments of great inspiration:
*Arcturus (Alien stuff) (http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=19518.0)
*Braz (Hadley's Hope) (http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=20983.0)
*Westphalia Chris (some Aliens stuff) (http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=645.0)
*Commander Vyper (Xenomorph project) (http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=20700.0)
*Uti Long Smile (Painted Aliens Project) (http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=20440.0)
*Michka (Marines, terrain etc.) (http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=43052.0)
*Manatic (especially for his "Dawn Of the Lead" blog) (http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=42394.0)
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/RevirescoPowerLoaderwithrollcage.jpg)
Reviresco's 25mm Sci-Fi Power Loader with Pilot. This is my heavily modified version to suit 28mm "heroic" miniatures sizewise. I used parts from a Mechwarrior Dark Age Construction Mech to add larger legs and hydraulics.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/RevirescoPowerLoaderback.jpg)
The back of the power loader. I pinned the MW:DA Construction Mech's feet into the pewter legs of the Reviresco miniature. The greenish base is one of Fenris Games' excellent 65mm diameter "Sulaco" series.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/RevirescoPowerLoaderfront.jpg)
Front shot, without roll cage installed (see in front of the loader). The pilot "Not-Ripley" is stuck down on a base for easier handling during painting.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/RevirescoPowerLoaderleftside.jpg)
The side shot reveals how I added hydraulic hoses made from bristles of a broom (no kidding). See the background pic of Reviresco's power loader and how it normally would look like. Too small for my needs, hence the mods.
So here it is: I do have to admit it took way too long until it began to take shape. I finally gave up trying to resist and started my 28mm Aliens VS Predator project. A dream of mine that started many moons ago while playing AVP on an Atari Jaguar 64bit console (who remembers this one?).
Its been on my mind for a long time now and I started collecting various stuff for this cause over the last couple of years. I will probably create a completely new game, based upon my own ideas and lots of ideas "borrowed" from other games that I have played in the last two decades. The game I want to create is supposed to be played with a minimum of two, but preferable with three or even more players. One will command all Aliens and play the game-master, while the others will either control Colonial Marine squads or Predator Hunting Packs. The goals to be achieved are depending on what faction you choose and can be done with support from the other players or alone, trying even to stop the co-gamers to reach their mission objectives. But more of those ideas at a later time...
Let's have a look at the stuff I posted pics of above. What you see here is a 25mm Sci-Fi "Power Loader" pewter miniature from Reviresco, made in the US. Its true to 25mm size as its way too small for 28mm miniatures. Its a nice kit and was only US $8.00 (!!!) excluding shipping. I was a bit sad when it arrived, seeing it won't fit my other stuff for my game size-wise.
When on ebay a Leading Edge Power Loader was sold for insane 78€ I was grabbed by my burning ambition: I won't burn cash that high for a Power Loader! Oh no - I can make a working power loader fitting my 28mm stuff on my own, all it needs is some thinking, kit-bashing and imagination! See my results above.
I re-named it P-3500 Power Loader as its not as big as the P-5000 was in Aliens. Imagine the P-3500 as a smaller cousin of the larger model.
The base is from Fenris Games. They sell a series of round bases called "Sulaco" (*hint*) that obviously is inspired by the floors to be seen in Aliens. The one above has a diameter of 65mm.
Alright, I'll be back with more later. Keep commenting, guys.
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I bought a jaguar just for that game, then Toomey it back as it was crap :D
Nice start and thanks for the nod. Will watch with interest.
The Commander
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I like it, but it would really really bug me that the size seems to be off (not the scale of miniatures, but the proportions of the actual model). I see the harness location, and the footpads (blue), but...there is no way in hell the 25mm Ripley can fit in that thing properly. It seems to me that the power loader is much too tall of a model, almost as if the legs needs to be cut down by nearly 50% to make a human figure fit correctly inside.
I love me some ALIENS, but I think that would drive me nuts! :D
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You've done a great job on this. I'm tempted to get a couple of these Reviresco power loaders to add to the one I've got. They wouldn't look the same, but the Leading Edge power loader isn't perfect either. The roll cage is messed up and obscures any painting effort you make on the pilot. If nothing else I feel I need to add the missing hoses like you did. Really looking forward to seeing more of this project.
So which Colonial Marines are you thinking about using?
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I like it, but it would really really bug me that the size seems to be off (not the scale of miniatures, but the proportions of the actual model). I see the harness location, and the footpads (blue), but...there is no way in hell the 25mm Ripley can fit in that thing properly. It seems to me that the power loader is much too tall of a model, almost as if the legs needs to be cut down by nearly 50% to make a human figure fit correctly inside.
I love me some ALIENS, but I think that would drive me nuts! :D
No, you didn't see the footpads. The blue stuff isn't where on this particular miniature the feet of Ripley will be placed at. There is small footpads (like on stilts) attached to the lower legs, that's where they will be at. It isn't the movie's Power Loader and thus looks a little different. I think I'll be able to manage a good-looking Power Loader out of this pile of parts nonetheless.
I'll be using Woodbine for Marines.
Some WIP shots from last night. Base colours are done, next step will be dirt, weathering, markings, decals and the pilot obviously. Please note that the roll bar is NOT attached in its final position. Its only loosly placed for the pics. The Fenris base also isn't complete yet.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/RevirescomodifiedPowerLoaderbasepaintfrontwithrollcage.jpg)
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/RevirescomodifiedPowerLoaderbasepaintfromabove.jpg)(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/RevirescoModifiedPowerLoaderbasepaintpanellines.jpg)
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/RevirescomodifiedPowerLoaderbasepaintside.jpg)
Thanks for your feedback so far. Keep it coming. 8)
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Looking good there. Had been thinking about the Reviresco loader, glad to finally see it. I personally used the Prince August one. Not a perfect match, but good enough for me.
(http://dawnofthelead.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/autoloaderfinal.jpg)
The parts refused to fit, so I had to GS some footholds.
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Ah, okay I see how you're doing it now. That would not bug me. I saw the blue-foot pads in the original picture and was trying to figure out how in the hell you planned on using them. :D
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Ah, okay I see how you're doing it now. That would not bug me. I saw the blue-foot pads in the original picture and was trying to figure out how in the hell you planned on using them. :D
No worries, Ellen R. has her place now. :D
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/RevirescoPowerLoaderRipley.jpg)
The finished Power Loader with its "not Ripley" pilot in place.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/RevirescoPowerLoaderbackshotfinished.jpg)
The name of the model on the base for my forth-coming AVP rules. All items and models will have names attached based upon the Alien & Predator background universe.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/RevirescoPowerLoaderbasedetailsfinished.jpg)
I have added some of my Battletech decals for warning labels. Paint chipping was done using the sponge technique and boltgun metal.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/RevirescoPowerLoadersideshotfinished.jpg)
Some hazard stripes have been painted to the loader's "fork" claws. Heavily chipped go give them a worn and used look.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/RevirescoPowerLoaderfrontshotfinished.jpg)
Although not as cool as the movies' P-5000, I am rather pleased how my conversion has turned out. Now my "not Ripley" is ready to tackle some Xenomorph mommy. "Leave her alone, bitch!"
Ok, this evenings' painting session was interupted by watching "Expendables 2", so you had to wait a little longer. I finished the P-3500 Work Loader to include the pilot figure and put it all together. Paint chipping, drybrushing, adding decals etc. all has been done now.
I know its not a perfect match of the movies famous Power Loader, but for an US $8 model with minor cosmetical conversions it turned out really well I'd say.
I drybrushed and highlighted the miniature with adding some white to my base colour and made one more pin-wash with Devlin Mud. I then picked up a piece of an old sponge (from a blister pack made by GW) and used it to dab on spots of chipped paint using boltgun metal.
Last step was adding some decals (from my Battletech stuff) to give the Power Loader an industrial look. Hazard stripes on the "fork" claws add further detail.
Let me know what you think!
PS: the forward leaning pose is intentional - it has something to do with the Power Loader being in base-to-base contact with another particularly huge model and a famous scene from Aliens, taking place in a docking bay ;-)
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Very nice indeed. Instantly recognizable, which I guess is the key thing in these projects!
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Hey,
You don't like my work?... lol
(http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/7669/cheyennehm.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/33/cheyennehm.jpg/)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
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[...] The name of the model on the base for my forth-coming AVP rules. All items and models will have names attached based upon the Alien & Predator background universe.
If you're going to do this, I *highly* recommend printing out the names onto little strips of paper and sticking them on - it will look much neater and more "finished". Plus, you can use a green digital font on a black background to make it look like a computer readout, which I think will fit the "film look" you're going for.
If you're really bold, you can make your own custom transfers instead of printing out the name strips on normal paper, but I think that it would be more work for not necessarily much more gain.
Anyway, I think you've definitely managed a silk purse from a sow's ear here, so hearty congratulations on a great job! lol
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(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/Squad1fromabove.jpg)
US Colonial Marines Squad 1 (Woodbine Miniatures)
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/Squad1.jpg)
From left to right: Pfc. Hudson, Cpl. Dietrich, Pvt. Drake, Pvt. Frost
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/DrakeFrostfront.jpg)
Pvt. Drake wielding a M56 "Smartgun", Pvt. Frost with M41 "Pulse Rifle".
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/DrakeFrostback.jpg)
Drake's Smartgun has been modified with scratchbuilt parts, bases are from Fenris Games.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/HudsonDietrichfront.jpg)
Pfc. Hudson with Motion Tracker and M41 "Pulse Rifle", Cpl. Dietrich with M240 Flamethrower.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/HudsonDietrichback.jpg)
Pfc. Hudson is one of the platoon's Electronic Techs, Cpl. Dietrich applies her skills as a Medic.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/RevirescoWoodbinesizecomparison.jpg)
I know the question will come up: comparison shot with my Power Loader.
So here goes: my first Colonial Marines for AVP. Using bases from Fenris Games excellent "Sulaco" series (25mm) and the beautiful collection of Woodbine's military Sci-Fi miniatures in 28mm for a pleasing result.
The Colonial Marines' platoons are broken down into two sections of two squads each, lead by a Lieutenant. The sections are lead by Sergeants, while the squads are under command of a Corporal.
The squad displayed might not stay like that, but its already consisting out of all the necessary miniatures - a leader (Dietrich), a Smartgunner (Drake) and two grunts (Frost and Hudson). Squads can be split once again into fire teams of two Marines each.
My complete first section (under GySgt. Apone) will be based upon the characters of "Aliens". Section two will consist out of all characters from the AVP trading card game from the 90's. This will give me enough Marines, to have two players controlling the USCMC for my forthcoming game.
Woodbine doesn't do "official" US Colonial Marines. The Pulse Rifles and Smartgun clearly are inspired by the movie but have been altered, probably due to copyright concerns. Their entire range (I will soon have all available ones) has all miniatures to display the whole movie's characters - to include the supporting individuals, like the Dropship's flight crew, Ripley, Burke etc. They are a little cartoony, but to me are probably the best "true" 28mm USCMC on the market.
Lesson learned so far: I just can't paint faces. Lots of practise should go into that topic :'(
Let me know what you think - especially about the camo!
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Looking good so far, the camo could be a litte ebit more faded but that'S ahrd to judge because the movei was mostly dark ;)
Anyway, it's a cool project and I'm looking forward to seeing your (hopefully upcoming) Aliens and Predators, and scenery!
About painting faces, I never bothered with them because they would be half-hidden under hemlets etc. anyway and at two feet, who notices how they looks like? :) Same goes for the weapons, as long as they have a similar shape they are fine.
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I really like what you've done so far. The power-loader is fantastic. The squad looks pretty damn good too. If you want any advise on the faces I'd say use a little lighter shading on the flesh tones. Then hit the deep recesses with the darker shade you have already. Then again, I see nothing that needs to be fixed. I wouldn't repaint anything. Instead try out a different style with the next four and see if you like them. I have so many different levels of paint skill on my Colonial Marines, yet they work together well. I even have camo pattern troops sitting next to all olive drab troops and they work together well. Speaking of camo, you've done that fantastically. Well done sir. I think the best indicator is the last shot. With the four man squad standing around the power-loader everything looks just right for a game of Aliens, and isn't that what you really want?
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Looking very nice there, definitely want to see more of this project. Is it just me, or did you check out/use my CM painting tutorial? The look of the paintjob is very familiar!
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Looking very nice there, definitely want to see more of this project. Is it just me, or did you check out/use my CM painting tutorial? The look of the paintjob is very familiar!
Not an exact copy in terms of techniques, steps and colour palette used, but your tutorial was used as a guideline, yes. 8)
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Liking the powerloader alot, but seems a little small, also found the list of inspiration at the start really useful...
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(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/Section1completefront.jpg)
The complete first section, with squads #1 and #2 (Woodbine Miniatures).
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/Squad2fromabove.jpg)
US Colonial Marines Squad 2 (Woodbine Miniatures)
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/Squad2front.jpg)
From left to right: Pvt. Wierzbowski, Cpl. Hicks, Pfc. Vasquez, Pvt. Crowe
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/WierzbowskiHicksfront.jpg)
Pvt. Wierzbowski wielding a M240 Flamethrower, Cpl. Hicks with M37 Shotgun
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/WierzbowskiHicksback.jpg)
Bases are from Fenris Games' Sulaco series, Cpl. Hicks also has a M41 "Pulse Rifle" strapped to his back.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/VasquezCrowefront.jpg)
Pfc. Vasquez wielding a M56 "Smartgun", Pvt. Crowe armed with a M41 "Pulse Rifle"
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/VasquezCroweback.jpg)
Vasquez' gun has been slightly modified, just like the counterpart of Pvt. Drake
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/Section1complete.jpg)
Section 1, led into combat by GySgt. Apone.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/Aponefront.jpg)
GySgt. Apone armed with VP-70 pistol, M240 Flamethrower and equipped with IR Binocculars
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/Aponeback.jpg)
M41 "Pulse Rifle" on Apone's back, making him the best-armed Marine of the section >:D
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/allfiguresjanuary2013sofar.jpg)
AVP project: humans painted so far (January 2013)
So here we are, finally in the year 2013. Projects don't get completed as fast as I was hoping for. Serious illness of a family member prevents me from painting most of the stuff that sits on my table currently. Small progress was made over the weekend, as I finally was able to get at least section #1 of my Colonial Marines completed. Next addition will be the supporting characters like Gorman, Ripley, the Dropship crew etc.
Once again I am not completely satisfied - I just can't make it happen - faces on my miniatures still look horribly. 20+ years in the hobby and I still can't paint them to a comfortable standard :'(
Maybe that's why I do prefer 28mm figures to have fully enclosed helmets?! 8)
The long painting war continues...
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Nice project so far, Sgt. Scream, though I don't like that much those Woodbine minis, especially the faces ;)
But great work so far.
Do you know if the Reviresco Powerloader is still available somewhere?
I'm going for the Denizen minis in my own project and I guess the powerloader will fit right in ;)
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Hasslefree recently released this mini:
(http://www.hfminis.co.uk/shop?product=akkie~hfsf012&category=miniatures~%2Anew-toys%2A)
http://www.hfminis.co.uk/shop?product=akkie~hfsf012&category=miniatures~%2Anew-toys%2A
I think you could do a good use of that :)
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Very awesome project. Esp that power loader.
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Hasslefree recently released this mini:
(http://www.hfminis.co.uk/shop?product=akkie~hfsf012&category=miniatures~%2Anew-toys%2A)
http://www.hfminis.co.uk/shop?product=akkie~hfsf012&category=miniatures~%2Anew-toys%2A
I think you could do a good use of that :)
I already ordered them. I need a nice figure for Newt and Hasslefree's are the best for that. I also will paint another section using the names of the AVP trading card game. So I need a Pvt. Masters and a Pvt. Rogers for being my smartgunners. This figure comes in handy. So expect some painted of these in the future.
Nice project so far, Sgt. Scream, though I don't like that much those Woodbine minis, especially the faces ;)
But great work so far.
Do you know if the Reviresco Powerloader is still available somewhere?
I'm going for the Denizen minis in my own project and I guess the powerloader will fit right in ;)
The Reviresco Loader is still available on their website AFAIK. Its very tiny, hence my modifications.
@Dentatus: thank you!
Progress was made today:
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/Gormandetails.jpg)
Leading officer of my Colonial Marine forces: 2nd Lt. Gorman (Woodbine Miniatures)
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/Gormanfront.jpg)
Not really expecting to be out in the fight, Gorman still got injured early in the mission
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/Gormanback.jpg)
Standard issue khaki coloured uniform and only a VP-70 pistol - Gorman didn't expect to be in a fight (no, really!)
Not much to show at all but I managed to get Gorman painted. He's another piece of the Woodbine Miniatures Character Set. Depicted is Gorman later during the campaign, after he injured his head, when the remaining Marines were fleeing the planetary processing unit in an APC.
I went with a really simple scheme, showing the Marine standard issue one-colour field dress (khaki). I was however trying to add as many of the patches that are seen in the movie as possible. So, Gorman sports both USCM badges (shoulder and chest pocket) and an US flag. The green stripes on the chest are supposed to resemble his name tags and service branch (Marines).
Gorman is un-armed apart from a VP-70 pistol.
Stay tuned for more AVP items in the next couple of weeks.
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I´m in for a game almost anytime, Chris!
Can provide some terrain and a few opponents (well, probably more than your colonial marines could swallow)...
(http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll111/wamasaka/Rome/MiniaturenfotosOriginale1272.jpg)
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Wouldn't mind at all having you here for a game some day in the future, mate. :-) Oh, I do have some 40 of these Xenomorphs as well. Definitely more than what the USCM will be able to deal with. Shhhh, don't tell anyone but I will probably playing "the Hive" most of the times (our group more or less has their favourites even right now its all still WIP).
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Nice work on those marines Sgt. :D
I've got a few packs of those to paint too. I really like the camo effect you've got there.
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I'd love to see these guys in some of those Bug Hunt Corridors.
"Let's Rock!"
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I'd love to see these guys in some of those Bug Hunt Corridors.
"Let's Rock!"
Me too! :D
Nice work on those marines Sgt. :D
I've got a few packs of those to paint too. I really like the camo effect you've got there.
Thanks, I am far from being a good painter, but I guess its good enough for gaming with them.
Update: Alien Warriors and Royal Guards (http://smallscaleoperations.blogspot.de/2013/01/avp-alien-warriors-and-royal-guards.html)
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/AlienWarriordetail.jpg)
"They grow into killers in a matter of days" - Alien Warrior drone
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/AlienWarrior2.jpg)
Alien Warrior (rebased WizKids Horrorclix figures)
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/AlienWarriorsback.jpg)
Since there is different types of Xenomorphs the bases are marked ("Warrior")
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/AlienRoyalGuarddetail-Kopie.jpg)
"They protect the Queen with their lives" - Alien Royal Guard
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/AlienRoyalGuardsback-Kopie.jpg)
Three Royal Guards. These are even more dangerous than regular Warrior drones
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/Alienhordefront.jpg)
First batch of Alien Xenomorphs ready for gaming
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/Alienshordeactionshot.jpg)
...there is way more where these are coming from :-)
As the core of my Colonial Marines is finished it was about time to add some stuff to the opposition. In this case it is going to be Aliens of two types to start my "hive": Warrior and Royal Guard drones. I am aware that the Pretorians (as the Guards are also known as) would normally look different, but there is no miniatures available for them and I wanted to have some variation in my forces.
So the climbing Alien figures are all going to be Royal Guards while the other miniatures are going to be either Warriors for the most part.
Royal Guards are rare and chances for them to appear will be low in our games, but naturally they will be encountered en masse if you are coming to close to a breeding chamber of a Queen.
The regular Warrior drones are what is going to be the main enemy encountered by Predators and Humans alike. I have a huge pile of these figures and there will be plenty of these - some 40 or so.
Bases are once again from Fenris Games, the Alien saliva is made out of glue. Just put a few drops down into an old lid of a bottle and wait a few minutes for the glue to start to bond. Then use a toothpick and start to pull drips of glue out of it - the glue starts to leave thin strings - and add it to the jaws of the Aliens. Done!
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Looking good. :D
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It's the attention to detail that always takes something from good to GREAT. The saliva improved the aliens tenfold, yet the model itself is the same. As my daughter says, "That's the AwesomeSauce!"
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Loving them. Must buy me some... Along with all those other things
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Prepare your wallet, then.
Those horrorclix aliens are long OOP and go for silly prices on eBay. I've been lucky enough to find three sets at affordable prices, though; albeit that has taken me dozens and dozens of searches over the course of three-four years.
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that is gorgeous work, i love your power-loader and what did you use for alien drool?
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that is gorgeous work, i love your power-loader and what did you use for alien drool?
the Alien saliva is made out of glue. Just put a few drops down into an old lid of a bottle and wait a few minutes for the glue to start to bond. Then use a toothpick and start to pull drips of glue out of it - the glue starts to leave thin strings - and add it to the jaws of the Aliens. Done!
Lovely work, Sergeant!
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Looking good. :D
Thank you.
It's the attention to detail that always takes something from good to GREAT. The saliva improved the aliens tenfold, yet the model itself is the same. As my daughter says, "That's the AwesomeSauce!"
LOL. Yes, I think the drool adds really to their mean appearence. AwesomeSauce? I like that!
Loving them. Must buy me some... Along with all those other things
As Ajsalium said: prepare your wallet then. Mine have been sitting on a shelf in the basement ever since they were released. I bought like 4 or 5 boxes of them when they were released many years back. Nowadays you can't find them for a good price anymore. Spending 100+ bugs for a box of only 7 is lunatic.
That drool effect is freakin super! Best aliens I have seen due to that.
I have to admit the idea isn't new - nor is it mine. That effect has been in use with Tyranid players worldwide for years. Plus, Manatic's Aliens have it, too. I draw most of my ideas from that gentleman!
@Manatic: thanks, its your fault these look like they do. :D
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/AlienWarriors2drool.jpg)
Ten done so far. Only 30 to go.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/AlienWarriors2front.jpg)
Another bunch of teeth, flailing tailspears and razor-sharp claws.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/AlienWarriors2back.jpg)
Standard Xenomorph Warrior drones. There will be a lot more of them.
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(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/FerroSpunkmeyerBishop.jpg)
Supporting Characters: Drop Ship Crew with (from left to right) W/O Pfc. Spunkmeyer, Pilot Cpl. Ferro and Synthetic (Android) "Bishop"
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/FerroSpunkmeyerBishopfront.jpg)
Both also being trained riflemen, Ferro and Spunkmeyer carry M41 "Pulse Rifles". Cpl. Ferro also has a VP-70 pistol for back-up. Since they are the designated crew of the Marine's dropship they do not wear M3 Body Armor. Bishop solely being a scientist and medic is prohibited to bear any small arms or rifles all together.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/FerroSpunkmeyerBishopback.jpg)
All three are Woodbine Miniatures. Bases from Fenris Games' Sulaco series. Note that Spunkmeyer had a head swap with a figure out of Gripping Beast's 28mm Mo-Fo 1.9: 1990s US Downed Helicopter Crew
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/FerroSpunkmeyerbadgesdetail.jpg)
Both flight crew members have USCM badges on their sleeves.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/FerroSpunkmeyerFlagsdetail.jpg)
On the left arm: US flag and rank insignia (Corporal in case of Ferro, with Spunkmeyer's being invisible due to rolled up sleeves)
Next batch of US Colonial Marines figures finished. With the dropship's pilot Ferro and her weapon systems officer Spunkmeyer I now have all Marines painted for first platoon as it was seen in ALIENS. The Synthetic "Bishop" makes it complete.
The figures were put onto Sulaco series bases from Fenris Games. I used the miniatures as they were, but didn't like the head of the figure that was supposed to be Spunkmeyer. Its hair were way to long for what was an almost clean shaven soldier in the movie.
I used another 28mm figure's pilot helmet wearing head and replaced the hippie-like looking one. Since the green jumpsuits of the flight crew alone would have been a little boring, I tried once again to add all the colourful badges of the USCM to their uniform.
Bishop's clothes in the movie were a blue to greyish looking like overall, so there wasn't much colour to paint on the miniature apart from a clipboard with some notes that he holds in his hands.
Next will be some civilians, especially those that I need to make the movie setting work and also some sentry guns. Bear with me, there is more to come.
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Bear with me, there is more to come.
Bear with you? Man, I watch this thread like a hawk for updates :D Really great stuff all around. Are you planning to get a dropship for them? I looked around for a good while but couldn't find one I was happy with - the licensed stuff was simply out of my price range. I eventually settled for a GW Imperial Guard Valkyrie. Doesn't look at all like the Aliens one, is very much on the small side compared to that, but is a nice kit so I just decided to drop all canon purism :D
Thanks for the kind words re:Aliens!
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Bear with you? Man, I watch this thread like a hawk for updates. Really great stuff all around. Are you planning to get a dropship for them? I looked around for a good while but couldn't find one I was happy with - the licensed stuff was simply out of my price range. I eventually settled for a GW Imperial Guard Valkyrie. Doesn't look at all like the Aliens one, is very much on the small side compared to that, but is a nice kit so I just decided to drop all canon purism :D
Thanks for the kind words re:Aliens!
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Bear with you? Man, I watch this thread like a hawk for updates :D Really great stuff all around. Are you planning to get a dropship for them? I looked around for a good while but couldn't find one I was happy with - the licensed stuff was simply out of my price range. I eventually settled for a GW Imperial Guard Valkyrie. Doesn't look at all like the Aliens one, is very much on the small side compared to that, but is a nice kit so I just decided to drop all canon purism :D
Thanks for the kind words re:Aliens!
I already have a drop ship. The liscensed one in 1/72 from Halcyon, new and un-opened in box :-* . It will be painted some day this spring. I want the basics covered first - which means all infantry items.
No worries, my friend. All kudos goes to you since it was your stuff after all that brought me back on track finally painting my AVP collection. ;)
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(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/FacehuggersideWIP.jpg)
Free Hugs !!!
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/FacehuggeraboveWIP.jpg)
Pendraken's Facehugger (normally a monster for 10mm Sci-Fi) suit 28mm well as the classic Facehugger like they were seen in the Alien movies.
Today I've been mostly sculpting with Green Stuff. Since the Pendraken Huggers are coming on a small base that is almost impossible to be removed without damaging the miniature, I had to do something to make them look right on a 25mm base. I decided to create the Alien Hive structure that was seen in Aliens with green stuff and wrap it around the Facehugger. Some bits cut from Warhammer Fantasy Skeleton Steeds create the skeletal structure that was seen in the movie. It looks a bit rough in the pics above, but since the putty hasn't completely dried, I could not cut the plastic bits into exact pieces matching the bases yet. This will be done before I paint them.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/USCMwip.jpg)
Burke, Ripley, 1Lt. Campbell and some shooty bits for the humans are next on the list.
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(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/Facehuggercompletedcolourpic.jpg)
Ten Facehuggers, made by Pendraken, placed upon hive-like bases that I sculpted myself.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/Facehuggercompleteddetail.jpg)
The Alien hive floor was painted in three stages of blue and grey tones, although its not quite noticeable in the pics.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/Facehuggercompletedfront.jpg)
Hive floor: GW Shadow Grey, Revell Grey matt 57, Army Painter Dark Tone Wash, GW Fortress Grey.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/Facehuggercompletedfromabove.jpg)
The Huggers themselves were painted with GW Dwarf Flesh, highlighted with GW Elf Flesh and received a pin wash with Army Painter Soft Tone.
The Facehugger bases have been finished. Although the pics make you think they are only drybrushed in grey that is not what I have done. What the pictures can't really show is that there actually is a blend of three colours that went into the "resin" of the hive floor - see the last pic above for detail.
I am really pleased with the way the Facehuggers emerge from the darker ground. I especially like the tone they turned into after I applied the Army Painter Soft Tone wash. Let me know what you think.
Stay tuned!
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Those are great. Excellent basing.
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This project is shaping up wonderfully. Keep it up!
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Cracking thread!
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Lovely stuff! Warriors give the creeps! :)
When do we get to see terrain and that dropship? ;D
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Fantastic!!!
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Didn't think those facehuggers were going to work but total kudos to you. Perfect.
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Thank you very much. I have made more progress: :D
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/SentryGununitabove_zps1f42cbf1.jpg)
UA 571-C Remote Sentry Weapons System (EM4 Miniatures)
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/SentryGununitfront_zps92c4bbcc.jpg)
Pulse Action Machine Gun, 500 times 10mm x 28 HEAP rounds, IR and ultrasonic tracking unit as well as ambient light optics. 60° sensor cone, 360° sweep radius when set up.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/SentryGununitdetail_zps17348f41.jpg)
"This area is off limits. We mean it."
Four of EM4 Miniatures' beautiful sentry guns. I didn't do anything to them, they were built out of the bag and placed upon Sulaco Series bases from Fenris Games. I tried to paint the lenses to reflect IR and ambient light sensors. Cute little things.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/CampbellandRipleyabove_zps0527ad50.jpg)
EM4 Miniatures' soldier to represent 1LT Campbell and Woodbine Miniatures' Ripley before entering the hive - all geared up for a fight.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/CampbellandRipleyfront_zpsf64e7e94.jpg)
Campbell with M4A3 pistol, Ripley with duct-taped combo of M240 Flamer, M41 "Pulse Rifle" and a PDL (Personal Data Locater) in order to find Newt.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/CampbellandRipleyback_zps9465e093.jpg)
Unlike Gorman, Lieutenant Campbell is a veteran - he prefers BDUs over formal uniform. Ripley also carries a bandoleer with spare 30mm HE grenades.
Not much to say about Ripley other than she's in a pissed off mood represented in that Woodbine Miniature. Its her just before she enters the Alien Hive on Acheron. The miniature actually shows all the gear Ripley took with her: Flamer, Rifle, Grenade spare ammo and the PDL she was using to locate Newt's whereabouts.
So who the hell is Campbell I hear you say?! Well, since I will need more than one squad of Marines I have to come up with another section that also needs to be lead by a Lieutenant. Campbell is the LT that was included in the 1997 AVP collectible card game. He and all of his Marines will be based upon those playcards. That will give me another set of 12 characters for the humans.
Stay tuned. More to come...(Ripley searches for Newt. Maybe she'll find her once I have painted the figure :-D )
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Great continuation for the project! Good to hear that there's still lots more to come, nice idea to use the AVP CCG as a background source for the second squad.
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Ooooh yes, keep them coming. Makes me wish I had more time to paint my marines & co.
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Good Christ, we know Sigourney Weaver is ugly...but that model...sheesh! lol
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Ooooh yes, keep them coming. Makes me wish I had more time to paint my marines & co.
Take your time and paint! ;D
Great continuation for the project! Good to hear that there's still lots more to come, nice idea to use the AVP CCG as a background source for the second squad.
Yes, the idea was born 1997 when the cards were released. It took me some time as you can see. :D
Good Christ, we know Sigourney Weaver is ugly...but that model...sheesh! lol
I may have picked a stupid angle on that pic. The figure has some rough sculpt when it comes to face detail (as do all Woodbine figures), but looked at from normal playing distance sitting at the table, she really isn't that bad. And don't you call good old Sig' ugly! lol
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Yes, the idea was born 1997 when the cards were released. It took me some time as you can see. :D
Well good and long planning has brought good success, it seems :)
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I realy like what you did with the Facehuggers, realy good choice.
I have those too, and removed the base on one of them, just as a test, and will stick to that for my self ;)
Looks like that now
(http://i611.photobucket.com/albums/tt196/Comsquare/DSC01944_zpsa8542af7.jpg)
But it's time-consuming :?
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Good Christ, we know Sigourney Weaver is ugly...but that model...sheesh! lol
Not that ugly, in my opinion...
(http://www.rankopedia.com/CandidatePix/108307.gif)
(http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100822211342/memory-gamma/images/2/2a/Ellen_Ripley_(Warship_VOY)_001.jpg)
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Ah!
And those sentry guns are absolutely lovely. :-*
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Thank you, guys. :D I can't name it Aliens VS Predators and then not show you any Yautja, can I ??
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/EagerYouthfromabove_zps9d72d89c.jpg)
"Eager Youth" is the youngest of my Predators. With his first trophy he now claims membership among his clan's blooded warriors.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/eageryouthfront_zpsc8d7e83d.jpg)
The miniature is a complete repaint of one of the AVP Horrorclix figures included in the Predator set. The base once again comes from Fenris Games.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/eageryouthback_zps04820354.jpg)
I went with glossy black for the Xenomorph trophy, flat black for the dreadlocks and bronze/iron mixture on all Predator metal surfaces. I think it looks pretty good the way it is.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/eageryouthskindetail_zps06a5001b.jpg)
This is the first time ever that I had to paint Predator skin. Looking at pics around the net gave me so many variations, that I decided to go with a base tone of khaki that was highlighted on muscle packs with two colours and finally toned down with watered down Armypainter Soft Tone. I will try to make the next Yautja a little brighter.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/eageryouthmanibles_zps5481ea68.jpg)
The face of the miniature wasn't that nicely sculpted, but I still tried to represent the colours of the open mouth with its manibles as seen in the movies. It adds a little colour to the whole warrior.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/eageryouthcloakingdevicedetail_zpse73c26fc.jpg)
I tried to resemble the red blinking letters in Predator language on the controls for the Cloaking Device on "Eager Youth's" left arm.
So here it is now - my first ever painted Predator figure. I never had painted one before so this was quite challenging. There is so many pics and variations of the skin pattern around the net, that picking a suitable one wasn't that easy.
In the end I just painted away and added or washed over on the go.
Based upon Vallejo Khaki, that was highlighted with GW Kommando Khaki and finally GW Dheneb Stone, it was finished off by painting the sprinkles with GW Scorched Brown, before being washed over with heavily thinned Armypainter Soft Tone.
The mouth was highlighted with Vallejo Medium Flesh followed by GW Dwarf Flesh and finally GW Tentacle Pink. Teeth were done with GW Iyanden Dark Sun, Bleached Bone and finally Skull White. Same colours were picked for the nails on the fingers, which are almost claw-like.
The metal furfaces where basecoated in GW Tin Bitz before being highlighted with Revell Iron/Eisen and toned down with a wash of Armypainter Strong Tone.
All leather was done with Vallejo Saddle Brown and highlighted with GW Bestial Brown before receiving a wash with Armypainter Strong Tone.
The Xenomorph head (trophy) was painted Tamiya Flat Black, highlighted with GW Shadow Grey and its teeth with Boltgun Metal. I then coated it with the old GW Black Ink to give the upper part a shiny and glossy finish.
The spear was painted in Revell Iron/Eisen and Armypainter Weapon Bronze before being inked with Dark Tone.
The lettering on the cloaking device control pad was done in three steps: GW Crimson Gore, Blood Red and Fiery Orange.
I like how it turned out but I will replace the Khaki basecoat for the skin with something brighter on my next try.
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Nice but as a pred pedant the glyphs are under a cover plate so you wouldn't see them. Also that looks like an auto destruct countdown so mind that, thermonuclear stains are hell to shift. :D
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(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/BurkeandNewtabove_zps815434d3.jpg)
Wayland-Yutani official Carter C. Burke and Rebecca Jordan, known as "Newt".
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/Burkefront_zps26e5ec2d.jpg)
"I'm Burke. Carter Burke. I work for the company. But don't let that fool you, I'm really an okay guy..."
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/Burkeback_zps8d7bddd4.jpg)
"...That's the plan. You have my word on it."
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/Newtfront_zps63cc8ad8.jpg)
"We'd better get back, 'cause it'll be dark soon, and they mostly come at night... mostly."
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/Newtback_zps619c610a.jpg)
"Newt. My name's Newt. Nobody calls me Rebecca, except my brother."
Burke and Newt. Finally, all Aliens movie characters are done. Apart from Dropship and APC all human items for team 1 are finished with those two.
Burke (Woodbine Miniatures) is only in use when playing scenarios out of the movie, otherwise he's just another civilian to be rescued by the Marines. Same goes for Newt (Hasslefree Miniatures) who will be just a generic child to be rescued in most cases, but if I want to play the movie scenes I now at least own an appropriate figure.
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I have been following this thread from its begining and it is great.
:-* :-* :-*
I have just realised that I have not commented yet.
How remiss of me.
Consider me chastised.
::)
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Great additions! :-*
If you happen to run a GM "monitored" game, Burke could be one more unknown factor for the Marine side to watch out, never knowing when he decides to overrule the decision Marine player(s) make, thus giving it all yet bit more uncertainty factor.
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my god that Ripley figures has to be one of the ugliest, nastiest, worst sculpts I have ever seen - and it's not even from Defiance Games :o I'll scratch Woodbine off of the list of potential purchases - thanks for saving me money and disappointment :)
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Hi guys,
Not to upset the cart or anything, but I thought you might be interested in this.
Once upon a time, Mongoose was in talks with a certain film studio about a certain licence for a certain franchise. Anyway, to cut a long story short, we did a couple of prototype models...
http://ttgamingdiary.wordpress.com/2010/03/22/a-busy-weekend/
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my god that Ripley figures has to be one of the ugliest, nastiest, worst sculpts I have ever seen - and it's not even from Defiance Games :o I'll scratch Woodbine off of the list of potential purchases - thanks for saving me money and disappointment :)
Yeah, don't mind the chunky sculpts but the Woodbine faces are wretched.
This is a great project however and I'm enjoying the pix and progress.
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I must admit I'm not a fan of the Woodbine sculpts but Sgt Scream has done a fantastic job with them.
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I'll scratch Woodbine off of the list of potential purchases - thanks for saving me money and disappointment :)
I wouldn't! Most of their Colonial Marines are very nice, characterful sculpts.
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Thanks for the comments, guys. I appreciate all feedback.
Sorry for the delay but since I have to write 3 faction books and two for gear and weaponary for my AVP game, I wasn't painting much recently.
Anyway, here is the latest addition:
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/youngtuskaction_zpsc33eda49.jpg)
He is just gaining his reputation...
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/youngtuskfront_zps858b95fd.jpg)
The first trophy of a successful hunt. The Elder of his clan will be proud.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/youngtuskback_zpsb5725e3d.jpg)
I went with the same colours that I already used painting "Eager Youth". The miniature is a repainted Horrorclix action figure.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/youngtuskclawsandcaster_zps44061e2c.jpg)
The recipe for a successful hunter: Cloaking Device, Melee Claws, Ceremonial Armor and Plasma Caster.
Young Tusk is the second of my Predator Youngbloods. Like his brother Eager Youth he just claimed his first trophy, lifting him into the caste of the true warriors of his clan.
I painted both the same way, symbolizing their bond as brothers. Since Youngbloods lack the experience of elite or elder Predators, they are allowed to hunt in packs of 2-3 warriors until they reach a certain reputation. I have plans to add at least two (maybe three) more Youngbloods to chose from for AVP miniature gameplay. After those its the heros next: elite and elder Yautja.
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That's my favorite one thus far. :-*
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Found this picture online and thought it is quite funny. lol
Happy Easter holidays to my fellow Lead Adventurers!
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/xlarge_zpse72afaab.jpg)
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That's brilliant! lol
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Those tricky aliens... ;D
(http://d24w6bsrhbeh9d.cloudfront.net/photo/6951432_700b_v6.jpg)
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Nice, both of them lol
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Small update, since I am currently painting lots of N-scale Battletech...
Some test models for my Alien eggs. I tried to drybrush them with different shades of brown and added glue to the opened one to simulate the "goo". These models won't win prices, but they are good enough for gaming.
Resin models by Dark Art Miniatures ("Alien Birthing Pods").
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/alienegggoo2_zps48e0c93b.jpg) (http://s104.photobucket.com/user/Plasmasturm/media/AVP%20figures/alienegggoo2_zps48e0c93b.jpg.html)
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/alienegggoo_zpse20c4345.jpg) (http://s104.photobucket.com/user/Plasmasturm/media/AVP%20figures/alienegggoo_zpse20c4345.jpg.html)
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/alieneggs_zpsc4220f53.jpg) (http://s104.photobucket.com/user/Plasmasturm/media/AVP%20figures/alieneggs_zpsc4220f53.jpg.html)
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I really like the result Sgt., kind of like a Xenomorph cream egg!
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Awesome stuff...though I've never been a huge fan of those "flat" facehugger models. I suspect they're the only ones available?
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Awesome stuff...though I've never been a huge fan of those "flat" facehugger models. I suspect they're the only ones available?
If you want some that look not too static and flat you will have to scratchbuild them. Best I've found so far (apart from self-sculpted / converted stuff).
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I figured as much. Shame, really.
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THE GOO!!! :o
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THE GOO!!! :o
Yeah but secreted from what? ;)
Nice. I used the eggs from the horrorclix queen base anda very kind friend cast up about 100 or so. So whe I get round to it , brood chambers going to be very full :-*.
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Yeah but secreted from what? ;)
So when I get round to it , brood chambers going to be very full :-*.
Old shiny....
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(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/Tomorrows%20War/duell_zpsc75d2fa4.jpg) (http://s104.photobucket.com/user/Plasmasturm/media/Tomorrows%20War/duell_zpsc75d2fa4.jpg.html)
"Get away from her, bitch!"
I played a lot of Colonial Marines on PS3 lately and was in the mood to keep advancing with my AVP project. So, I spent the whole day with painting up the last of my bases (30mm Sulaco style by Fenris Games, apart from the Queen which is mounted on a 65mm diameter base).
I was quite busy for the last four or five days, basicly working unitl the early morning hours on tables and cheat sheets for my AVP games. I had an inspiring moment when I found a video on youtube about the 1989 Leading Edge Games board game "Aliens" which is completely based upon the movie with the same title.
The review was pretty nice and left me with the urgent wish to learn more about that game. Of course it is out of print since a long time ago and only from time to time you can find it on ebay. Whenever a copy of it pops up it usually sells for really high price.
But I am not interested in buying that board game, I was eager to learn how it works. I was able to find the rules online, was hooked after reading the first few pages and decided to convert into a classic tabletop game. Basicly that means: no board, but free movement and actions. It was easier than I thought to make that old board game a working frame for tabletop action in the Alien background universe. I am going to do some massive playtesting and I will let you know what I came up with when the time is right.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/Tomorrows%20War/QueenFront_zpse55e2ab6.jpg) (http://s104.photobucket.com/user/Plasmasturm/media/Tomorrows%20War/QueenFront_zpse55e2ab6.jpg.html)
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/Tomorrows%20War/Queenside_zps278119c7.jpg) (http://s104.photobucket.com/user/Plasmasturm/media/Tomorrows%20War/Queenside_zps278119c7.jpg.html)
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Sgt. Scream;
Awesome work. Where did you get the bases? What size are they. They are exactly what I am looking for to finish my own Aliens off. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.
Regards,
Hitman
8)
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Awesome, Chris! Simply awesome!
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Looking great!
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Sgt. Scream;
Awesome work. Where did you get the bases? What size are they. They are exactly what I am looking for to finish my own Aliens off. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.
Regards,
Hitman
8)
You guys really need to start reading the text in between those pics. Its there for a reason. :D :D :D ;) ;) ;)
Its the so-called "Sulaco" style bases from Fenris Games. I use 25mm for humans, 30mm for Aliens, 40mm for Predators and 65mm for Powerloader/Queen. The reason for different sizes is simple: size of the miniature mounted on it. A huge Predator looks silly on 25mm, a medium sized leaping Alien looks lost on 40mm and so on. I think with the figures I have the sizes chosen looks best.
With the rules I came up with it also allows the miniatures to bind more enemies in close combat with the largest diameters of the bases being those individuals having the highest melee skills anyway.
NEXT WAVE of Aliens is about the be posted online in a few minutes. >:D
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Like I wrote in the previous posting with the Queen's figure, I spent the whole day painting bases for my miniatures. I totally finished 24 Aliens yesterday and here is the result:
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/Tomorrows%20War/MotionTrackermultipleenemiesdetected_zps8941a487.jpg) (http://s104.photobucket.com/user/Plasmasturm/media/Tomorrows%20War/MotionTrackermultipleenemiesdetected_zps8941a487.jpg.html)
"...impossible, that would be within the room!"
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/Tomorrows%20War/ALIENWAVEoben_zpse9dc0fd3.jpg) (http://s104.photobucket.com/user/Plasmasturm/media/Tomorrows%20War/ALIENWAVEoben_zpse9dc0fd3.jpg.html)
all mounted on 30mm Sulaco style bases made by Fenris Games
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/Tomorrows%20War/ALIENWAVEfront_zps9c6ed15f.jpg) (http://s104.photobucket.com/user/Plasmasturm/media/Tomorrows%20War/ALIENWAVEfront_zps9c6ed15f.jpg.html)
24 should be enough for the beginning. Playtesting will show if I need to paint some more.
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I don't think you have enough aliens. Just kidding, you have plenty as they can keep coming back once they are removed as a casualties. Those Horror clix aliens look great on they bases you got for them. Expensive stuff huh.
Your queen vs. powerloader is awesome looking. What rule set are you using for this?
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These look great!
I really wish there was someone out there making AVP models. :(
Considering the tech that is available these days, it would be awesome!
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No kidding, I'd buy a bunch up if I could!
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I don't think you have enough aliens. Just kidding, you have plenty as they can keep coming back once they are removed as a casualties. Those Horror clix aliens look great on they bases you got for them. Expensive stuff huh.
Your queen vs. powerloader is awesome looking. What rule set are you using for this?
Expensive? No - I bought six boxes of them when they were going for 17€ a box on ebay 6 years ago. lol
Rules? Well, there is the original Aliens Board Game rule set from Leading Edge, I just converted it into a tabletop game by replacing certain wordings with appropriate tabletop counterparts and created Predator character cards which I treat like Marines ruleswise but let them move and shoot before the Marines do. But the Predator rules have to be tested first, don't know whether these will work the way I want them. It required a total overhauling of the cards provided though, since I need to change the character cards into distances measured in inches instead of gaming board squares.
this is a test piece I made, the final version will be much more appealing:
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/example_zps1ddb4aa8.jpg) (http://s104.photobucket.com/user/Plasmasturm/media/example_zps1ddb4aa8.jpg.html)
Powerloader has rules in the set as well, but just for the scenario with Ripley trying to throw her out of the Airlock aboard the Sulaco.
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Expensive? No - I bought six boxes of them when they were going for 17€ a box on ebay 6 years ago. lol
Ha, I did the same thing, although I only picked up 3 boxes.
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This is a great project all the way. Very inspiring!
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This is a great project all the way. Very inspiring!
No, you Sir are inspiring. You made me doing it. You and your models. (That's why our Marines look so similar) :D
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No, you Sir are inspiring. You made me doing it. You and your models. (That's why our Marines look so similar) :D
(http://images.wikia.com/elderscrolls/images/e/ea/Oh_stop_it_you.png)
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(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/Tomorrows%20War/DSCF2461_zpseb11805f.jpg) (http://s104.photobucket.com/user/Plasmasturm/media/Tomorrows%20War/DSCF2461_zpseb11805f.jpg.html)
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/Tomorrows%20War/DSCF2460_zps2a5ffa11.jpg) (http://s104.photobucket.com/user/Plasmasturm/media/Tomorrows%20War/DSCF2460_zps2a5ffa11.jpg.html)
I just finished my rather large oval flyer base. Pretty crisp cast with no flash whatsoever. Clear rod to hold the flyer... what might it be? :D And no- its not assembled yet. Wayland-Yutani emblem to fill the more or less empty base with something "Aliens" like.
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Excellent thread!
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I guess the flyer will be a UD-4L Cheyenne Dropship, right? :D
Does that base come with an acrylic rod? Or was it scratch built?
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I guess the flyer will be a UD-4L Cheyenne Dropship, right? :D
Does that base come with an acrylic rod? Or was it scratch built?
Base comes as seen above, the rod is included. There is also a resin part for the upper end of the rod, onto which you glue the flyer. And yes, of course its going to be an UD-4L. ;D
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Base comes as seen above, the rod is included. There is also a resin part for the upper end of the rod, onto which you glue the flyer. And yes, of course its going to be an UD-4L. ;D
Is it also a Fenris base? I can't find it on their site.
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Oh? No, its not. I think the company is called Secret Weapons? I have to look, don't know by heart right now. They do several different designs.
Edit
http://www.secretweaponminiatures.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=79_30_61&products_id=162
There you go, mate.
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How big is the base?
Will you have a weight problem compared to the dropship?
I am talking about balance.
I like heavy metal stands for flying models.
It looks great.
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Oh? No, its not. I think the company is called Secret Weapons? I have to look, don't know by heart right now. They do several different designs.
Edit
http://www.secretweaponminiatures.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=79_30_61&products_id=162
There you go, mate.
Thanks! New for me :-*
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And yes, of course its going to be an UD-4L. ;D
Pics of it my good man, pics of it! We need them now! ;D
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So, I follow the link and say to self, nice base, but a bit of an issue to connect the rod...
"Add a Flight Stand Widget here and we will drill the base to accommodate it for you at no additional charge! "
Sweet! I then follow to the 'Widget'...
"The flight stand accommodates a 1/2" acrylic rod to help reduce the visual impact of the flight stand and includes your choice of either a 5" or 2" length so that it can be used with either your high flyers or ground skimmers."
You must understand, I'm one of those narrow-minded jades that would never pay $15 JUST for a base, but..
O
M
G
I must explore this vendor immediately!
No, I must start at the beginning of the thread and follow through.
INDECISION! lol
Thanks SO much!
Doug
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@Miniman: exact like GW flyer base.
Today I revealed my "Aliens" board game conversion (into a tabletop game) to my best mates. I brought all miniatures, markers, quick reference sheets and stats cards, we set up our 4' by 4' table and played the first scenario, called "the reactor room".
The idea behind it is the movie scene in which the Marines lead by Gunnery Sergeant Apone are going into the reactor room. Since they are ordered by their commanding officer Gorman to remove the clips of their pulse rifles, most of the soldiers only bear pistols. Some of them brought flamethrowes, while Drake and Vasquez secretly kept their mighty smart guns operational.
About half way in they are suddenly attacked by xenomorphs and the mission turns into a run for their lives as they try to cross the table and reach the safety of the APC waiting there.
We played the scenario two times. First time I dropped yellow, red and blue markers that indicate totally random spawn points for up to two aliens per turn. We did not use ammo capacity rules, no friendly fire and we did not make use of the "bonus bug" rule as I had in mind. I was wary that the humans might not stand a chance. To keep things short: the Marines made it through with all of their comrades, only one of them being wounded.
That lead to the conclusion that I need to treat the blue spawn point markes like regular spawn points (so, that's three new aliens each turn), adding the "bonus bug" rule if you roll a 0 and re-roll any further zeros that might occur, giving you a minimum of 3 xenomorphs per turn or a maximum of 6.
We then used the ammo expenditure rules and "friendly fire" if LOS runs over the base of a friendly model. Now, that was more of a challenge. We had A LOT OF FUN. This was truly awesome.
Now here are some pics (no real Aliens terrain yet) and random thoughts on them:
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/DSCF2462_zps2b0baa7b.jpg) (http://s104.photobucket.com/user/Plasmasturm/media/AVP%20figures/DSCF2462_zps2b0baa7b.jpg.html)
Marines starting position, the door on the upper right is the exit they have to reach. QRS and self made stats cards in front of the table. The "black hole" is supposed to be a stairwell (LOS possible but impassable terrain for models).
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/DSCF2463_zps95f69fdb.jpg) (http://s104.photobucket.com/user/Plasmasturm/media/AVP%20figures/DSCF2463_zps95f69fdb.jpg.html)
The coloured markers are spawn points, rolled for with a die in the same colour. A roll of 1-9 represent the appropriate marker, a roll of 0 results in an additional alien that is going to spawn randomly.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/DSCF2464_zpsd31653d8.jpg) (http://s104.photobucket.com/user/Plasmasturm/media/AVP%20figures/DSCF2464_zpsd31653d8.jpg.html)
Marines, we are leaving. The first steps into the reactor room and the beasts are popping up everywhere.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/DSCF2465_zpsa3bc6bc9.jpg) (http://s104.photobucket.com/user/Plasmasturm/media/AVP%20figures/DSCF2465_zpsa3bc6bc9.jpg.html)
Checking how far the Aliens are away to prevent them from being able to get into contact next turn.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/DSCF2466_zps77034048.jpg) (http://s104.photobucket.com/user/Plasmasturm/media/AVP%20figures/DSCF2466_zps77034048.jpg.html)
Apone ,blasting his way through the enemy with his flamethrower.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/DSCF2467_zps290d258e.jpg) (http://s104.photobucket.com/user/Plasmasturm/media/AVP%20figures/DSCF2467_zps290d258e.jpg.html)
The unfortunate Pvt. Frost is attacked by an Alien in close combat. Lucky guy - survives the Acid Splash that was caused when Drake killed the Xenomorph with his smart gun and 2 actions of careful aiming.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/DSCF2468_zps1e7c5588.jpg) (http://s104.photobucket.com/user/Plasmasturm/media/AVP%20figures/DSCF2468_zps1e7c5588.jpg.html)
Apone and Vasquez running like hell to escpae the horde that follows their fellow Marines.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/DSCF2469_zpsda38d6d7.jpg) (http://s104.photobucket.com/user/Plasmasturm/media/AVP%20figures/DSCF2469_zpsda38d6d7.jpg.html)
Drake is cornered so much that he needs to fire and fire again thus being un-able to keep up with his mates and slowly falls behind.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/DSCF2470_zpsfe32f7f3.jpg) (http://s104.photobucket.com/user/Plasmasturm/media/AVP%20figures/DSCF2470_zpsfe32f7f3.jpg.html)
Apone turns around and gets ready to put his flamethrower into good use to cover the rush for the APC of the other Marines.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/DSCF2471_zps8cffcf28.jpg) (http://s104.photobucket.com/user/Plasmasturm/media/AVP%20figures/DSCF2471_zps8cffcf28.jpg.html)
Into safety: the first Marines reach the APC...Apone stays outside, grilling everything non-human that is coming too close.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/DSCF2472_zps39699f9c.jpg) (http://s104.photobucket.com/user/Plasmasturm/media/AVP%20figures/DSCF2472_zps39699f9c.jpg.html)
Almost over, the last miniatures are moved to the exit.
GAME TWO:
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/DSCF2473_zpsf14653da.jpg) (http://s104.photobucket.com/user/Plasmasturm/media/AVP%20figures/DSCF2473_zpsf14653da.jpg.html)
this time with more aliens spawning per turn and all extra rules. The Marines are under preassure right away as the first aliens are just around the corner when they are about to set their feet into the reactor room.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/DSCF2474_zpscdedfbe4.jpg) (http://s104.photobucket.com/user/Plasmasturm/media/AVP%20figures/DSCF2474_zpscdedfbe4.jpg.html)
This game is going to be Vasquez' time of heroic stands...
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/DSCF2475_zpscb603223.jpg) (http://s104.photobucket.com/user/Plasmasturm/media/AVP%20figures/DSCF2475_zpscb603223.jpg.html)
"LET'S ROCK!!!"- Vasquez, putting the machine gun special ability into use and turning a whole bunch of xenos into pulp at once.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/DSCF2476_zps058fb36b.jpg) (http://s104.photobucket.com/user/Plasmasturm/media/AVP%20figures/DSCF2476_zps058fb36b.jpg.html)
That lady survived two Acid Splashes unharmed, kicked two Aliens' butts in Melee when they tried to grab her and killed 3 xenomorphs with only one action shooting (machine gun special ability). Wo-hoo!! What an unbelievable amount of lucky die rolls.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/DSCF2477_zpsa4a4fb4f.jpg) (http://s104.photobucket.com/user/Plasmasturm/media/AVP%20figures/DSCF2477_zpsa4a4fb4f.jpg.html)
Vasquez, facing her heroic end. She killed about everything thrown at her for the entire game until she finally was ovewhelmed by the sheer mass of xenos coming at her like a steamroller.
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That wasn't the post I expected back.
AWSOME
Wish I had been there to play, it looks like a great time.
Your mini's look great on the field.
Poor Vasquez, she rocks.
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Great AAR. Looks like you had a blast.
I wonder if the longer sight lines gave the marines an advantage i.e the aliens not appearing right on top of them in which case your first option for spawn points might work better.
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Great AAR, Vasquez was tough as nails!
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Great AAR. Looks like you had a blast.
I wonder if the longer sight lines gave the marines an advantage i.e the aliens not appearing right on top of them in which case your first option for spawn points might work better.
Wasn't too bad. The lower walls were treated like blocking line of sight. Only the "stairwell" in the middle could be shot accross. So, mostly less than 12" to target, which equals less than 7 squares on the gaming board version. Not really much of a difference. I only recognized the Aliens to stand no chance when they appeared close to the Marine starting position, since there the terrain was pretty much nothing but open. >:D
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Nice nice job, congratulations!!
Now, you need some wall with poor prisoners waiting for facehuggers. :D
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Starting with the charactes for my second squad, entirely based upon the cards available for the Colonial Marines faction in the old Harper Prism Collectible Card Game "Aliens Predator"
First one finished: Pvt. Rogers, one of the smart-gunners
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/DSCF2458_zps2f68edc8.jpg) (http://s104.photobucket.com/user/Plasmasturm/media/AVP%20figures/DSCF2458_zps2f68edc8.jpg.html)
"He talks to his gun... and says that it answers. You wanna argue with him?"
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/DSCF2459_zps2e2a7b6d.jpg) (http://s104.photobucket.com/user/Plasmasturm/media/AVP%20figures/DSCF2459_zps2e2a7b6d.jpg.html)
Hasslefree 28mm Sci-Fi figure named "Akkie", perfect for Colonial Marines and mix well with my Woodbine miniatues in size.
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(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/DSCF2459_zps2e2a7b6d.jpg) (http://s104.photobucket.com/user/Plasmasturm/media/AVP%20figures/DSCF2459_zps2e2a7b6d.jpg.html)
Hasslefree 28mm Sci-Fi figure named "Akkie", perfect for Colonial Marines and mix well with my Woodbine miniatues in size.
Nice paint job, you've caught my best side in that photo
;) :D
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Just wanted to say that, in using the original built 3-D for a con game, I found a WIDE variety of results from similar play. Where the first aliens dropped could be a huge factor. I'd suggest several runthroughs before making many changes.
I never used the original bonus bug rule. Partially balanced by no walking fire from the machine guns, partially that my own bonus bug rule was 'stop game flow by talking too much, and you'll get a bonus bug'. ;)
Seemed to really keep things moving, especially when the fellow players are saying 'hush, you want another alien?!?'
Doug
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@Beast: Oh, we were quite satisfied in how things turned out. We will run more games and see how goes.
Currently I start my second squad of Marines, since I always wanted this game to be played by 3 players (our group has more than three but two are my best mates and we meet most of time to play and always end up with this un-even number). We can split the movie characters evenly but I think its more fun to have bigger games with more miniatures. I also have just another shipment incoming, to include 14 more Aliens, bases for them (new "hive" style Sulaco bases from Fenris Games), my Galoob APC and lots of battlefield "clutter" that is inspired by the pc game Colonial Marines, were lots of boxes and oil drums etc. were lying around. Fenris have some awesome "toxic waste" containers (biohazard barrels) that I ordered, too. :-*
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Have you looked at the Spartan Games scenics sets? some nice crates, barrels, containers, consoles, etc. I've picked up the cargo set so far, think I will get a few more sets. I can post up some pics if you want.
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Have you looked at the Spartan Games scenics sets? some nice crates, barrels, containers, consoles, etc. I've picked up the cargo set so far, think I will get a few more sets. I can post up some pics if you want.
I know them but I am holding off until the stuff I have is painted. Step by step or I will (again) lose my energy to keep the project running and progressing.
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So, the next stuff on the to-do-list: paint up an APC, paint some more Alien eggs and some pieces of random terrain to block some lines of sight. 8)
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/DSCF2478_zps6b94a26f.jpg) (http://s104.photobucket.com/user/Plasmasturm/media/AVP%20figures/DSCF2478_zps6b94a26f.jpg.html)
Galoob Action Fleet APC from Aliens. Perfect size for 28mm.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/DSCF2479_zps0a51e032.jpg) (http://s104.photobucket.com/user/Plasmasturm/media/AVP%20figures/DSCF2479_zps0a51e032.jpg.html)
more Alien eggs and first pieces of battlefield clutter - I must have had those GW pieces in my cabinet for at least 7 years.
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The Galoob Action Fleet APC is a 28mm size. I did not know that.
I have a couple of Star wars AT-ST walkers that are good for 20mm scale that I painted up and look pretty good.
http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=46614.msg541877#msg541877
I need to get my hands on a APC as well.
Gotta get to e-bay.
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I need to get my hands on a APC as well.
Gotta get to e-bay.
Be prepared to see some scary prizes. :(
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Be prepared to see some scary prizes. :(
The prices for those are insane, considering there's the Khurasan APC available, for example!
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OK I would consider the Khurasan APC but can't seem to find where to get one.
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OK I would consider the Khurasan APC but can't seem to find where to get one.
Here: http://khurasanminiatures.tripod.com/28mmscifi.html
Although it is sold out at the moment!
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(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/DSCF2481_zps8aac3724.jpg) (http://s104.photobucket.com/user/Plasmasturm/media/AVP%20figures/DSCF2481_zps8aac3724.jpg.html)
more Alien eggs, some still enclosed, some semi-open with the hugger ready to spring its ambush, some already open with the Facehugger out and two, shot up with a dead hugger.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m185/Plasmasturm/AVP%20figures/DSCF2482_zpsb0a57aa1.jpg) (http://s104.photobucket.com/user/Plasmasturm/media/AVP%20figures/DSCF2482_zpsb0a57aa1.jpg.html)
Alien goo - I know Michi is going to like that :-)
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Nicey nicey. :D
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Maxed out bandwidth, can't see them. :'(
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Maxed out bandwidth, can't see them. :'(
Check my blog. ;) I won't upgrade anything to "plus" on freaking photobucket. :-[
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Check my blog. ;) I won't upgrade anything to "plus" on freaking photobucket. :-[
Cant see the pictures :( what is you blog??
I have an alien boargame project too . This is my blog http://avpboardgame.blogspot.com.es/?m=1
Sorry for my english
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Cant see the pictures :( what is you blog??
click the (http://leadadventureforum.com/Themes/waltz_tp/images/www_sm.gif) icon under his name. it'll take you straight to his blog.
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Thanks!
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http://smallscaleoperations.blogspot.de/search/label/Alien%20VS%20Predator
will show only AVP related stuff on my blog. I will make a new account on flickr shortly, but not until new stuff has been finished. In the meantime checking my blog will at least show you the pics that are now missing thanks to '!"§ing bandwidth. ;)
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I started to paint up some scatter terrain pieces to block lines of sight and give some cover. There is more of these to come.
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3715/9870395766_40657dce80.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/101957074@N06/9870395766/)
GW base with biohazard containers from Fenris Games
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3715/9870390916_66f7fcb3de.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/101957074@N06/9870390916/)
Size comparison
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3715/9870505713_c9ec27faa4.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/101957074@N06/9870505713/)
Biohazard containers? What is Weyland-Yutani up to??
Since my photobucket account still is at its bandwidth limit, check the other pics at
http://smallscaleoperations.blogspot.de/search/label/Alien%20VS%20Predator (http://smallscaleoperations.blogspot.de/search/label/Alien%20VS%20Predator)
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Those look really great. I have a bunch of those GW pallets around here too. I end up keeping them separate from the loads so I can use them for different settings. Then I forget to use them at all, because they look so uninteresting. You've just convinced me I need to make some specific scatter terrain with the pallets and barrels and other such goodies.
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Ooh, ooh, ooh, the black goo! I bet there´s some of that Prometheus stuff in there!!!
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Thanks, guys. ;)
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5345/9920160315_8c6c2083be.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/101957074@N06/9920160315/)
Cardboard counters on original gaming board from Aliens ("Operations" scenario). The squares they are in are roughly 15mm by 15mm.
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3687/9920324423_9a2c0516b4.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/101957074@N06/9920324423/)
Well, I like my miniatures better than those counters but obviously that ain't going to work, right?
(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2828/9920167686_cbaafb62ee.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/101957074@N06/9920167686/)
And yet, size matters. Now, this isn't showing what I am talking about...
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5536/9920122625_0978a72342.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/101957074@N06/9920122625/)
...but this does: can you spot the difference?
(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2845/9920285943_eb34195df3.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/101957074@N06/9920285943/)
The marvels of modern printing media: scaling up a 17" by 34" original Aliens game board to 6' by 4' in order to use 28mm miniatures works just fine, don't you agree? A total of six tiles will occupy my entire game table (180cm by 120cm) :-p
But don't you worry, I will of course continue to test around with making this board game a real tabletop experiencev(to include the Yautja faction). But since I own the 1989 classic Leading Edge Games rules, it would have been a shame not to be able to use miniatures with it.
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I took the enlarged board game version to a friend's house yesterday since we had planned to have an evening of board gaming after dinner. After playing several rounds of another game, the girls decided they wanted to try Aliens. They already knew about my tabletop game related projects, so they were eager to find out why I am so excited about this game in particular. I had brought my larger tiles and my miniatures, gave the girls a short briefing about weapons, goals of the "Reactor Room" scenario and then had them decide who is going to control which character.
The two had split their forces into one of them controlling Dietrich, Apone, Hudson and Drake and the other Wierzbowski, Frost, Crowe, Hicks and Vasquez. They also set up the Marines in that order to take actions.
We played the basic scenario without ammo restrictions, without third-Alien- per-round spawns, but with the bonus bug rules. I have to say the two girls are die-hard Sci-Fi fans and have a lot of knowledge about the Alien universe - which is a rare thing to begin with (girls that know what's a Pulse Rifle?!). It turned out they were adopting to Aliens spawns immediately, knew when to put what weapon into use to kill which Alien to minimize Acid Spray casualties etc after two or three rounds!! Guess what these two managed: they rescued ALL (!!!) Marines in their first game of Aliens ever. Drake kicked three Xenomorph butts in Melee during that game, Dietrich got wounded in Close Combat by an Alien but Apone kicked it off her and engulfed it in flames with his last action. Hicks had to rescue the incapacitated Wierzbowski and ran back to grab him, carried him back towards the exit, with Vasquez ripping everything apart that the Hive was sending at them.
The girls loved that game. I was told I need to bring back the board on Wednesday - they want to continue the campaign. I am a happy man. I have a gaming group of girls only that share men's hobbies. :-) :-) Now, they had Dietrich wounded and Wierzbowski Incapacitated - shouldn't be much of a hassle since their status turns better by one before the next mission.
This is where the latest project kicks in: in between "Reactor Room" and "Operations" the expanded director's cut of Aliens had the sentry guns shredding Alien waves in the hallways. Thanks to a guy I met in another forum (hi, Michael!), I got a map for exactly this scenario. You can see it below:
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7345/9978801185_58db34cfe2.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/101957074@N06/9978801185/)
The sentry gun scenario map.
Furthermore, I also have the Expansion Pack map pack now. Enlarged version looks like this:
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7405/9978870826_3e7f854879.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/101957074@N06/9978870826/)
The enlarged Expansion Pack map.
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Wonderful project! Classic! :-*
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Before I'll continue the campaign of Aliens with the girls, I wanted to try out Michael's Sentry Gun scenario. After all, I don't want to look like I don't know the rules when we will play tomorrow :-)
So, I've set up the board and took some (rather sloppy) pics on the way through the game.
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7411/10040780476_ed9806c11f.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/101957074@N06/10040780476/)
Guns deployed, temperature counters on zero, 20 Alien models to pick from.
The scenario is rather straight forward. Hicks orders Hudson and Vasquez to set up sentry guns in the tunnel leading to "Operations". Some of the barricades made by the colonists are still there, slowing down the Xenomorph's movement (they do not block LOS).
Basicly, you take control over four sentry guns A, B, C and D and fire them just like a regular Marine's action. The sentry guns cannot move, however, they can freely decide whether to "cool down" one point one the temperature level or spend the action for aiming. Each gun has three actions per round which are for free. The controlling player can decide to keep aiming and firing after those three free actions. Every such action raises the temperature by 1. The Sentry Guns can be kept firing by using additional actions, until they reach 10 on the heat scale which will lead to their shut-down. Only the free actions may be used to "cool down". Sentry Guns make use of the machine gun special rules.
The Aliens have to try to overcome the Sentry Guns and run towards the tunnel named "To Operations". Each bug doing so will be kept in a pool of additional Aliens available in "Operations / Air Ducts". The game lasts for 15 rounds.
Twenty Aliens are available in this scenario. For each tunnel you roll a D10 with the result showing the amount of Xenomorphs entering that hallway. Roll for the exact spawn location for every Alien Warrior.
Beginning with round two, you roll the D10 again for each of the two hallways, using the results to determine how many will spawn there. Should the results be higher than the currently available models (20 in total), you instead split them evenly for both hallways and in addition to that, all Aliens already on the board gain a bonus activation that they must spend to run closer to the guns.
This bonus action may not be used to overcome the guns. Aliens using bonus actions will stop in front of the Sentry Guns. This leads to extreme tension in this scenario!
(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2812/10040853633_c43f8f53ce.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/101957074@N06/10040853633/)
An extremly high die roll on spawning Aliens leads to "C" gun's raising temperature right from the start.
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3731/10040771366_c0fe5d6542.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/101957074@N06/10040771366/)
After a few turns, the Aliens reached their first bonus activation, leading to a Xenomorph wave attack on guns "C" and "D".
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3745/10040763836_2b7fa8c5f9.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/101957074@N06/10040763836/)
Good to hit rolls on guns "C" and "D" ease the tension, but now the other hallway gets rushed and temperature raises.
I am looking forward to see how many Aliens the girls are going to shred and if any will be able to bypass the guns. They rescued all Marines in "The Reactor Room". It will be fun to watch if they can rescue Newt and Ripley through the "Air Ducts" scenario.
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The girls' kill count: a 126 dead Xenomorphs
Hudson: "Man, its a shooting gallery down there!"
Wednesday evening the girls were on their next mission: the (fan made) "Sentry Gun" scenario.
I have set up the board, explained the rules and off we went with 15 rounds of shredding the Aliens to pieces. I don't know how they do it, probably with lots of luck rolling those dice, but I did not manage to get a single Xeno through the shooting alley. The kill count of the two girls in total after 15 rounds of heat management and aiming: 126 dead Xenos, not a single one made it alive to "Operations". oO
Although I could claim it only worked that well for them because I have used a roll of "0" as a zero instead of a ten. They both said it would not have made any difference of course *blink*
Some pics (taken by the girls themselves)
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5510/10073198364_bba8f517fe.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/101957074@N06/10073198364/)
Set up, ready to fire, aiming.....killing!
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3733/10073322243_3f2443afdb.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/101957074@N06/10073322243/)
"run Forrest, run....erm. I meant, Alien"
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7413/10073212355_73597d6041.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/101957074@N06/10073212355/)
For some reason I kept rolling for the spawn points on the very end of the hallway. Quite annoying I have to say.
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3801/10073200435_393c57dc58.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/101957074@N06/10073200435/)
A: "oh, out of free actions, heat rising and you still got two of them pretty darn close" (little gesture added) M: "how about minding your own corridor, sweety?"
The game was a blast (no pun intended).
Up to "Operations".
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Lucky me - some of the original Leading Edge Games figures (20+ years old) salvaged from ebay for less than 30 Euro, unpainted in their original and undamaged box:
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3803/10205341593_c32e7d2992.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/101957074@N06/10205341593/)
Got to find out how to rebase them without damaging the feet. :-/
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Got to find out how to rebase them without damaging the feet
Try a good vise and a good hacksaw. It worked for me.Gently clamp the base in the vise and carefully make your hacksaw cut under the feet or as close as possible. Sounds primitive but I can't think of a better way.
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Try a jewelers saw instead of a hacksaw is my 1st recomendation.
It's weird how much taller these minis were than the marines, they have no problem scaling with modern minis.