20mm Modern project. Updated 16 Nov.

[racm32]

Finally starting work on my 20mm Modern US infantry sent to me from Elhiem Figures to rebuild my collection after my last one was stolen. Can't believe the selection I got. These really are some of the best quality minis for price you can find on the marker. Pictures don't do them justice.

[Ultravanillasmurf]

Sorry to hear about your loss.

You certainly have made a good start on rebuilding.

[Ultravanillasmurf]

[edit] modify not quote...

[commissarmoody]

Sorry to hear about the theft. But those do paint up nice. So hoping to see more of your work soon.

[Westy38]

What was stolen ?

[racm32]

I had a chrome case with my entire 20mm Modern collection, over 180 painted minis, stolen out of my hobby room during a home invasion earlier this year. Most of the collection were Elhiem miniatures and they saw me post pictures on market places asking people to keep an eye out for my stolen minis. The owner reached out to me and offered to send me extra castings to help rebuild my collection.

[racm32]

Here are old pictures of what was my 20mm collection. I had done a photo inventory of most my collection last year.

The case they were in:


Everything circled in red was in the case that was stolen.

[racm32]

First thing I do when painting is base coat, just like everyone else. This time I have to used a brush on primer as my location (deployed) prevents me from bringing or shipping spray paints. Normally I prime in black or white, depending on the main color pallet I'll be painting in. As space is limited I brought 1 bottle of grey primer as an in between solution.




After priming I always paint skin first before anything else. On my old collection, out of laziness, I had painted all the minis in the same skin tone. Since I am redoing the collection I felt it was necessary to take a little extra time to more accurately depict the diversity of my brothers and sisters in arms. Doing anything less felt like disrespecting the sacrifice of the brave soldiers/marines and want to depict. So in that vain I painted all the US troops in a mix of 5 different skin tones. I am quite happy with the result.

[racm32]

Going with a multicam style camo pattern but using my Air Force OCPs as color reference.
The hardest part for me is figuring out what should be the base color for the camouflage. On my uniforms it looks like this light, yellow green color could be the base so its what I have gone with.


As I could not bring my complete paint collection with me I have to make do with what on hand. Fortunately this one seems to be close enough. Its a bit light but should darken up when I apply a wash at the end.

[racm32]

More work on the multicam pattern.

Here is the reference I am using, out of my closet.


After the base color I moved to the lightest one.


I used 1/4 Desert Yellow and 3/4 Beige. I think on the next batch I'll use just Beige.


Next I painted the brown.


I feel like this is a bit too light so I plan on trying Army Painter Monster Brown on next batch.

[Rick F]

I use Tan Earth for the brown on my multicam/MTP, I've tried various browns, this one seems best. You've seen my stuff on Facebook mate.

[racm32]

True and I don't recall thinking yours looked too light. I'll finish up this batch and see how I feel with the finished product before I change what I'm doing.

[Ultravanillasmurf]

This is is very useful.

[racm32]

Nearly done with the first 17 US infantry. I am done painting all the multicam on them. Here are the rest of the steps:

The next layer of the camo I painted is the green.



After that I put patches of the dark, not quite black. I found Dark Stone by Army Painter to be almost perfect match.



With that my attempt at Multicam is essentially done.
Next I'll go through and pick out details that are often in a color we often call coyote brown. As you can see I am using the boots, gloves, and balaclava I was issued as reference. We also tend to use a few self bought pouches and attachments in this color that are strapped to our vests or packs. I find Desert Yellow by army painter works well for this.




Last thing will be weapons, washes, base and done.

[Pattus Magnus]

Thanks for the step by step with the paint colors, that’s very helpful. It might be the first time I’ve seen a tutorial where the painter had the real items at hand for reference!