Re: 1/72 Fantasy figures (Magic users)

[MysteryMachine]

I'm pointing the finger at Hobgoblin for getting me started on this project with his very persuasive post on the merits of 1/72 as a scale: http://hobgoblinry.blogspot.com/2019/10/enter-172-and-protocol-for-miniature.html

There's been lots of further encouragement on here from the likes of Jack Hooligan, blacksmith and others, who have shown how good these miniatures can look when well painted.

Anyway, I thought I would have a crack at photographing some of my own efforts to date, in case it might encourage someone else to have a go at this excellent scale.

[MysteryMachine]

The range of miniatures you can now get in this scale is amazing...

[robh]

Nicely done, they look great.
The "true proportions" found in most 1/72 figures really show up the awful dumpy "heroic" style that dominates in 28mm wargames sculpts.

[Hobgoblin]

Great stuff! Lovely shields and a nice conversion of the standard bearer!

[blacksmith]

Great painting, especially the shields, love them. 

[M.P.]

They look amazing, I especially like the barbarians and freehands on the orcish shields .

[Mr. White]

Daaanng!
Mysterymachine, You’re right up there with Hobgoblin and Blacksmith.. the trinity of 1/72 fantasy painters. True masters of the scale.

These minis are incredible, but those freehand shields are   

Is there a game system you have in mind for them or just enjoying the hobby?  And can you share your basing technique? Those bases look great too.

Also… the photography is perfect. Great job all around.

[Cacique Caribe]

MysteryMachine

That’s a mighty fine gang you have there.  And I think this is the first time I see Orc-ish types painted correctly, with the right skin color (a la Tolkien).

Fantastic!

Dan

[Sunjester]

Very nice indeed, your brush skills are superb!

[MysteryMachine]

Thank you very much for all the kind words! I've taken some more shots of the currently completed collection so far.

Jack, you were asking about basing. I use 1p coins (about 20mm across) as these seem to be the cheapest and most convenient source of metal discs, and the weight gives a nicer feel to the plastic minis. I superglue them on, blend in the bases using filler (polyfilla), then trim it back with a craft knife to produce a smooth surface before undercoating (generally black). It takes a bit of time, but is robust. I think Hobgoblin mentioned a less laborious method of doing it using some sort of pumice-stone gel.

To finish, I use GW Stirland Mud (there's a cheaper Vallejo equivalent that I plan to use for scenery), then dry-brush it with various browns. I have thought about using tufts, but these are intended for gaming, and I think the tufts might shed (based on my experiences with flock in the distant past).

[blacksmith]

 Awesome painted figures! Are those Emhar Vikigins? BTW, I¡ll say it again, I love your old school Orc shields 

[MysteryMachine]

Thanks, blacksmith. The pictures today seem to have come out a bit darker than yesterday's. I think it'll be a while before I get the hang of the photography thing. I love seeing other people's work though. Your shots always seem to come out brilliantly!

The vikings are indeed Emharr. I wanted to get some fighters in chainmail, to add some options between the Conan-esque boys, and the fully plated knights. There will be more. Their shields provide a bit more colour, so I might try and take some additional pictures (on a day when the light's better). I also have a box of the Zvezda vikings, for adding some more angry bearded raiders.

Thanks again for your compliments re the orc shields. Old-school indeed: I give full credit to Mr John Blanche for the best of the designs (the angry red circular face, as I'm sure you must know!)

[DivisMal]

Good God! Those shields! Did you sell your soul to be able to paint them??
I’m really in love with your collection!

[Pattus Magnus]

They really are very well done! I have been enjoying seeing the 1/72 fantasy projects lately, including this one.

[Hobgoblin]

Great work on those - and especially the Emhar vikings!