28mm Aliens vs Predator (+Colonial Marines)

[Sgt. Scream]

Let me begin this project-log with saying thanks to the following LAF members for moments of great inspiration:
*Arcturus (Alien stuff)
*Braz (Hadley's Hope)
*Westphalia Chris (some Aliens stuff)
*Commander Vyper (Xenomorph project)
*Uti Long Smile (Painted Aliens Project)
*Michka (Marines, terrain etc.)
*Manatic (especially for his "Dawn Of the Lead" blog)



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.


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.


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.


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.

[Commander Vyper]

I bought a jaguar just for that game, then Toomey it back as it was crap

Nice start and thanks for the nod. Will watch with interest.


The Commander

[Elbows]

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!

[Michka]

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?

[Sgt. Scream]

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!

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.




Thanks for your feedback so far. Keep it coming.  

[manatic]

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.



The parts refused to fit, so I had to GS some footholds.

[Elbows]

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.

[Sgt. Scream]

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.

No worries, Ellen R. has her place now. 


The finished Power Loader with its "not Ripley" pilot in place.


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.


I have added some of my Battletech decals for warning labels. Paint chipping was done using the sponge technique and boltgun metal.


Some hazard stripes have been painted to the loader's "fork" claws. Heavily chipped go give them a worn and used look.


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 ;-)

[manatic]

Very nice indeed. Instantly recognizable, which I guess is the key thing in these projects!

[fafa]

Hey,

You don't like my work?...



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[Major_Gilbear]

[...] 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! 

[Sgt. Scream]

US Colonial Marines Squad 1 (Woodbine Miniatures)


From left to right: Pfc. Hudson, Cpl. Dietrich, Pvt. Drake, Pvt. Frost


Pvt. Drake wielding a M56 "Smartgun", Pvt. Frost with M41 "Pulse Rifle".


Drake's Smartgun has been modified with scratchbuilt parts, bases are from Fenris Games.


Pfc. Hudson with Motion Tracker and M41 "Pulse Rifle", Cpl. Dietrich with M240 Flamethrower.


Pfc. Hudson is one of the platoon's Electronic Techs, Cpl. Dietrich applies her skills as a Medic.


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!

[Cherno]

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.

[Michka]

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?     

[manatic]

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!