em4 Miniatures Grenadier Orcs challenge

[beefcake]

Yep, definitely agree with that!

[sukhe_bator]

The trick I found was to use all three figure poses for maximum possible variation.
The most versatile pose was undoubtedly the spearman with both arms free from the torso for repositioning/swapping. However it was possible to separate the swordsman arm at the shoulder and with care reuse or swap out, as well as changing wrist and forearm positions on all three figures. Apart from altering the position of the bow arm, the archer head could also be swapped out. I'm not good on probability but that made for umpteen possible variants. Add to that the ability to make good with green stuff and sculpt additional details and change weapons. The penultimate variant is cropping the rectangular base so the figure position on the new card base can be altered. Finally, variations in paint job can add yet another level. Remember not to get carried away and to leave a few in their original positions!

[Chico]

Really great work, it was a joy working you most WIP on these and now seeing the finished result

[DeafNala]

Echoing my Fellow Forumites: VERY IMPRESSIVE! You've created a Horde of individuals. If you continue that approach with the painting, this will be a WONDROUS sight to behold. Have FUN with it all!

[sukhe_bator]

My first unit of 24 archers is getting a paint job atm. And a right scummy looking lot they are turning into...

[DeafNala]

It is one of those odd things that having your lovingly painted Orcs described as scummy, seedy, ratty, wretched looking is considered a compliment. That aside, enjoy the scummy experience!

[majorsmith]

Great stuff ! Some fantastic conversions

[sukhe_bator]

These are a few of my favourites. I had the best fun I think with the spearmen variants






And a couple of archer leaders

[Jevenkah]

Holy Cow!   Fantastic work! You made those sculpts so dynamic!

Thanks for sharing your techniques. The seemingly simple act of re-positioning the figure on the new base makes the whole army look alive.

I don't know if the tilt of the heads is artistic or born out of need, but it adds to the gangliness of these orcs, something I always loved about the Lunds.

Awesome job! That's a great collection to be proud of!

Jevenkah

ps- what's your take on the protective gear on the back of the hands (you can see it pretty well on the first 2 pix you just posted)? I've always painted them as "brass" knuckles but I think you're the guy to ask as you've spent so much up-close time with these.

[sukhe_bator]

Jevenkah,
Thanks for the kind comments. I'm pretty pleased with how they came out. As to the modelling on the hands, I'm not altogether sure, but I think the spearman is wearing the equivalent of a fingerless wrapping around his palm and forearm with metal studs or spikes over the knuckles. also I think there is also a lanyard or thong loop around the hand which is from the spear grip. I know they were sometimes used on Ancient Greek spears and javelins. I like the idea of the knuckleduster though which I've seen on Lund sculpts. I will definitely be painting some up as those.

[Tacgnol]

Woah! These are brialliant. Some of them look like totally different sculpts. I'm tempted to avail myself of a lot of cheap EM4 Orcs and have a go at this myself, or maybe some of the (I think less convertible) EM4 dwarves!

[Teshub]

WOW!!!
 
I love these

I'm not a fan of plastic minis (all metal here) but I'd take these orcs into my horde any day.

[maxxon]

I painted up my remaining FW orcs:



Some examples of shield styles:




I need to practice freehand shields because I'm supposed to paint my Masai warriors by the end of the year...

More pics and blabbering at http://www.smallcuts.net

[phreedh]

Nice stuff Maxxon! I too am working on a unit of these guys... I've mixed the three poses in a single unit and will be fielding them as hobgoblins in one version or another of Warhammer.

Here's how the trial piece worked out. Pretty decent models considering the price, which also means I didn't have to worry so much about the results of my "speed" painting. Speed for me = slowly and painstakingly applying base coat, wash, base coat again, single highlight. Turned out rather well, I think.

[mrtn]

Nice to see these again, I have a bunch in a box from the early 90s/late 80s. Lots of great conversions!

@phreedh: I guess you too have the old Swedish release of Fantasy Warriors?  I may have to paint them up in the style of how I painted some Heroquest orcs: