A blog about my wargaming in Middle-earth, the Old World and some other far away places across the void, with Grand Scale 10mm (and some 15mm) miniatures using the Warmaster, Blitzkrieg Commander, Cold War Commander, Future War Commander and GW's The War of the Ring (and some other ) rule systems. Oh, and there might be the odd post about roleplaying and board games here and there. So all the usual geeky stuff we are so proud of!
If you have, like me, been living in a hole you'd have missed some great terrain out there. Death Ray Designs do some excellent MDF terrain that's perfect for Warhammer 40k. Showcased today is just one of their Rapid Vanguard line of MDF terrain. I've just finished the basic paint job for the aerials I recently purchased (you get two per pack), and they need some tidying up and some Object Source Lighting painting as well. But they are ready for the table as basic painted terrain. So, I thought I would drop them a plug as they are easy to build and look great on the table.
No, they're not tombstone markers. These are strategic points for my Dawn of Warhammer 40k table.
In the Dawn of War video game, you have to capture strategic points in order to gain requisition. Requisition is vital to building and equipping your army. They generate a continual "revenue" stream of requisition that enables you to build your forces. Their loss can cripple your economy to the point where you can no longer field enough troops and equipment to remain a viable force on the map.
So, I wanted to make a total of eight strategic points that could be captured on an average sized (i.e., 6ft x 4ft) gaming table. I didn't just want a boring location on the map either. I wanted something that stood out as obviously a special location.
Reaper Miniatures make some good statues, and I chose a suitably looking Warhammer 40k type statue for the standard strategic point. I plan to look for more interesting statues for the critical locations and relic locations that can also be found in the game. Something that will look more shriney :)
The holders in front of the statue are vases and a central flag holder. These are made from rubber washers I purchased from the local hardware store, glued together using PVA glue. The flag holder will hold flags from the various factions when the point is captured.
Each is base coated in black, then painted grey with a very heavy dry brush before a final light dusting dry brush of white. This is to a concrete look in keeping with the austere 41st Millenium Imperium style.
I applied river sand that I also got from the hardware store and inked it in Agrax Earthshade. The "flowers" are alien flytraps from Gamers Grass.
So that's eight strategic points done! The Waaagh banners are getting near completion. And some 3d printed and MDF scenery are also on its way. But as for the forces themselves? Well, you may be surprised.
The "corrugated iron" effect comes from the cardboard hand holders you can get for take away coffee mugs. Perfect for that roughly thrown together Orkish look.
I loved the Dawn of War video game when it came out and nostalgia still drives me to play it every now and again. I have never played 40k on the tabletop but always loved the setting. I played some Epic Armageddon some time back but only once and didn't really grasp the rules well. Still playing 40k always seemed a little daunting to me. That was until I saw this:
I played Dawn of War with REAL WARHAMMER 40k - ZorpHammer
I have followed Zorpazorp on YouTube for some time. When I saw this video, I was blown away. This is how I want to play Warhammer 40k. So, I have started down the 40k rabbit hole to achieve what Zorp has given me. And yes, I became a patron on Patreon because of this video! Well done, sir. I salute you.
So, I wanted to make some Ork Waaagh! Banners, which are basically machine gun nests on top of watch towers. Usually manned (or Orked) by some snivelling poor Gretchin whose life expectancy isn't that great. Visiting my local "$2" store, I came across some crafty stuff that got me thinking.
A round craft box and some tiny stands may just do the trick.
Tongue depressors cut up and split to make cross beams.
A lot of hot glue (and two very burnt fingers! Safety notice there, children! Got blisters on one finger and the skin removed several layers deep on the other. SO BE CAREFUL!!!).
Starting to take shape. Still more to go. But the basic skeleton is there. And yes, I spelt Waaagh! incorrectly. Hey, I'm a Nube to 40k. So cut me some slack.
Lots of hot glue mess. So not a neat job. But I figure that aesthetics isn't an Ork character strength.
Good news is that I was able to use some of the balsawood bits I had laying around the place. Not comes the detailing, followed by the painting. So expect more on this later.
