Thursday, September 15, 2016

Rogue Trader Adventurers

Next up, a couple more models for ship's crew, the Old Pirate and Pilot Rav.



There are lots of scenarios in the Rogue Trader book that include space ports or fights for space craft (yes, more space ship conversions on the way to go with Natasha's Luck).

Monday, September 12, 2016

Rogue Trader Adventurers

Up next, the Mad Punk, destined to be a crewman for one of my space ships...


... and an Imperial Official. This model will be one my Administratum pulled into the defense of the Astropaths in the Last Stand at Brandon's Star IV scenario.


Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Rogue Trader Adventurers

Next up, is one of my favorite adventurer models, the Hive Ganger.


... and here's another of the half naked guys for the ladies... seriously, dude, the guy above you has a chainsword for Emperor's sake!


More on the way...

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Rogue Trader Control Towers

Well that WAS easy and I am well satisfied with the results!


The first coat of paint was dark hammered brass that also contained a subtle texture. After that was dry, I sprayed the towers with a yellow ochre from a 3/4 angle above which left the undersides of details a bit darker for quick shadows. Then I painted in a few details, mostly metallic bits and did one drybrush highlight on the walls - I think it was Foundry Sand 10B, but it will vary depending on the shade of your base coat. I kept these as accents to a minimum as the original buildings I am copying are pretty monotone.

Next up was an oil dot filter... if you're unfamiliar with this technique it's basically what it sounds like. Apply oil paint - in this case I used black, burnt umber, burnt sienna, ochre (this one may seem redundant over this base, but it blends with the other colors to add variety), blue, and white - in small dots scattered across the model. Then use a clean brush and apply mineral spirits to the model, drawing the brush in vertical strokes to mimic runoff. There are lots of tutorials online. You get some wonderful random effects and it's hard to mess this up - if you get too much grime, just add more mineral spirits and a sponge to remove it. The hardest part about using this the first time is getting up the nerve to randomly splatter you model with paint! Finally, I use black weathering powder to accent all of the bullet holes.

That two tone look between sections in the photo above is an illusion - the angled walls catch the light differently, making some look darker...


The windows are just the clear plastic. At first I thought this would look cheesy, but the interior has enough shadow to make the windows appear opaque and they reflect the ambient light of the room for a very realistic appearance. They also lack the texture of the walls and have a slight recessed look to aid in the illusion they are a different substance.

Something I forgot to do was highlight all of the cracks I scored in the plastic. I could do it now, but they might look strange on top of the weathering. Oh, well, one point of this project was quick and dirty and they look great on the tabletop...






Well, now what? This challenge didn't take long, was super easy, and fun... Maybe I'll get the chance to put something else together this month. Anyway, still looking forward to seeing what other people come up with!

Monday, September 5, 2016

Reading Rogue Trader, Part Sixteen

Support Weapons fall outside the category of Heavy Weapons because most have their own unique rules. There are lots of HUGE missiles and bombs available in any of the grenade types (from the last post) that are designated as x2, x3, x4, etc. with the number meaning a multiple of standard template diameter. These would be referred to as 'x5 Scare Missile' or x3 Toxin Missile. SUch weapons are launched from off the table, deviate on a 2+ on a d6, and scatter d20".

Beyond that there are several interesting entries...


Bio-wire Bomb - Missiles are used to deliver this strange weapon. Each bomb contains special seeds, growth medium and nutrients for a plant known as bio-wire. It grows almost instantly, is extremely tough, regenerates quickly, and it's sharp thorns will penetrate most armour. It is deployed as above and covers a 4" diameter target zone. The area is treated as very difficult terrain, reducing movement to a quarter. In addition any model moving receives an automatic Strength 5 hit, though armour saves do seem to apply.

Further more, roll a d6 each turn... if the result is a 6, the Bio-wire expands, increasing the radius by a furhter 1/2". Most weapons will not affect it, though a chainsword or power weapon may be used to cut a path allowing movement at half rate and fire based or anti-plant weapons will clear an area equal to their area of effect.

Disruptor Beacon - These devices emit a constant signal that makes radio communication impossible while the beacon is intact.

Homing Beacon - May eliminate the deviation roll for Support Weapons.

Mine Missile - Used to scatter an area with a 12" radius with thousands of tiny, coin-sized mines!

Nightlight - These missiles fully illuminate the table for 2d3 turns.

Next week - Vehicles!

Sunday, September 4, 2016

Making a Start on the Tub Towers

Just a quick shot - construction is complete on my project for the Rogue Trader Control Tower Challenge!




The effect is a little taller and more spindly than the old RT inspiration, but these were the tubs I had on hand which was the point of the exercise. These are going to very fast to paint as 90% of the work will be several layers of spray paint. I'll pick a few details in other colors and then use an oil dot filter to 'grunge' them up a bit. You can't see it in the photo, but I masked off windows at the top of the taller towers with airbrush frisket. After the painting is finished, I'll remove the masks and have completed windows. You also can't see that I scored cracks and bullet holes in the plastic, but hopefully the paint will show these things off.

Should be finished in a couple of days...

Saturday, September 3, 2016

Rogue Trader Adventurers

Finished two more...

Diddle Baggins, the Halfling Cook... part of the notorious Abdul Goldberg gang...


... and a real he-man known only as 'Hero'. This is one of several of the adventurer range that seems to feel good about wading into the darkness that is the 41st millennium in only a loin cloth! Either a 40k troupe on a male review tour or a cadre of real badasses!


Slowly working my way through more this week!

Thursday, September 1, 2016

Rogue Trader Control Tower Challenge

Nothing says Rogue Trader like dessert tub terrain. With all of the cool modern stuff out there is it crazy to want a few buildings made from left over take out containers and drinking straws?


I'm going to basically build three buildings like those above - my core containers are shaped a little different, but the concept will be the same. Tan towers, minimalist detail, and a bit of weathering. No idea how long this will take, but I'll post updates as I go.

But why should I have all the fun? I'd like to challenge all of the RT community to come up with their own recycled terrain project in September (or devote a post or two to showing off stuff you already have - I know you're out there because I've seen stuff on your blogs before). Feel free to incorporate stuff from your bitz box to add details, but the main feature should be some plastic of styrofoam that started life as something mortal before you made it awesome!

No there's no prize, but I'd love to see what you come up with...