AT-TE 15mm

I've been putting this build off for ages as it bloody terrifes me. I wasn't quite sure how on earth I was going to construct this tricky beast and I have been putting it off for long enough.

I'm putting together a simple set of rules for the Clone Wars, so I can game with my son and this has spurred me to have a go at this behemoth.

I ordered another one but sods law, it arrived with some legs missing. I've contacted the seller to hopefully get some more sent.

Having given this build lots of thought over long sleepiness nights, I had a rough plan of action. It involved grinding off some of the resin to attach magnets to the main gun. This would allow it to swivel and move.
 

I first used a Dremel type device to take off the bulk of the resin. I later had to switch to a nail file to get a more even finish. I found the guns sitting at an angle at first before switching to the hand files.

These flat magnets proved a success and the main gun is secure and can swivel now, which fills me with joy. Funny enough this simple job was the one I was dreading, but it was quite simple with the right tools.

The Mass drive canon can shoot a variety of different shells for what ever job is needed.

The legs were fiddly though and it was useful to do this test model first to work out how best to do it.

The latest order of figures came in a gordy green resin which makes it hard to see details. It should be fine once sprayed with undercoat.

Right so the real tricky bit...the legs. I had the idea to use UHU glue to stick the legs together. Getting the two central ones done first was a good start. I supported the body with a Lego jig to take the weight.

Using the diagram shown earlier from the internet, I arranged the legs into their correct positions. The UHU glue gave me lots of wiggle room to constantly check and tweak the position of the feet.

As the legs were still drying, I lifted the front leg to create a more dynamic pose. I will have to be super careful when spraying and painting this beast, one slip and it will explode for real.

One of the new guys checks out the targeting array.

Even though I had very nice toys to use for these walkers, I have to admit these sculpts are lovely. It's also nice to have a model from the same range and in the same character as the infantry figures. At least you know the scale is correct.

It's always worth double checking things as the glue drys. On lifting it up, I found the front leg was out of position. I'll have to leave this UHU glue to dry for a while, a good 24 hours I think.

The Lego jig holds up tonnes of machinery with ease.

Now it's a case of let it set and try to keep the cats from walking over it. 

There are some small ball turrets to go on. It would be nice to make these swivel but I don't think there's a way. I will stick these on pointing straight forward as that's the best look.

I'm glad I jumped into this scary build feet first, as I've learnt some good tips.

Grinding the guns down was easy but a good level base has to be maintained or the gun sits at an angle. Also glueing the two main legs first was a must, allowing the smaller legs can then hang in position.

I had originally planned to do two at a time, but the missing parts put pay to that. At least both turrets have magnets and can move which is half the battle.

It's going to be tricky to paint, being a little fragile but should look great when finished.

"For the Republic!"

UPDATE: The turrets are on and it's all dry. To my relief, the UHU glue has done a good job in sticking the legs in place.

Dwarf spider droids, their heavy guns could cause a threat to the walker.

I couldn't help digging out some other figures to see how they scale against the walker.

Jedi leading the way.

I thought I had fixed the bendy barrel on the Droid tank, but it came back whilst packed away... annoying. Still it's nice to see them both next to eachother.

Rear turrets are in and active.

Clone troopers give infantry support to the walking giant.

Happy Christmas Everyone!

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you had a great day today, best wishes Simon 

 

Tom Custer's Company 'C'

 It's been a while but I've finally managed to finish the painting on another 20mm cavalry company. 

As George Custer liked to have different horse colours to differentiate companies, it's nice to finally paint a chestnut colour after a barrel full of Bay ones.

Painting shirt sleeves helps to create a ad-hoc look for the units. 

Tom Custer was actually not with his command, so I haven't modelled him here. Tom was riding up front next to his big brother, he hasn't got a mounted figure but he's on Custer's dismounted stand.

To mix up the look of the limited range from Newline Design, I've mixed in some Confederate and Union cavalry. There isn't a lot of difference in the figures and it just helps to add some more poses. This company has a few Kepi's too. I think this makes the unit look a little green and new.

It's nice to get the horse brands on the mounts, it's just a little detail that makes me happy.

The bugler is mounted on a grey horse.

They are still glueing at the moment so the basing is yet to do.

Kirke's Lambs 15mm

kirkes regiment in Ireland 1690. I made the ground quite muddy and wet to reflect the conditions at the Boyne. 

This regiment also took part at the battle Sedgemoor during the Monmouth rebellion. The ground here too was wet and boggy, so having a muddy base is a must for this regiment.

The background book is from Jon Hodgson and is full of atmospheric backgrounds.

Painting this 15mm regiment was fun and very easy to do. After this painting test I'm still on the 15mm side of things for this era. Hopefully it will prove easier to get units painted and finished.

I had to buy two sets of flags from Pendrakon in 15mm. They only have one standard on the sheet for each regiment, so I had to do some research and tweak the second one slightly. I think this period of warfare always looks better with more standards fluttering in the breeze. So two is the bare minimum I think for my units. Luckily for me, the two standards are very similar in most regiments so creating two shouldn't cause a too much bother.

These little guys from Gripping Beast have enough variety in their poses to get the look I was going for.

The regiment starts it's march inland.

 "Fetch"

UPDATE: I thought I would try out this AK puddle solution on the bases.

At this tiny 15mm scale I found it best to apply the solution with a brush. It's super shiny and produces a good wet effect on the mud.

I got slightly carried away here but I applied a well placed tuft to balance things out.

I think the puddle solution works well and now the bases definitely look wet and boggy.