New Necrons – The Ministry of Silly Hats?

From a Facebook conversation with Lexington, he said this about the new Necron models:

You see what he means?  Hats.  They have hats now.  They didn’t use to have hats.  Check out these classic Necron Lord models:

See?  Classic Lords had no hats.  However, the segmented metal cloth on the new models reminded me of something, but I couldn’t put my finger on it.  Then, while looking at the GW website it hit me:

Of course!  The old 2nd Edition Necron Lord had a silly hat too!  So it seems that the new models are connecting thematically with the very old models.  Plus, as Lexington said:

“I’ll give that it’s a hard concept to differentiate, though.”

They are all skeletons.  Making them look different is hard and hats are an easy way to do it that makes them look more Egyptian.

Though I have no idea what’s up with the chin on the Cryptek.  Is it supposed to be like an Egyptian fake beard?  It’s REALLY big.  Check it out.

MAGnets! Get yer MAGnets here!

As you can see in the photo above, I’ve obtained a Blood Bowl ball.   I added magnets to the ball, and to every playable model in the Konquata Monitors and Grimfang Scrappaz!  Now I’ll never have to awkwardly balance a ball again.

As a bonus, I can play Blood Bowl and confound Juggalos at the same time!

Grimfang Scrappaz – Black Orc Blockers

These Black Orc Blockers were made from Black Reach Nobs and bits from the Nobs box.

Next: Troll!  I’ve ordered Ripper Bolgrot, the special character Troll.  I’ll add some plates and other metal bitz to make him fit in with the Scrappaz.  Then they’ll be ready for play!

Grimfang Scrappaz – Linemen/Journeymen and another Goblin!

I had another Grot so I made my fourth Goblin.  I also made four Orks that can be Linemen or Journeymen.  I’m REALLY proud of the second from the right.  Legs are Biker Legs (and so are solid and right next to each other) and the face is from the Grot sprue, a slaver head.  I always hated that head, but it’s perfect for a palooka who’s begging for someone to hit him!

I’m also quite proud of the 2nd from the left.  That’s a Slaver body with a head from the Boyz box, and the upraised arm is from the biker box (it previously held a chain).  Good pose.

Now all I need is a Troll and some Black Orcs.

My initial build of the Grimfang Scrappaz is as follows:

-Troll

-2 Black Orc Blockers

-4 Blitzers

-2 Throwers

-2 Goblins

-2 Re-Rolls

-7 Fan Factor

Grimfang Scrappaz – Throwers!

Two throwers from the new Orc team, the Grimfang Scrappaz!  These Orcs grew up in the ruins of the Mount Silverspear Dwarven mine.  This reeking hole is the ground was “appropriated” by the warlord Grimfang, and has been the staging ground for the Silver Road wars.  Enriched by the residual silver, and with a trove of ruined Dwarven equipment, the (bored) lads of Mount Grimfang put together a Blood Bowl team for excitement and glory!  The Scrappaz coat themselves with sharp iron plates salvaged from the mining equipment, and often with added spikes.  They have but one goal: SMASH OTHER TEAMS FOR FUN!

Blitzers!

Four new Blitzers for may as of yet un-named Orc Blood Bowl Team.  Looking into a troll and some Black Orcs.

The start of something… Orky.

I’ve been wanting to start a 2nd Blood Bowl team so that I can show people how to play.  Been putting it off.  Then I was pawing through my Ork bitz, and found enough parts to make some Blood Bowl Goblins.  All are from 40K Grot bits, the rightmost is the body with no arms, and a head from the Lootas box.  The middle one is a body from the Warbikers box, normally hanging off a pole, with the feet re-positioned.  The last uses a regular Grot with the feet bent so that he is bending forward as if ready to fly!

…now I need a name for the team.

Lightguard Update

Update to my work in progress: The Lightguard.  Removed some mould lines, added flames to all the legs, and got Salamander Mantles for all of them.  The mantles are Dark Elf Corsair cloaks, essentially mutilated.  Had to cut into them a lot.  Plus, they’re not finished, I have to sculpt the join with the backpacks a bit better.

You’ll also notice that the one with sword upraised has changed poses.  This was difficult, as resin doesn’t want to come unglued.  I had to re-create part of the shoulder pad.  But I think the new pose is much better.

Soon, they will be done.

On my Plate: 8/26

– The Lightguard – Current project going great!  Just cleaned mold lines, and added bolter straps.  Got some Dark Elf Corsair Raider cloaks on order for Salamander Mantles!  That’s right, EACH of the Lightguard has participated in the Salamander Hunt.

– Scion Minis – Have to finish the last one, and paint them all.

– Menoth Starter Box – Build, make scheme, paint.  Easy.

– Epic Orks – Need to do another formation.  Perhaps bikes?  Then finish the rest of the 3000pts.

– Azure Flames – Once the Lightguard is done, I have another secret project.  Might have to do it in early 2012 if Lexington plans things accordingly.  The 40K universe is moving on into the 41st Millenium, and the Azure Flames are coming along with an advancement to their fluff.  Keep your eyes peeled on Four Strands, loyal viewers, all three of you!

– Orks – I think I should do SOMETHING before it gets cold out.

– Saratogans – Bottom of the stack.  Sorry boys and girls.

Work in progress: The Lightguard

Here’s a look at the secret project I hinted at: The Lightguard, The Honor Guard for Chapter Master Perseus hand-picked by Leonidas of the 1st Company.

First, when forming the idea, I wanted the Lightguard to look unique.  This led me to the Forge World website where I saw the MK IV Maximus Armour Marines.  I ordered those for the basis.

Next, I wanted a Standard, Four Relic Blades, and a Thunder Hammer on the Champion.  I managed to win an ebay auction for just such a combo from the Grey Knights sprue.

Then, I let my imagination run wild.  I started with the standard bearer.  (standard lovingly donated by Lexington of Aurora Chapter and Dice Abide)  For this arm (and most of the others) I clipped out the fist and carefully carved the remainder out to be replaced by the plastic standard bearer hand.  I then carefully removed the vambrance and attached it to the lower part of the standard bearer arm.

For the Bolter Straps, I took some putty, rolled it out, and flattened the snake to make a thin strap, then cut it to make the width uniform.  This was glued in place on the bolters (in the proper REVERSE fashion, which is how they would hang).  I then added the clasp with more putty.

A lot of the Grey Knights swords are being held two-handed.  I had to do some trickory to get them to be one handed.  In fact, one is still incomplete.

Look at the Standard Bearer greaves.  The flame details were custom sculpted.  I plan on adding these details to both legs for all five marines.

Next, check out the dynamic pose on the marine running, swinging the sword.  DAMN.  The putty strap is strong enough to hold the bolter in midair to simulate movement.  I am very proud of this conversion.

Finally, all of the backpacks have putty molds of the Brazier from the Vampire Counts Corpse Cart sprue.  I could only find ONE on the internet despite months of searches.  The putty molds came out pretty good, and will be touched up a bit.

Next: Finished Lightguard and I paint my Scion characters.  After that, MENOTH STARTER BOX.