Slag Troll

Don't be fooled, I didn't paint this model in the last two hours. I was working on it at the same time I painted the Butcher.


It took me a while to warm up to Privateer Press' models. Compared to Games Workshop's, they seemed a little cartoonish and the assembly can be painful (so many small pieces, and so much pinning!). But after reading the Warmachine rules and painting a couple miniatures, I've changed my mind. These models have some wonderful details and loads of personality.

The rules look fascinating. I'm not much of a miniatures player, board and card games are my preference. And from that perspective, the Focus/Fury resource management and the game-changing special rules that come with each Warcaster/Warlock look like a lot of fun. I think I could learn to enjoy this game.

On to the model itself. In Privateer Press' artwork, Trollbloods are blue, not green. If I do paint more of these guys, they'll be blue too. But since this model has a collection of acid-based abilities, I thought green was more appropriate. Since other Trollbloods have fire- or ice-based attacks, they'll probably be color-coded too. To keep with the acid/corrosion theme, I also painted the stones growing from his body as bits of rusty iron.

The furry armbands and loincloth are made from green stuff. Since Privateer Press only makes one version of the Slag Troll, I thought bits of furry armor would be a great way to conceal conversion seams, should I decide to add and repose another one. But then I read the rules, and it doesn't sound like I'd need more than one. It was good practice though, and I learned a lot by adding a bit of extra fur. Look for more in some upcoming models.

Next up: A Space Wolves Dreadnought from Warhammer 40k. I have tons of old Space Wolves miniatures on the shelves and it would be great to get them painted.

And here are a few parting shots of the Slag Troll:

The Butcher of Khardov

With two months before work starts, I've got lots of time for painting. Scattered, indecisive painter that I am, I'll probably be all over the place. But maybe, if something takes hold, I may actually paint enough to...you know...play one of these games. In the meantime, it's just good to spend time makin' stuff.

First up, the Butcher of Khardov from Warmachine. Here he is in all of his nearly-finished glory:


There are several spots that need touch-ups, especially the axe-head and the boiler. The paint also wore away from a few spots on his gloves, but I think I may leave those spots untouched. Since they're part of his armor, it actually looks like wear and tear. I also need to paint the details on his badge.

I borrowed a camera (an Olympus SP-570UZ) to take these pictures, and I'm really impressed with the results. The static grass I forgot to brush away from the base, trenchcoat and armor are especially, painfully clear. Shame on me for not noticing this before I took the pictures.

Next up: A Slag Troll from Hordes. After that, I may tackle a Space Wolves Dreadnought from Warhammer 40k. There's no long term plan, at least not yet. But if one of these games grabs my imagination, I may try to finish an entire set before the new school year starts in August.

Finally, here are a couple more pictures of the Butcher: