Hobby Before I Die!: November 2014

Sunday, 16 November 2014

X-Wing - AT-AT and AT-ST Models

An AT-AT from the '8th Iron Legion' strides through the low-lands of Dandoran...

... And a rendevous with an Imperial Shuttle ready to disembark a squad of feared Dark Troopers...

Hey! Long time no blog ;)

I decided it was about time I got the armoured might of the Emperor's '8th Iron Legion' painted and based up ready for the table-top (I have plans for these fellas in a forthcoming themed game)

So, let's crack on and head to the Walker Factory...

The bases were cut from 3mm MDF. Size wise, they match the dimensions of two large X-Wing ship bases positioned end to end. For flexibility, I wanted to create modular scenic bases (more on this in a minute), so the walkers needed a way to slot on and off their bases. Fortunately, the Action Fleet toys already had suitable holes positioned in their feet, so it was a case of creating 'pegs' with a width that provided a firm enough fit to allow the model to stay securely on it's base, whilst being able to be removed with a slight tug...

The AT-STs bases match the size of standard X-Wing ship bases...

The AT-AT is lowers into position

With the main bases constructed, it was time to move on to the scenic 'over-lays'...

The modular over-lays were cut from plasti-card. For the first batch, I went for a woodland / jungle finish. These were created by gluing on modelling sand, a couple of coats of mud effect paint and a suitable dry-brush highlight. Once dry, I patch covered the bases with two different types of flock, one light and one dark, to add a bit of contrast. The final touch was to glue on some foliage clusters from Woodland Scenics.

As a test run, I also created an alternate Hoth / snow world base for one of the AT-ATs. This was built in much the same way, but this time finished off with Army Painter snow effect...

The finished bases...

Right, now onto the minis.

Like many galactic nuts, I've been playing a lot of Star Wars: Commander on the ol' dog n' bone recently and I've been inspired by the lush forest setting of Dandoran...

The planet Dandoran. Home to Simon Le Bon.

I've also been inspired by the Imperial Veteran units and in particular, the bad-ass looking black AT-ATs...

The Veteran AT-AT received a blast of black car primer, followed by a gradual highlight of GWs Dawnstone grey. The glowing red command view-port was painted before the undercoat and masked off with tape. A whole lot easier to paint that way :)

Rancor. Even AT-STs need to fear what awaits in the woods...

The paint job for both the standard AT-ATs and the AT-STs pretty much followed the same approach, apart from this time, they all got a blast of grey car car primer ;). The models then all received a wash of GW's Nuln Oil, followed by a highlight of Administratum Grey mixed with a little White Scar...