On the Boil: Loads of great Oldhammerish blogs you might not know about!

Scrolling through my Reading List (as Blogger likes to call it) after so long, I was shocked to see that many of the blogs I used to enjoy were no more, with many long since abandoned by their respective authors. The discovery made me rather nostalgic for the early, exciting days of Oldhammer when each new day seemed to bring a fresh enthusiast to the internet. Thankfully, some stalwarts of the medium are still going strong and it has been refreshing and illuminating to frequent their small corners of the web once more. In doing so I discovered a wealth of additional blogs that were either new (or newish) or I had missed entirely the first time around.

And here they are... enjoy responsibly and don't forget to follow!

http://littleleadpeople.blogspot.co.uk/

Ashley (a regular contributor to our shared games at the Wargames Foundry) is the LittleLeadPerson who runs this little blog. He has an interesting mix of models up to view, with his undead stuff striking a chord with me (he has a beautifully painted 1980s Skull Chucker for example) and not all of it is in the Oldhammer vein. 

http://theincursionsofchaos.blogspot.co.uk/

A chap called Jeg is the person-in-charge of this slice of the blogosphere. His or her work on the old 1980s chaos beastmen immediately caught my eye and they are well worth a view. Jeg's painting style is very similar in look to many old Citadel painters of yore (which may be deliberate I suppose) and combines dark and bright colours together on the same model effectively. I had to smile when I read about Jeg's dislike of painting shields (I remember being the same once), though the pink effect  achieved on the latest beastman was quite striking without a design. A nice painting blog this one, updated every few weeks or so. 

http://goblinlee.blogspot.co.uk/

Like Ashley, I have met GoblinLee several times and have always been staggered with the size and range of his collection of figures. So quite how I missed his blog is anyone's guess! Scrolling through his more recent work is a real pleasure as he does focus on any particular type of models. He has some lovely posts about Lord of the Rings models and his snakemen (pictured) are outstanding. 

There is loads of stuff to enjoy here. Go see! 

http://belchedfromthedepths.blogspot.co.uk/

Ryder Strickland's work on recreating the colour schemes of the old Dungeon Quest characters really is worth seeing. His painting skills are excellent and his models are a pleasure to view. He doesn't just stick to Citadel models either and has some nice Otherworld pieces worth seeing too. His blog has been running even longer than this one so how I missed his excellent body of work is beyond me. I have since rectified that oversight. 

http://leadmenagerie.blogspot.co.uk/

Caliburn's blog is another example of a long running site that I have missed out on. Browsing through the work on offer is great fun and very varied. I found the articles about Grenadier very enlightening as I don't know a great deal about the manufacturer. Bold, bright colour is the order of the day when you study the painted models on offer. Well worth a visit!

http://stonecoldlead.blogspot.co.uk/

Stonecoldlead is very well known and I have admired his incredibly painted models for some years now. I was pleased that he had started a blog and spent some time enviously pouring over his recent work. Lots to see here, with models from many different manufacturers and periods, real and imagined. 

http://oldhammerspain.blogspot.co.uk/

I've known Carlos online for some years and I was impressed with his blog. This wonderfully painted Mikeal Jacson model leapt right off the screen at me! He has loads of brightly painted models to enjoy and I was impressed by his gorgeous chaos army. He even has a battle report with photographs to enjoy using many of these models! 

Right, before I pop off can you do me a favour dear reader? If you are aware of a decent blog why not post the address below in the comments section. I would like to further broaden my hobby horizons and if I've missed these excellent sites what else could I be missing!?

Thanks 

Orlygg

The Seven 'Leadly' Sins: Or how I became a Lazy Gamer!

Confession time, I think I have become a lazy gamer. Bloated, stale and decaying at an alarming rate. You may be wondering why I would make such an announcement so let me explain my thinking in the simplest terms. 

Hobby life has become just too easy. 

Where once I'd trawl the internet for any scrap of information about 1980s Warhammer, or Games Workshop in general, now I let it ooze tardily onto my tablet, phone or computer. There is just so much content out there in 2017, more than I would have ever dreamt possible way back in 2010, that with zero effort, my social media feed can be packed with old school warhammery stuff. Working with others, I have created and contributed to many social media groups with the Oldhammer banner and watched as the users of many of these groups stretch into the thousands. 

It's just so easy to contact another like-minded individual that I have been taking it for granted. The trading groups allow me to circumnavigate eBay and avoid the scalpers and the comedic BIN merchants who ask extraordinate sums for pretty standard models. Thus, I sit upon a mountain of lead - so much so that I have forgotten what I actually have and now purchase duplicates of models I must have held in storage for years. But do I paint any of it? 

Rarely.

In the past, I would spend my free hours writing (what I thought to be, anyway) interesting posts about my chosen period of GW history, interviewing alumni and waxing lyrical about other Oldhammerers and their fantastically painted old school models. 

Now what do I do? Scroll a backlit screen with a grubby thumb like any number of zombified individuals, letting a (to be honest) pretty banal tide of fake hobby news, tirades and hypocritical utterances wash over me. 

These wasted waters have nearly bleached my hobby will to nonexistence. 

And to make matters worse, I contribute to that spreading morass of digital dross instead of getting off my backside and cracking on with some hobby. The more I selfishly consume, the more uninspired I become until that hobby spark, that love for old school Citadel and it's Warhammer World fades to an exhausted ember. Looking over my hobby life, I have identified seven 'Leadly' sins that I am guilty of committing in recent times. In sharing my shame I hope to cleanse my hobby soul in the purifying fire of righteousness (of the 979-92 variety, at least). So, in now particular order - here we go! 

1) Sharing 'look what I have got' bragging posts

I have posted one too many of these over the years. Dead lead - unloved and unpainted is of little interest to me (and I must admit to complaining hypocritically about this trend in the past) and must be an equal annoyance to other social media users. Yes, I bought some old figures. Big deal. I bought some old figures last week and no doubt I shall buy some more in the near future. It doesn't really require posting about, does it? I could spread out all my '80s hardbacks on the carpet too, couldn't I? Oh yes, that is what readers what to see and nice spread of Realm of Chaos books and other rare Warhammer publications. What a waste of time! I am very guilty of this and it must stop! 

2) Photographing masses of unpainted lead 

As above, an utter utter self indulgent exercise sure to bore the hind teeth of any discerning enthusiast. Why did I do it? Probably because these are desirable models in many ways and I picked them up cheap somewhere. Whoopy-do! How can my purchases be of any interest to the common man? Now, if I pulled my finger out and got some of these models painted things would improve rapidly - only I don't because I am too busy taking stupid photographs such as this one! 

Bell end!

3) Being too absorbed in my own collecting

Looking back, I am not sure when I disappeared up my own backside but I am sure it was around the time Blogger updated itself and I was confronted with my own dashboard everytime I logged on. Gone was the lovely stream of other people's blogs and all their hobby glory. Vanished was the work of Chico, or Blue in VT, or Thantsants or big Erny - the very guys who inspired me to start with! Instead, I became focussed on the comments made on my posts instead of actually commenting on other people's stuff. I lived, as some say, in a foolish bubble or boringness. Well no more! I have deleted the offending bookmark and will now enter the blogosphere through the inspiring light of other Oldhammerer's achievements! 

4) Buying up hordes of figures and then storing them away

Having piles is a serious problem, I know because I have had them, but instead of treating my pile of lead in a sensible way, I merely add to the never ending mount of wasted opportunity that sits below me as I type. Again, I strike forth with the gauntlet and say 'no more!' If I wish to make any more purchases they must be painted straight away and not be cast, forgotten in to the Mahogany Pit (my bureau's copious storage space).

5) Obsessing over the acquisition of certain models

Is it really a good use of my time to pour hours of fruitless searching online to find random figures that I have felt that I JUST had to own? Could I not be spending my hobby hours on something more rewarding that scrolling through reams of ridiculously priced lead men who will only join the ever expanding pile of unpainted metal that hangs like a millstone from around my neck? How about bloody well painting some of the models in the c46 set that you do own!! 

6) Not organising enough meet ups or games with fellow Oldhammerers

In case you wanted to spout that ever-green question of 'what is Oldhammer?' then look no further. It is not an edition of rules, or a time scale (though original Citadel models and Warhammer 2nd or 3rd edition will really help) but it is an attitude. One of gentlemanly co-operation and appreciation of the little lead man (or dragon). That brotherhood of noble spirit is best summed up with this photograph. See those chaps there? Great guys all! Some why don't I spend more time rolling dice with them?

(Probably sin 3 if I am being honest!)

7) Not encouraging others

Despite consuming more Old School Citadel material than ever in my lifetime I rarely ever give anything back. I have just bee too lazy, scrolling through the social media feed like a modern day Mr. Creosote with my thumb of sloth! When instead, I should have been congratulating others in their endeavours and being inspired in turn. I mean, just look at these lovely old models painted so in keeping with the age of the '80s. And have I congratulated the enthusiast who produced these? Of course not, I just consumed his hard work and scrolled on. 

So, so, so lazy!

Oh, and these marvellous figures are by one Nick Manse by the way. And quite excellent a job he has done with them too!

Well, if you are reading this I guess that you made it to the end of my little diatribe. I apologise for the ranting but oddly, I now feel better. More energised, as if the hobby spark shorn of negativity can once again kindle a blaze to be proud of. But what should me next step be? Hmmm - definitely towards that long ignored pile of lead in the corner of the palour room. I know, I shall thrust my hand deep into the hoard and pull forth a miniature that I shall try and paint to the highest of my ability. Forget all that 'speed painting' malarky for a moment (it has it's place) and batch painting of epic space marines. I need to return to the first timid footsteps I took on my Oldhammer journey. I must rediscover the excitement and commitment that this hobby needs with a Realm of Chaos figure from the depths of my collection. Perhaps a beastman? 

And no, you won't be seeing it until it is finished!! 

Orlygg

Space Marine 1989: Painted Land Raider and Rhino Test Pieces

Despite the combination of Mother's Day lunch and four pints of real ale earlier today, I still found time to finish off my first Space Marine vehicles. Initially I was apprehensive about painting these up as tiny, weeny vehicles are about as far from my comfort zone as it is possible to go. But using the exact same technique as the infantry stands, the two models were quickly complete. 

My method is very straight forwards. Undercoat in white, base coat in Sky Blue B from Foundry, wash over in black ink, drybrush back over with the basecolour and end with two successive highlights mixed with white. I used yellow as a spot colour here and there for the lights.

As of yet, I haven't added any symbols or markings on the vehicles as they don't seem as plain as the infantry models once complete. I probably will though soon, when the beer goggles and Sunday lunch has worn off a little more. A shaking hand is no use when working on such a small scale. 

In addition, I have cleaned up some of my old school epic metal marines and built four support stands using the missile launcher models and two command stands. These await my attentions next time I have a moment or ten to myself. 

The painting is a bit sloppy in places (no doubt my technique will improve as I knock out more vehicles) but they seem suitably eye catching from about two or three feet away. I hope that you like them! Of course, if you have any fine hints and tips for the painting of these epic scale vehicles, please do let me know!

Orlygg

Space Marine 1989: Original Epic Scale Infantry

Hello all, with the change of season I have been very busy sorting out my home. With 400 year old walls covered in render to check, tiles to re-align and wattle and daub walling to patch up, I have been a busy boy indeed. What with the front, rear and kitchen gardens to tidy up and prepare for the warmer, brighter days too, the opportunity to Oldhammer has been restricted of late. 

Thankfully, I have been busy collecting various epic scale pieces from the original Space Marine/Adeptus Titanicus game. Now, if you are anything like me and have spent some time pouring over the old photographic references for SM/AT published in places like White Dwarf, you will know that the original infantry depicted in early promotional material vary starkly from the famous plastic marines that came later. 

Well, these are the very same models. If you look closely you can make out the standard marine (bolter in hand), the commander (bolt pistol and power sword) and the devestator (old school rocket launcher on shoulder). I have a fair few of these models now, thanks to in part to Graham Apperly who traded a couple of Fishmen for a smattering of these tiny fellows. 

I was surprised to learn that some collectors and gamers seem to have missed these models. I was even told by several enthusiasts that they never saw release!! I have a number of these tiny marines bought in an infantry blister in Wonderworld in 1989. The were originally released for Adeptus Titanicus to, presumably, supplement the infantry rules produced in White Dwarf. With the development of the plastic marines, they were superceded by cheaper models, though you could still find them as extras in titan blisters. 

There are a couple of other variants that I don't have yet. The heavy bolter and the running marine, so if you have any of these tiny chaps languishing in you collections please do let me know and I will happily buy/trade with you. 

Right, I better get these cleaned and painted up. 

Orlygg

Painted Nuln Spearman by Javi Torrijo

He is a nice figure and drips that '80s warhammer character, so I cannot fathom why he never saw wider release. Until I saw this painted version I had no idea that the figure sported a manly beard! 

Last post I brought you a unique insight to the Marauder version of the Bloodthirster, and to follow that up I can share this with you, the first fully painted version of the Nuln Spearman outside of the WD image from the 1980s. Now, if you are not aware of this particular figure's story let me enlighten you a little. 

The Nuln Spearman was for a long time one of those mysteries for the early days of Warhammer. He appeared in White Dwarf 90 in an advert for a range of Citadel Fighters but never seems to have hit the shops. So scarce was he, some collectors and enthusiasts even doubted his existence and predicted that a copy would never be found, especially after the majority of Bryan Ansell's collection had been explored and Nulny didn't turn up. 

Then in 2014 a casting of the miniature appeared on eBay (along with the similarly rare, Guard Captain) for a short while before vanishing in confusing circumstances. Many collectors inferred that the seller was approached with an offer he couldn't refuse and that was very much that. As you can imagine, this set the collecting world alight with discussion and the Spearman has appeared for sale several times since. Sadly, the winning bidders were usually the Citadel Collecting sort and squirrelled the model away in a cupboard somewhere instead of using the figure for gaming or display. 

Not so with Javi Torrijo, who posted this painted version on Facebook last week. Seeing an opportunity not to be missed I asked if it would okay to share his work here on Realm of Chaos 80s - and as you can see, Javi agreed! 

So big thanks to him. 

Before I pop off again, I'll leave you with something I had never seen before until I spoke to Javi. The Nuln Spearman's rear end!! I wonder what he keeps in that pouch?

Orlygg

Finally, images of the unreleased MARAUDER Bloodthirster!

Unless you have been living under a rock, you'll know all about the mysterious eBay seller named fsfminiatures and his spectacular collection. Over the last couple of months this individual has been slowly selling off a veritable wonderland of old lead, including a large number of extremely rare (ney, near mystical) vintage figures.

Nuln Spearman?  

Check 

Combat Card Dwarf Wizard?

Check

Though not really the remit of this blog, which is focussed on the collecting, painting and gaming of original released 1980s Citadel, I thought this worthy of record. We knew that Marauder produced a series of metal greater daemons and even have the serial numbers: MM95/1 Greater Daemon of Khorne and MM95/2 Greater Daemon of Tzeentch. 

The Greater Daemon of Tzeentch produced by Marauder was a lesser well known model that turns up occasionally (I assume it saw a period of general release) and I have a couple of examples in my collection. Sodemons carries a painted example by ex-'Eavy Metal luminary, Steve Mussared.

But the Khorne daemon had remained a total mystery, at least to me. Sodemons carries no photograph of the model to this day and the eBay listing posted this week, may well be the first sight anyone has had of the model in the collecting world. And like the original released Citadel model, the daemon comes in multiple pieces. 

In my opinion, the Marauder Greater daemons are just not as good as the Citadel originals, which (I assume) is why they never made it to wider release. Still, it is fascinating to finally get a glimpse of one of the more allusive models in the old school Warhammer pantheon. With bidding at £39.00 as the time of writing (with over 5 days still to go) it will be interesting to see how much this extremely rare model will fetch. With the Nuln Spearman and the Dwarf Wizard fetching 4 digit amounts it makes me wonder if the previously unknown model will reach the same dizzy heights!

Before I disappear back into the myriad whirls and eddies of the warp, I will also share this little delight, which proves that not all exciting, unreleased models need to be massive, multiple part affairs. Fsfminiatures has also just listed this lovely hamburger eating dwarf. 

Here is the full site address for fsfminiatures if you are interested in watching this sale develop or fancy a flutter on one of the lots. And just so you know, I do NOT know the identity of the seller nor am I in contact with him or her in anyway. The purpose of this post is merely to comment on the appearance of a previously unknown model's appearance and to direct interested enthusiasts or collectors towards the eBay listings.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/fsfminiatures2016?_trksid=p2056016.l2559

Orlygg

Space Marine 1st Edition: More Marines

Forgive the sub par photography, but I managed to get a second set of stands completed last night and was keen to share my progress. Painting the entire shoulder pad really made the difference to the 'look' of the tiny models and I adapted my original idea slightly for the Ultramarines with a white background to a red 'U'. The Thousand Sons remain unchanged with just an increase in yellow. 

Instead of repainting my first attempt at the models using my improved method, I decided to merely update the iconography and the difference, though noticeable will probably been acceptable to me when further units are completed. 

Last time we spoke on the issue of painting marines I asked for some advice on how best to approach them. Many thanks to those of you who contributed ideas here, on Facebook and via email.It was very enjoyable working through the different suggestive methods and developing something that works for me. I will share with you the recipe for success I am currently using as I will no doubt forget sometime in the future and returning to this article will help jog the memory banks. There may even be one or two painters out there who may benefit from such a guide... so here goes. 

Step 1: Undercoat the stand in white and then basecoat in chosen colour. For the Ultramarines I chose Foundry's Sky Blue A and for the Thousand Sons GW's Khorne Red.

Step 2: Wash over entire stand with black ink wash. Check coverage of underside, particularly with the centre marine. 

Step 3: Once dry, drybrush over stand with original basecoat colours. 

Step 4: Add first layer of highlights to the model. I used Foundry's Sky Blue B to do this to the Ultras and GW's Mephiston Red for the Thousand Sons. Paint the boltgun with a dark silver metallic paint. 

Step 5: Add an additional layer of highlights to the edges of the marines by mixing increasing amounts of Foundry's Boneyard C to the blue and Foundry's Yellow B to the red. Touch up the helmet, knees, hands and feet of the marines with the final layer of highlight. Paint a lighter shade of silver over the top of the boltgun. 

Step 6: Paint the shoulder pads Boneyard C for the Ultras and Yellow A for the Sons. Highlight with white and yellow C respectively. 

Step 7: Add Ultramarines symbol to shoulder pads in Khorne Red and Thousand Sons in black. Add Tactical Squad markings to other shoulder pad. 

Step 8: Base with darkbrown. Then dry brush with Foundry's Boneyard triad. paint mdf base edge black. 

Looking back, I was having difficulty create the sense of depth on these models. Using black over the top of the original base colour allowed the contrast to develop properly and really helped me pick out the details. Frustratingly, after painting tiny tactical squad markings on all of the pads I found this article in an old WD. 

The Space Marine (1989) rulebook just uses the White Scars illustration to explain the chapter markings and the reflective triangles made perfect symbols to represent tactical squads - so I painted them on all my marines. Know, I will use the Ultramarine red and yellow squares as it will add an additional layer of colour to my tiny warriors. Anyone know of the Thousand Sons had any additional fluff attributed to them back in the 1980s early 90s that I could add? 

Please let me know if you have something in mind. Right, I am going back to the painting table to try and apply my new recipe to some vehicles. 

Speak soon.

Orlygg.