Zen and the Art of Painting Tyranids

[jawsgid]

Hello! I recently got back into 40k last Thanksgiving after a 7 year hiatus and have been slowly building an army/lurking on this site ever since. Been meaning to start a painting blog for a while but have just been too lazy.

But I finally got around to it and I'll be starting off with the current model I'm working on: the Dimachaeron. Mauler (who is the man, btw) was kind enough to lend me some of his expertise to help me with the project as I have zero experience with forgeworld models. So I'll start with my work so far on the D-man and will keep you all updated as things develop. I'll also eventually start putting in pictures if the models I've already finished and the future projects I get into.

Also, one of the main reasons I'm starting this thread is to actively seek thoughts, options, feedback, and critique from the hive so please don't be shy! Most of my techniques are self taught so if you have a better way if doing something, please let me know!

[blucord]

Can't wait until you start throwing down some paint! Nice pinning/ magnetizing job

[jawsgid]

Thanks! I'm really looking forward to finally painting it. It's an awesome model!

I finally got it all assembled and primed. I did the other sickle claw arm like the first. For the rending/whipping claws I just used a massive magnet. I also always put a dab of superglue on top of the magnets and smear it around to give texture to the magnet surfaces and prevent it from drooping. Helps a ton in my opinion.

For the torso I drilled out two holes. One is for the dowel which holds the weight, and the other is for a pin which is drilled off center keeps the torso snug and prevents it from slipping around.

I left the torso claws but and the cranium unattached for ease of painting. Speaking of which, I will keep you all updated as I make progress!

[jawsgid]

Hey gents, time for another update. Drove up to DC for the weekend to see the fam and painted like a fiend. Got a lot done on the D-man but this model is huge so still got a ways to go. The first pics are just progress on the model as a whole. Didn't bother including the cranium and chest bits but they're painted to the same level as most the rest of the model. The claw in the last 2 photos is complete. Wanted to give an idea of what my paint scheme looks like.

I also hit up the local GW store in DC and was able to get a 1000 point game in against an Orc army; pics are below and give a couple glimpses of my army. Definitely did the hive proud though; tabled them by turn four, mainly because of poor deployment of their part. They were great dudes to play with though. Really had a blast!

As always, please give me your feedback and thoughts! Always looking for ways to improve.

[mitjiz]

Well,gottavsay job welldone! I have ordered two of those big boys, I will play them in 1500 pts list. We'll see, how it will go.
I am unpatient to see more, especially photos from your big D.
I like your pinning, what material did you used?

[abrahamlleida]

looking really good man!
Awesome job!

[jawsgid]

Thank you both! I really appreciate the feedback!

Mitjiz: I used wooden dowels for the pinning. They are an 1/8 of an inch wide, made of pine (I think), and I picked them up from the local hardware store. Cost about a dollar for a three foot rod. I pretty much walked in and went "that looks like a good size". I just used my clippers to clip an appropriate length and drilled out the holes starting with a pin vice then moving up to a power drill to expand the holes. The second pin used to attach the torso is just a needle from a safety pin; I just happen to have a ton of those on hand and used wire cutters to cut if off.

As I said before, this model rocks and has been a blast to assemble and paint. Can't wait to use him in a battle!

[Macradon]

Maaaaan, can't wait to see it finished!

[mitjiz]

Ah, no wonder it looked like wood-like material. Hmmm... perhaps I should check my local harware store. That pinning looks really solid to me.

[jawsgid]

Thanks guys! It's tough finding time to paint during the week but I was able to make a bit of progress. Trying to get it done for next weekend to enter in a competition in the LGS.

And the pinning works like a champ. Having those hefty dowels is key for the larger forgeworld models. And it's super cheap which is a big plus.

[jawsgid]

Well gents, she's all done. After painting like a madman all weekend I finally finished the model! Now all that is left is to base it by this weekend (no mean feat) and I'll make the deadline for the competition. Unfortunately it's late and I'm headed to bed, but I wanted to post at least one picture before hitting the sack. Expect a full series if pictures mañana. Until then, enjoy!

[jaysic]

Woohoo! Can't wait to see the pics buddy, and congrats!

[jawsgid]

As promised here are the rest of the pics. Gotta say I'm pretty happy with how he turned out! Now all that is left is to base him by Saturday morning and I'll have him done in time for the competition. Also, please give me your thoughts/critiques/ways I can improve! And as always, thanks for the support! You guys rock

[jawsgid]

Another quick update for you all. Just finished building the base. Gotta say I think I'll be be able to have this thing done in time for the competition! Anyway, more to come.

[jawsgid]

Finished the base! Had to get it done tonight so I could let the resin cure for 2 days. Now all I've got to do is pin the model to the base on Saturday morning and I'll be good to go!

Also, please let me know what you think of the squarish rocks on the front of the base; new painting technique I tried. I think I like it if but would love some feedback!