A diversion in 15mm

My big problem is sticking to a project. My solution is to not even try! Let me explain what I mean... I will try to have a couple of mutually exclusive projects underway at any one time. At present, I have my Warhammer 40k Imperial Guard on the painting table, but as a diversion I also have these rather nice 15mm figures and vehicles as well. The tanks are from Brigade Models, in their South African Confederation range, and are called Rhinos. They have an APC / IFV equivalent in the 6mm ranges, but unfortunately not in 15mm.

However, I have a plan to get around that, and to that effect I have some RTV rubber, a lot of plasticard, and 96 spare wheels from Brigade Models. I will be sculpting a hull based on the shape of the 6mm Wildebeest, casting them in resin, and Bob's your uncle.

The Rhinos are painted in Vallejo acrylics; Dark Sand and Granite Grey, I think, with a GW Devlan Mud wash over the whole thing. A quick dry-brush of the sand colour and they're good to go. I still have to add some detailing (lights, markings, that sort of thing) but they're basically done.

Next up are the figures. They are from Critical Mass's ARC Fleet ranges; again, they have received the sand / granite / mud treatment and they're very quick to paint. The visors were in a random pale blue... I tried gold but it didn't show very well against the sand and grey so they got a repaint.

And just to finish up, here's a shot of the whole lot together. Even with the bases incomplete and the detailing on the vehicles missing, they look good to my eye. I'm looking forward to doing a few more in between the Imperial Guard...

The Penal Legion

I have finished the first squad of my Imperial Guard; penal legionnaires. They aren't the greatest in game terms, but they look like they could be fun. They have been made from GW Imperial Guards with the heads replaced; these come from West Wind's 'Secrets of the Third Reich' range. They fit pretty well if you drill out the necks of the figures. All wearing guantanamo orange uniforms.

I have started on a second squad; this time using a mix of Imperial Guard torsos and arms alongside Beastman legs and heads. In the original fluff you could have Beastman squads... I used to have some of the original figures, but they seem to have disappeared. Pity; the beastman with a plasma pistol and chainsword was quite nice.

Gamer burnout?

It's very odd. I have always loved going to shows, spending my money, collecting my new purchases. For a couple of weeks before a show, I hang on to odd notes in the back of my wallet so that I have a 'guilt-free' stash to spend on the day, and I enjoy myself with it. I love to wander round the show looking at all the new shiny toys, and buying whatever catches my eye.

This time at Salute, I looked at all the new stuff and I went 'how would I ever use that?', and my money stayed in my pocket. It was very strange. My wife has suggested that I have grown up, perhaps, but I don't think so. I am wondering whether there comes a point where you just become a little jaded with the constant rounds of 'new and improved'. This is the great golden age of gaming. Beautiful figures, in metal and increasingly in plastic, phenomenal sculpts, any range you can think of (and some you couldn't!). But are we too long in the tooth to really enjoy it?

Probably not. I spent Bank Holiday Monday morning at a boot sale, just to get a bit of air, and I very happily picked up several 1/43 scale cars and a Thunderbird 2 that looked just perfect to make a dropship... mojo restored!

Has anyone else hit this wall at a show recently? Just wondering...