A joyous find

I was trawling the net this morning and found this. Comixininos It really tickled my fancy and I'm sure all you blood Bowl nuts will find something of interest. They seem to do absolutely everything that a Blood Bowl fan could want. I have even seen an Orc Female Team in there. Sooooo many temptations.

This is what drew me in. Skaven Cheerleader and Bloodweiser Babe. A shock to the system early in the morning ;-), even if it is valentines.

Following a request for some close up pictures - I give you the GW Technical paints - Nurgle Rot and 'hardtop, up close and personal.

The 'hardtop is providing the shine on the surface and the Nurgle Rot is seeping out of the rear of the pipe and down the wall. There are about 5 coats to get it this green. It dries very see through.

This is also Nurgle Rot seeping through a crack in the back wall. Its all a bit of a messy goo. The broken bubbles are as a result of at least two previous layers of PVA. The cracking on the right is a result of an attempt to use PVA on a section of the wall i.e. water oozing out. It didn't really work so I painted over it.

My current painting piece is one of the skaven star players. I managed to pick him up at good value on ebay - Mr Hakflem Skuttlespike.

Its a really nice model with lots of detail. He comes with two heads, Extra arms and a prehensile tail.

Games Workshop Technical paints

Between buying cards and flowers and all that Valentines stuff (I think the whole world was shopping at lunch time today) I made a fruitful visit to the Games Workshop and had a very interesting conversation re their Technical paints.

They are more than just paint with some having texture and others that crack when dry - very interesting indeed and I can see that they would be very good for creating the effects required when terrain building. Its worth a chat to the GW guys if you have not done so already.

I bought two - 'ardcoat and Nurgles Rot. I have applied them to the Skaven Dugout and achieved some decent results. Especially the 'ardcoat which is a brush on gloss effect. I have it on the gloop in the pipe and it is giving a nice watery sheen. I have using the Nurgles Rot to seep from some of the cracks on the terrain.

Thanks for the recommendations guys. Forever learning.

According to ebay my next project is 'in the post'. I have purchased some drummers for the orcs. Well 4 to be exact. Should be a fun addition. I wonder if they will arrive tomorrow?

Dry brushing

I have been putting it off because I wasn't really sure how to tackle the dry brushing. All the advice was to use this technique to 'knock back' the strong blue. Well last night I thought to myself that the time had come. I mixed up some of the blue with some grey and started.

Didn't like the outcome. Then I added some white and went at it again. Didn't like the outcome. Then I just went for it! Bold strokes and some dabbing. While I was at it I added loads of colour to the gloop in the pipe and then a red ink and put some white splotches in for luck.

Anyway it was all very new to me and it was fun. Its a lot less blue now :-)

I was thinking that it must be good to do one of those oil paintings where you are using a knife to apply the paint. Lots of texture and boldness in the application of colour.

I think thats one of the nice things about the hobby. You find yourself doing new things and learning as you go.

Skaven Scoreboard

I spent some time yesterday working on a scoreboard for the Skaven. The Orc Scoreboard that I made earlier was really basic. (A cardboard box with two cocktail sticks) It looks good on the playing field but is very basic. This time I want to be able to have the team names and scores on something more traditional.

The Dark Templar has very kindly sorted me out with a logo for the Rats so - time to put it good use.

I printed it out to the size that I wanted and then used it to set the scale for the rest of scoreboard. I used a piece of cardboard (a pizza box) and then cut out holes for where the team names and scores would go. The cutting mat is new and really useful. I was getting tired of making a mess on the newspapers. I was ending up with bits of paper everywhere in tiny triangles, very messy. I even purchased a steel ruler and this is great to run the blade along. No more shaving pieces off the plastic ruler. The Rats logo will be in the square on the left.

Once this was done I constructed  a framework behind the holes so that I could insert cards with the names and scores. I used plastic card for this as it is more rigid. To be honest I should have done something very simple but got really caught up in it and it is way too complicated. It works - thats the main thing! But I have learned a lesson - keep it simple stupid.

Here it is in all its glory. As you can see I went with the logo colours of black and red. Lets hope that the scoreline reflects the next match ;-)

Skaven Dugout on track

Its been a good day for the hobby. I have spent some time on the skaven dugout and finally put some models in it. I think it will look good good on the next games day. I have the Reserves suitably chained up and waiting for the instruction to get out there and do the business.

For me, its still a bit too Blue. I intend to put a big scoreboard behind it so this should help but ..... I am having the feeling that I will change something. I like the stable area and McMourning coffin area. It was a great suggestion to put some advertising behind the KO'd area. I like it very much and it breaks the whole areas up. Slazenger and Hertz - I will never look at them the same again :-)

I have also been working on my orc cheerleader. So small, but so lovely. It is so difficult to get the detail right and I am finding it good to take pictures on the iPad and then look at where I have issues. So much bigger in the photos. My wife, Sue,  has suggested one of those magnifying glasses under a light. Might be worth thinking about. Anyway I like this babe a lot. She still a name ?

Bull obviously agrees! I do like a male that knows what he wants.

I would like to thank everyone for your constructive contributions. It has been great to see your ideas and then build them into the final model. Thanks guys I really appreciate your input. I do love the hobby and the proactive way that people are prepared to contribute.

Skaven Dugout Progress

Been a good morning on the construction and painting front. I have gone for a 'nest' type look to the Reserves area.

Between the rain showers I managed to get outside and throw some base paint on dugout. I then went for that shadow blue colour and the main stay.

I went for a green type colour for the fluid.

I added a few highlights in lighter greens and even some whites attempting to give a directional flow feel. I plan to hit it hard with ink and then cover it all again in pva so that it glistens. We will have to see how it works out.

I have gone for a dirty brown colour in the Dead area and a 'straw like' feel to the Reserves. Lots still to do. loads of detail to be added. However it has started out well.

This afternoon its Ireland v Wales in rugby. Huge match! Come on Ireland.

Skaven Dugout building

I just love the idea of a sewer. I have never really got into Terrain building but the Orc Dugout was fun so I decided to go for the sewer option for the Skaven. I like the idea of flowing water and plan to use lots of Pva for this. The design is to have the main sewer at the back of the dugout.

The Dead area will have access to the sewer so that bodies can be 'dumped'! Loving this idea.

The KO'd area will have some kind of platform with an outflow and the Reserves area is yet to be decided.

First up was the construction of the main sewer. After some cutting and gluing we had the first results, not bad.

I put some card down the centre of it and loaded up the Pva for that watery look. I added a few bones for effect.

Next I wanted some stairs from the Dead area as access to a metal platform over the top of the sewer.

Then I stared on the central platform for the KO'd area. I also added an inlet pipe at the back with some fluid flowing into the main sewer. Through the main platform I created a low level outlet pipe and again used Pva for the fluid effect.

Then I measured out the size of tile required, cut them and placed them in a pattern to fill the space. The remaining areas were filled with square tiles prior to being glued into place.

What to do with the reserves area??

Game review and new project

Well I have had the chance to update the roster and customise my Blitzer in readiness for the next challenge. He seems to be right at home despite his rather large protrusion ;-)

I have had some deliberation time and it is obvious to me that the reason we lost was lack of fan support. Well what can you expect playing in the Orcland Raider stadium? Its the travel distance you see - no home advantage. And also - the rats don't like the light and the grass. This is serious and must be rectified.

So this evening a new construction project has begun!

Now where do rats live - well the sewer of course! Oh yes - bring it on. Home field advantage, those Darkside Darkblades will have no answer for this. Lets take them underground to the stench filled atmosphere that the rats are used to.

Astro granite - the playing surface!! No more Mr Niceguy.

Blood Bowl Anticipation

Yes sports fans - we are just one day away from the much anticipated Gutchewers v's the Boomtown Rats here in the Orcland Raider stadium.

You will note that a few sponsors have been found which will hopefully improve the cash-flow situation which has been pretty poor thus far. The Rats have a reduced Fan Factor for this game so will be relying for some good dice rolling.

The news scoreboard is up - although I feel certain that a more professional job could have been done. Daubing 'Uz' and 'Dem' on the wall is one way to go but surely having the actual team names on the board would be much better. Orc's! Humph!

The Dwarf Referee has arrived - hopefully there will be a little less zeal when it comes to blowing the whistle for the next game.

The Rats were out for a good training session today. Thankfully they are all fit and ready to go.

The team has been joined by a new Lineman 'Acrid the Despoiler' and he has taken the number 12 jersey. (Seen here with Coach Bullcher before joining the team on the field).

Mc Mourning and the Nurses are in readiness. They did a fine job in the last game keeping the Rats up to strength.

I see good old Maximus is still chasing rats. Lets hope thats the last one seen in the dugout for some time to come.

Roll on Sunday and let the fun begin.

Scoreboard

I am really getting into the swing of things now. I had a great email from the Darktemplar last night that inspired me to get stuck into the creation of a scoreboard.

It's funny when you apply the mind to a problem so many possibilities gush forth. I had all kinds of complex ideas but in the end went for the simple solution. Its basically a cardboard box, sprayed black. I printed out the Orcland Raider logo and pasted it to the box, a couple of tooth picks are stuck in to hang the scores from and then the metal plates with the scores are actually plastic card.

Incredibly simple but a cool addition.

Also my Orc Coach model arrived a few days back and I have been slowly painting him up. I love the model especially the coat.

So here I am - Coach Bullcher in all my glory. I have finally made in to the touchline.

I trust that I will be a true inspiration for the next Raiders match.

The funny thing is that he is the largest model that I have painted in a while :-)

Dugout in position

Over night I managed to get some paint on the rat and snotling so that everything associated with the dugout has some paint on it now.

This is it in position with the Skaven running out onto the field of play. Referee to the left - he he - he needs to watch his step, having sent off one of the Skaven in the last game!

I have been working on a tiled floor and this is now in the Reserves area. Its basically a piece of card with squares drawn on to it and then painted. It was very fiddley and took ages.

Anyway I am happy with it as it stands.

I still have lots to do it terms of washes and highlights. I will work on these over the next few evenings and it will be ready for Sunday. Lets hope I have no cause to use it!

Spikey bits and paint for the Dugout

Well the 'dugout' is coming along nicely. I thought the time was right to add some spiky bits - lumps of metal and other odds and sods.

I went for some protruding girders and then put three symbols at the back - the skull being the Dead area, the spanner being 'KO'd' / under repair and the remaining symbol bring the standard 'up for a fight' type found in most orc armies is for 'Reserves'.

I went for a stone floor in the centre, a sawdust / sand type in the Dead area and I have left the reserves alone.

The next thing to do was to get some paint on there.

So what colour does an Orc like - well red of course - makes them go faster.

I applied a dull red to the whole thing. The aim will be for the features to be eye catching against this flat background.

A 'dirty' yellow is the main Raider colour so it is applied to the features.

I also applied some base colour to the 'furniture'.

I still have work to do with washes and highlights. I also have some models to paint - the rat and the snotling in particular.

I ordered a 'coach' model from Heresy and it has arrived. I love his coat! Well as it represents me - 'my' coat ;-)

I have yet to assemble and paint but am looking forward to that.

I could also do with some cheerleaders - but that will have to wait. I am not really liking the the standard orc models but am keeping my eyes open on ebay in case something comes along.

Roll on this Sunday for the Skaven v's The Undead. The Dark Templar has been busy with his own project dugout. I am very impressed. I am certain this will be looking outstanding on the day. I just hope he gets the chance to try out all the areas - especially the 'Dead' area - lol.

Dugout Progress

Last night I took the plunge and delved deep into the garage to find the Ork bits boxes. You just never know what is going to be in  there. Whilst I was at it I went way back in time to also find the Necromunda bits box. Success all round.

So much stuff to sift though. Brought back great memories. I do like a bits box or two.

I found a neat water barrel for the 'Reserves' area.

For the 'KO'd' area I found that rat I was looking for, and he fits under the table nicely, and a really old snotling model to chase him with a stick :-)

And for the 'Dead' area, a really neat find was a goblin to carry Mc Mournings knifes.

I am getting really excited at the prospects evolving here.

I have started on a tiled floor for the Dead area. I used the paving slab layout on my patio as the template. I drew the whole thing out and have then cut where the grout might be.

Starting to get really fiddly - I may be a bit too ambitious here ..... but lets see.

Furniture Building for the Dugout

Well a productive morning as I stepped into the world of furniture making. I have never done this before so it was interesting to say the least. I started by making a few coffin lids for the 'Dead' area. Had to go for a couple of different sizes - got to get the practicalities right. ;-)

I used card for this. Then I thought that I would need a bench for the reserves area. More card and then some cut down match sticks for the legs.

This got my confidence going so I gave one of the coffins some sides and am pleased with how it is looking. All very intricate but worthwhile. I went for the larger size as those Mummies will be needing somewhere to lay down. They seem to spend a lot of time in the 'Dead' area - usually self inflicted!

Finally, I was feeling particularly brave and tried to make a table. Well McMourning was going to need somewhere to do his cutting. More card and matchsticks and I had something. So I made another for the 'KO'd' area. Something to lay down on whilst those nurses get to work with their needles. I hope it all holds together. I have caked it with glue - both super glue and PVA. I suppose I could try bracing the legs of the table - we'll see. I am thinking the one in the 'KO'd' area could be more of a bed whilst the one in the 'Dead' area could have a metallic finish - easier to wash away the blood ;-)

It is coming along nicely. I will need to think about the walls, floor and other bits next. The PVA that I plastered on the walls has taken some of the grain out of the timber - but not all.

I may even pay a visit to Hobbycraft to see if there is anything there that might be useful. I am nearly out of PVA glue.

I am also thinking that it would be nice to have a few small surprises in there somewhere. I was thinking back to my Necromunda days and I think I might have a few rats and spiders somewhere. They might be a bit big. I will have a search. A goblin chasing a rat out of the corner of the Dead area might be funny.

Da Boyz are on the scrounge

Having had a little bit of time to think things through I have decided to build an Orc dugout. With this in mind Da Boyz were sent out to scour the surrounding area for suitable pieces of debris to act as construction materials.

This is a little folly that I put together some time ago. At the time I was enjoying Warhammer 40k and my Orks were going through a phase of playing against the Dark Templars Blood Angels. We agreed to build a couple of objectives so this was my offering called 'Disassembling a Rhino'.

The thing about scrounging is that it is important to look everywhere.

You just never know what you might find.

And good teamwork is always important.

Anyway - that was just a bit of fun.

I have done a bit more work on the dugout itself by applying a load of PVA. The aim is to smooth out the surfaces before paint application.

I have been fairly liberal in turns of application. It will be interesting to see how it turns out, once dry. I am doing the surface separately so that they get a chance to dry out when in the horizontal position. This is the first piece of terrain that I have built for a very long time and I am enjoying it.

Blood Bowl Dugout Construction

Hello there sports fans.

I have been looking at some of the online Blood Bowl games thanks to Youtube. It is great to see the variety that can be brought to the games by hosting them in different venues. I got to thinking about what an Orc stadium might be like, or a Skaven one for that matter.

It seems to me that what surrounds the pitch gives the atmosphere. The cheering fans, the cheerleaders and coaches - its all part of it.

The obvious place to start is probably the dugout. I has a rummage around in the garage and shed to see if I had any suitable materials. I 'dug out (excuse the pun) a few tools and before I knew it I was off and running. Measuring and marking, cutting and nailing. I give you my new dugout.

Now the big question is - Orc or Skaven? Either way I think it would be good if it looked like a stone construction of some kind . Emmm. I think I need to do some planning.

If I went the Skaven route - I could maybe do something with a sewer theme, pipes and drains and stuff.

For the Orcs I think lots of spiky bits with slabs of iron plate.

Oh the muse is upon me......the question is where will it take me. He he.