HQ Update & Airwing Shenanigans

A little more WIP stuff from the Man Vincent in charge of the HQ critters of Craftworld Dras'Volharr. Up this week are the venerable Asurmen, two Farseers and an Autarch of the winged variety.

On a side note, I've been in the midst of flyer repairs getting the winged variety magnetised and up in the display case. Not an easy task - especially when you realise bits were missing or not put on at all, meaning much scurrying to find suitable parts to paint becomes an addition to a long list of "fixes". Yep, moving interstate and having so many minis all over the globe does that!

... And to think I have another 3 years left to get it all under control. What have I got myself into eh?

HQ Eldar - First wave on its way home

As most of you know, the Warhost is completely commission painted by a number of artists globally. One lad, Vincent, has held the reigns over all HQ models (with the exception of Warlocks). The good news? He's on the home stretch! In recent times, Vincent has switched from commission painting to his own personal line of miniatures - Limbo Miniatures - As you might imagine, running your own business takes up a fair chunk of time :)

Luckily, Vincent has been gracious enough to finish off the HQ models, being his last comission - for which I am immensely grateful. One look at the quality and how he has given each model its own uniqueness while keeping the theme, and you will see why I'm pretty thrilled he has stuck with me getting these HQ models done over the years. They've all come out absolutely stunning!

See below for a line up of all the models to date Vincent has completed for the Dras'Volharr...

3rd Party Howling Banshees - All fear the voice of Death

I've said it many times that without the assistance of many generous and helpful folks over the years this project wouldn't be enjoying the success to date, and today is no different. A certain very awesome friend from Russia made the day a little brighter by sending over this gem, soon to be Banshee Autarch of the 40 strong unit. Yet another sensational piece with all the trimmings! Love your work Sergey!

WIP Roundup - Autarchs to War Machines

Just a quick update on the WIP front folks. So far i've heard back from Matt, Vincent and Steve... with many pretty photos to get the drooling well on its way.

First up, Matt has been working on the air wing (16 of 20 small aircraft), along with a WIP Wraithknight and Wraithlord - given they're next up on the agenda. Each has its own drilled base, coloured as per the theme table scheme to blend in just nicely.

Secondly, we have Vincent's work on the Russian Jetbikes (one Farseer and three Autarchs), all with nebula themes... purty. Me likey.

And finally, Steve has come back with WIP images of the first two Revenant Titans. These puppies are getting a very scorpion/desertesque treatment... the kind of nightmare that bashes up from under the sand to unleash all kinds of hell... shit will get real.

I'll leave it there for now, lets just say i'm a very happy camper for a Monday. Stay tuned for the finished results ;)

First of the Sky Generals - Alternative Jetbike Autarch WIP

Ah Monday. What would it be if the dog hadn't crapped under the bed, internet stopped working and the commute to work took an extra half hour... probably a good day. Good thing Vincent sent me something to take away the Mondayitis - The latest WIP of an alternative sculpt Jetbike Autarch, in all its "Nebula" glory!

In other news, the first of the Vampire Raiders has arrived, meanwhile Customs has grabbed my other two Vampire Raider/Hunter class flyers, so now I have to explain why the value is only for painting services... else i'm going to be banged a couple hundred bucks for the "pleasure" of getting them back into the country. Argh. Good thing the work is amazing, which lightens the blow a bit.

Stay tuned!

Twin Female Farseers - And an appearance from Uncle Bob the Autarch

What do you get when you take two of the 2006 Farseers and chuck in a good dose of gender equality? Chicks you just don't want to mess with - Given their psychic abilities, they probably know where to find your stash of porn. Hide, now.

Ok, so these aren't official GW sculpts, however they did originate from them. These two have been modified from the original Seer Council box set, given new heads, flowing locks, female bits and a healthy dose of attitude to go with it. Also, there is a nice resculpt of the Striking Scorpion Autarch, refitted for use on a Jetbike - complete with funky canopy and flowing Roman style cape.

Beware, some folks will have you believe these are unreleased GW sculpts, or command rediculously high prices for them on eBay. Most recently someone (I won't mention names) sold these for $150 USD each - In reality they are $6USD each (Autarch $12USD), or were when more readily available. Knowing is half the battle!

Anyhoo, on to the pretty pictures :)

... Scenic bases chosen (and on their way!)...

After mucking about looking for decent "Eldar-ish" scenic bases, i've settled on Scibors offering and purchased enough of the following to cover all HQ models being sent down to Vincent.

I bought one each of the 60mm offerings, however i'm not sure which one would suit the best (regarding the Avatar and Wraithseer). Both have to be mounted on 60mm bases, although I did have some image of the Wraithseer posed with a hand on the spire in the first large base image (with the pointy column). As if peering around the side, searching.

Personally, I think Scibor should do an oval sized base for the Wraithknights... I can really see them looking sensational on that scenery. Let me know what you think!

Tidbits and very rare items

Along the way to creating a pretty hefty display army, i've stumbled across some pretty rare goodies that i've been very fortunate to acquire (aside from the Armorcast vehicles).

First up, the customised dice and pouch (the pouch you can see in the mass boxes image further down the page);

More recently, I was lucky enough to acquire all four of the Juan Diaz test sculpts (all originals). Each of these had 12 copies made, so I was very lucky to obtain all four from the Godfather of rare miniatures in New Zealand. The one in the top left is the special character Iyanna, Spirit Seer of Iyanden, from the 3rd Edition Eldar Codex - they never released a production model of her.

And now for some very special Jetbikes, made by a friend overseas. Let's just say they make the 1994 Games Workshop sculpts pale by comparison. These turned up yesterday in the mail I might add!

Jetbike Farseers

Jetbike Warlocks

Jetbike Autarch (with all the extra trimmings)

And some fancy new Shining Spears

Proof of life (heh)