Litko Bases Ordered

I need bases for the infantry and the walkers.  Put in an order for clear acrylic bases, both 25mm and 40mm.  Lots of extras so I can use them as tokens later as well. 

Models Acquired:

I have more models than I can use now, I need to start painting.  Still unsure what colors each faction should be.  I'd like the Rus to have a warmish dark brown steel colors while I think the SoH units should be a little more modern with a coolish gray such as the ACU-pat camoflauge.

SED 7

Reporting in to say that the minis from Stratos came in two days ago.  I haven't even had time to open the box, but I'm pretty excited to see if they quality can live up to my expectations.

SED 6

Just checking in to say I got a box from Brigade Miniatures 2 days ago.

Assembly: Iliada Game Studios VTOL

Main page for the Iliada Game Studios (IGS) VTOL.


I recently acquired from Ali 3 copies of the IGS VTOL, since there was no instructions for assembling them I though I'd document it here (I am in no way affiliated with Ali or IGS).

Upon first glance I see that the three panels to the left are thicker, probably the main body and VTOL wings.  Additionally I notice that the numbers on the side of the VTOL are different (1-2-3).  I suppose some individual request to make these spaces into different numbers or even a logo could be accommodated.  Clipping out each piece happened with my hands and a fingernail clipper.  I will note that the most sensitive areas are the VTOL rotors and the rear slot of the VTOL body component.  Very thin, easy to bend.

I begin by putting the three body components together, one by one, with superglue.  Since it sets fast, I use the table to steady the placement and slide each piece together.

I then attach the side body panels.  Note the slot for the lower wings is bigger than the wing itself.  The placement for the VTOL upper wing pylons is only marked on the side (the rectangle just right of the "01").

I place the lower wings as far forward in the slot as they allow to make them symmetrical.  The VTOL wings I just have to eyeball.  It was somewhat confusing as in the picture it is not clear...do the wings, which are at an angle, mount "up" or "down".  I settle on up and I believe this is the correct orientation as later the wing levels off and mounts the rotor nicely.

Before gluing, I test place the top piece and find that since it is not flat on top anymore the model component will need to be bent.  I pre-bend the front wings on each side in order for the main body to settle down on it.

Placing glue on the main body, struts and forward cockpit area, I have to bend the front cockpit visor down to wrap forward on the body.  When placing this piece I found the best way is to align the center of the rotors to the end of each strut.

I then place the cosmetic components for the front and back of the VTOL struts.

Again using the rotor centers as guides, I place the second top piece and place inside the slot the top fin.

At this point I flip over the craft and attach the missiles underneath as well as the front guns piece.

And there we have it, with some Bogatyr MBT for scale, this model is actually little larger than expected (72mm from wingtip to wingtip says my Calipers).  Some more shots.

Have a good one and don't forget to put the caps back on the glue!

SED 5

While it certainly hasn't been something every day I've been reporting, many thing have certainly happened!

On one hand I've stopped 3d modeling.  The output for the effort is taking me from what I really want to do: Start getting games in.  When I originally started the project in, what...January...I though I could crank out about 1 per week.  The reality of the situation is I get one done in about 3 months.  I could actually crank out one per day, but the demands of my life, wife, child and job have been taking (justifiable) precedent.  Furthermore, there are a lot of really great miniatures already out there I can re-purpose to my designs.

There are still some factions I want to do some units for, such as "Space Angels" and various robots, as well as the often alluded-to Robot Bear Cavalry, but my time has been taken up on working up what I have now.  With that I present to you my current ambition: Assembling the items from Ali at Iliada Game Studio.

Taking just shy of 20 days to arrive, in the wee hours of the evening I've been putting it all together.  One bottle of superglue down and so far so good.  I'd like to do some reviews on each piece, for no other reason than to hone my videography skills.  More on that later potentially.

Additionally, the Bogatyr MBT for the Rus faction has arrived and they look great!  A word of warning, though.  At this small always....ALWAYS order the fine detail plastic, not the Versatile white stuff.  They feel like sandstone and can actually rub off the details like it's  block of chalk!

I didn't order this building but it says Iliada Game Studios on the roof, so I'm assuming it's a promotion piece.  I certainly like the products so far, so I'm sure I'll have to use it in my features when I make them.

Kai Raiders, (Bogatyr for scale).

Bucket of buildings I've created so far.  My wife is a bit dismayed on "how much room this clutter is taking" which so far amounts to a mostly-empty shoebox, but she does like the buildings since they remind her of home.

That's all for now!

SED 4

Something Every Day certainly hasn't been "every day" as I intended.  Still important to keep going on though.  I bought some fluffy flock stuff to use for the infantry stands.  I hoped the Bogatyr tanks would come in on Saturday as UPS suggested, but they didn't.  I see where they are when I get home tonight. 

Later today I'm going to purchase some models from Brigade and Khurasan and see if any of the Microworld tickles my fancy.