Sunday, 30 April 2017

"You Are Proof. That Emotions Destroy You."

"Originally evolving on Earth's lost twin planet of Mondas..."
This 28mm scale plastic model of a Cyberman is produced by “Warlord Games” and is one of the twelve Mondasians found within the "Doctor Who: Exterminate!" "fast-paced tabletop miniatures game". Created by Dr. Kit Pedler and story editor Gerry Davis in 1966, these particular sculpts are based upon the "technologically advanced Cybermen" which appeared in the May 2013 BBC Television series story "Nightmare In Silver", and, due to their sprue containing a selection of separate right arms, can be assembled in a variety of poses.

As I plan to use this Cyberman in order to play the game's introductory scenario "A Meeting Of Metal", I decided to turn him into the species' Cyber Leader by building the miniature so it best replicated the illustration of the character's recruitment card. This caused me to pose the model as if the silver giant was in mid-stride, with his integral cyber-gun arm raised, and about to fire. In addition, I assembled three small cyborgs to use as his accompanying Cybermat Swarm; an extra base of diminutive guards which comes free "as the Leader's Retinue special trait."
"...The Cybermen were humanoids who strove to improve their bodies... through radical cybernetic implants."
The figure was primed with "Citadel" Abaddon Black and then treated to a double coat of Ironbreaker. It was then washed with Nuln Oil and dry-brushed with more "Ironbreaker". To make the Cyber Leader stand out on the tabletop that little bit more, I picked out his chest piece with a combination of Nihilakh Oxide and Drakenhof Nightshade.

With my Cyber Leader finished I subsequently painted the first of the miniatures needed for his faction's two Cybermen recruitment cards. These add "four Cybermen per card", so using the aforementioned techniques explained above I quickly had the beginnings of an impressive-looking Cyber Force. As a final step though I super-glued some lead shot beads to the underside of all their bases in order to give the Mondasians the hefty gravitas in the hand I felt the metallic monstrosities deserved.
Captain Nimue WIP - The "Legendary" miniature's  waves have been primed, washed and dry-brushed
Sticking with my "Salute" swag, I was rather pleased to discover upon arriving at the "South London Warlords" show that one of my free promotional models this year was a fantastic-looking diorama of Captain Nimue for "Wild West Exodus". This wonderful sculpt genuinely caught my imagination as I slowly shuffled forward in the increasingly lengthy entry queue, and I was determined to find out more about the "fickle force for change in the Wild West." 

Admittedly, I know next to nothing about either the rule-set or "Exodus" universe, except that I (perhaps foolishly) quit the game's Kickstarter just before it successfully finished, and that more recently the franchise has been acquired by "Wayland Games". But that hasn't deterred me from spending a considerable time piecing together the incredibly complicated multi-part plastic kit, and working on its frothing wave crest.
Blackheart leads the Union against Ballista and his Engineers in a 'friendly' game of Guild Ball
The rest of the miniature appears equally as engaging to paint, with the "formidable adversary" presumably perched atop "the newly dubbed HMS Nautilus", fighting off some huge tentacled mechanical squid with her trusty trident, and proved a doubly welcome 'freebie' when I discovered its new owners (trading as "Warcradle Studios") were literally giving away the "35mm Wild West Sci-Fi Miniatures Game" rulebook at their stall.

 Weighing in with a hefty 300 pages, the vast majority of which is fantastic fluff, this hardback tome is a real treat to the eyes, and provides a tantalising glimpse into the world of Jesse James, General Ulysses S. Grant, Billy the Kid and Chief Sitting Bull. In addition, it came with a voucher allowing me to receive a free copy of the rulebook's second edition once it is released. How horrifically tempting an enticement is that..?
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38 comments:

  1. pulpcitizen30 April 2017 at 02:29

    Very nice work on the Cybermen Simon. :)

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    1. Blaxkleric30 April 2017 at 02:48

      Thanks Leon. I do like my metallic paint-jobs :-)

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  2. Vampifan30 April 2017 at 02:41

    You've really nailed those Cybermen, Simon. Simple but very effective paint jobs.

    With your newly acquired Wild West/Sci-Fi rules does this mean a new project is in the offing? I must admit, this rule set did intrigue me but with so many other projects going on, I thought it wisest to give it a miss. Even so, I would love to read more about it on your blog.

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    1. Blaxkleric30 April 2017 at 03:06

      Cheers Bryan. Some of the sculpting on the Cybermen, especially the faces, is a little softer than I'd like, but they're nice straightforward painting subjects.

      "Wild West Exodus" was certainly not something I intended getting into at all. The fact "Wayland Games" sell some of the individual minis for £16.99 (e.g. Legendary Jesse James) each is mind-blowing; even if they are fantastic little dioramas like Nimue. That considerable price point has always kept the range at arms length.

      However, what a brill marketing strategy of giving away a 300-page hardback rule-book, chock full of fluff, and offering to upgrade it to second edition for free. It’s a superb read and utterly captivated my imagination (Chief Sitting Bull is a werewolf and Frankenstein's Monster carries a seriously large gun!!). Plus I now own one of their minis and am certainly keen to own a few more.

      Another project? Well once May arrives I don’t intend purchasing anything else until “Colours” in September. But I do have an opponent eager to play, and I do rather fancy fielding a motley band of Outlaws, so if I can get Nimue finished I might very well be tempted to paint a few minis up from their Outlaws VS Lawmen Two Player Starter Box ;-)

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  3. Dave Stone30 April 2017 at 03:45

    Great work on the cyber men Simon, great start on the exodus model as well.

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    1. Blaxkleric30 April 2017 at 03:52

      Thanks Dave. I don't ordinarily like such overly-complicated models as "Nimue", but she certainly seems to have caught my imagination...

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  4. Mallius Vane30 April 2017 at 04:11

    The Cybermen look great. Wild West Exodus? Never heard of it. Of course, now I shall have to take a look...

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    1. Blaxkleric30 April 2017 at 04:23

      Cheers Gordon. I fear "Wild West Exodus" could be something of a distraction, so I'm going to take my time painting up Nimue ;-)

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  5. Dick Garrison30 April 2017 at 06:50

    Those Cybermen look superb Simon, and I do like that Wild West Exodus figure too though I cant fathom the connection between the Wild west and a woman on a submarine fighting a robotic octopus?? but hey stranger things happen in games today.

    Cheers Roger.

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    1. Blaxkleric30 April 2017 at 07:21

      Thanks very much Roger. I certainly like the sculpts more than the Dalek one's I'm currently assembling. Its a shame the head and other arm don't come separately though; albeit I suppose I could try cutting them off... maybe not - they are slender.

      I suppose the "Wild West Exodus" connection for Nimue is that as a play on Captain Nemo, who lived during the ACW (as per "The Mysterious Island"), the character arguably fits in with the sci-fi steampunk genre "Wayland Games" are trying to develop? If they produced a plastic submersible, suitable deckhands and a giant mech squid then I'd definitely be interested; and perhaps that's the way they're going?

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  6. Hils30 April 2017 at 07:08

    Nimue, interesting choice in name there. Nimue was one of the ladies of the Lake from Arthuran legend.

    I really like the Cybermen. They are coming together nicely

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    1. Blaxkleric30 April 2017 at 07:24

      I wasn't aware of that Hils, but it fits perfectly imho. I've not been so taken with a universe as much as "Wild West Exodus" is currently doing. I thoroughly recommend the rulebook, even if you're not going to play the game as the rules don't actually start until page 213...

      Just flocking the final four Cybermen and Cybermats up now, so they should be posted next week some time. Onto the Daleks ;-)

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  7. Hils30 April 2017 at 10:34

    Sounds a big like Cowboys and Aliens lol which I loved. Daniel Craig was MADE for that film. The graphic novel isn't too bad either.

    I am looking forward to seeing those Cybermats.

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    1. Blaxkleric30 April 2017 at 11:57

      There are alien greys etc in "Wild West Exodus", and when I saw them at "Salute" I was thinking the same thing, Hils - "Cowboys Vs Aliens".

      I wouldn't get too excited by the cybermats. They are literally just three blobs of silver on a base.

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  8. Stephen Gilbert30 April 2017 at 10:57

    ((oops, sorry about above. Was too full of typos to keep))

    Looks very highly cool Simon, but for me, I`ll stick with my Shadows of Brimstone, which does all I need my weird wild west theme to do: zombies, monsters, cthulhu, alien landscapes, mmmmm lovely.

    Those Doctor Who figs are looking mighty tasty though ^^

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    1. Blaxkleric30 April 2017 at 11:59

      No worries Steve, I've deleted the above to tidy things up. I picked up a couple of boxes of "Shadows Of Brimstone" at "Salute" as they were going cheap; some slugs and a raptor.

      Glad you like the Cybermen, as there's a few more to come.

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  9. MarkG30 April 2017 at 11:51

    I didn't realise Wayland Game shad taken over Wild West Exodus. My knowledge mainly comes from following James Wappell when he was painting them. But problem with that is he makes you want to throw your painting brush away. I did think some of the figures might be quite good for a game based on time travelling cowboys rounding up dinosaurs :-). Probably another project which will not happen. But just taken a look at the Epic Wyatt Earp and I like it. Also just took a look at your Zombicide Aliens game very good read. cheers Mark

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    1. Blaxkleric30 April 2017 at 12:05

      I don't think "Wayland Games" purchase of "Wild West Exodus" was too long ago, Mark, and from what I can tell from the community, it was a good thing as the game was dying? They've certainly done a good job of attracting my attention (and usually they also means money)...

      James Wappel is a top painter, and I used to get very depressed myself when I'd look and see how well some people can minis look; I call it 'Eavy Metal Syndrome. Fortunately, I realised a while ago then tabletop quality is good enough, especially if you want to game with the minis and not just look at them :-)

      Glad you liked the "Blake's Seven" verses "Aliens" BatReps. Now I've got Avon, Servalan and Orac painted I really need to game/post the third adventure :-)

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    2. Stephen Gilbert30 April 2017 at 15:52

      you simply can`t have enough Blake Seven batreps. I think you`ll see a few of those happening soon over at the cupboard fairly soon as well.

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    3. Blaxkleric30 April 2017 at 16:33

      "you simply can`t have enough Blake Seven batreps" - They certainly do seem to have been quite popular, Steve; although the "Star Wars"/"Doctor Who" mash-ups seem to generate the most hits etc.

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  10. Carrion Crow30 April 2017 at 13:11

    Good stuff, Simon. The Cybermen look really good and I like how you've made the chest-piece stand out, as it really looks like it's glowing.

    I too was quite impressed with the free Nimue figure, not yet assembled mine, but will definitely be using her for something. I did try and get to the Wild West Exodus stall, but every time I went past, it was rammed.

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    1. Blaxkleric30 April 2017 at 13:18

      Thanks Jez. I did contemplate doing all the Cybermen's chest pieces. But then saw that some of most recent versions had them covered over with a silver iris, hence just the Cyber Leader having his done to make him look extra cool ;-)

      Nimue is a great mini imho, and its a shame you didn't reach the stall as the book is great. Although I didn't visit it until near the end of the show, so things had slackened off by then.

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    2. Stephen Gilbert30 April 2017 at 15:54

      That's Nimue figure is the ne I keep trying to zoom in on when I look at photos. I WANT that mini sooooo bad. And you all got her FREE?

      WOW

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    3. Blaxkleric30 April 2017 at 16:36

      There's a few 360 degree viewings of Nimue on YouTube, Steve, and I've already seen her up for sale on Ebay; selling for around £5 - that's ordinarily a fair bit for a mini, but she is on a large base on account of being a vignette, so probably vfm in my books.

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    4. Da Gobbo1 May 2017 at 03:39

      Steve - I'll send you one mate. Email me your address

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    5. Stephen Gilbert1 May 2017 at 04:26

      OMGgg you have a SPARE ONE. That's unreal mate. THANK youuuuuuuu.

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    6. Hils1 May 2017 at 04:56

      **he doesn't know does he.. he thinks HE`S getting this, but I`m usually the one opens the door for to the postman.**

      "Nimue, what Nimue Stevie?"

      **smiles sweetly*

      "No love, no Nimue arrived here, sorry."

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    7. Da Gobbo1 May 2017 at 05:39

      It'll be in the post tomorrow guys, where it ends up is up to you.......bwahahaha **grins evilly**

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    8. Hils1 May 2017 at 06:05

      You`re a true champion. Himself is in the bath and tell me to tell you WOOOOHOOOOOO!!!!!!! I think you can see how happy he is at that.

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    9. Blaxkleric1 May 2017 at 07:50

      Terrific stuff Andy. I'm sure you've made both Hils and Steve's day!!

      As a complete aside "Shoshies Minis" has done a Twitch show painting her. Link is here: https://www.twitch.tv/shoshiesminis

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    10. Stephen Gilbert1 May 2017 at 11:24

      Oh GOD yes yessss. This is a real and a rare treat.

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  11. Da Gobbo1 May 2017 at 03:35

    I've got a few of these freebie minis now, seeing it put together though is great as I think us Nerd Herders may be doing a painting comp with this one.

    The cybermen look triff Simon!

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    1. Blaxkleric1 May 2017 at 08:01

      Thanks Andy. The rest of the Cyber Forces for the opening scenario are now finished, so I'm hoping to get them posted soon. The Daleks are well on their way too, including Dalek Sec... ;-)

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  12. Zabadak1 May 2017 at 11:49

    Love the cybermen, and if they have had an update I hadn't noticed (of course)
    Can't say I'm a fan of the "Wild West Exodus" agem, though it'll no doubt be very popular amongst the fantasy fans - even so I can a[[rciate a really good figure when I see you - it odes look s great btw.

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    1. Blaxkleric1 May 2017 at 13:40

      Cheers Joe. Much appreciated :-) Perhaps I can tempt you with a bit of "Wild West Exodus" once Nimue is finished? Some of the minis in the range are rather nice imho.

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    2. Zabadak2 May 2017 at 05:20

      Thanks Blaxx, but I doubt you can sway me from my interest in the real west - a genre I've been 'into' for over forty years.

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  13. Dai2 May 2017 at 13:32

    Cybermen being my fav of all the Who baddies, I really like your work here. Looking forward to the group shot.

    Nimue looks like a really interesting and dynamic sculpt! So far I'm very impressed with those waves.

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    1. Blaxkleric2 May 2017 at 14:29

      Thanks Dai. The rest of the Cybermen and Cybermats are finished, and just having the glue dry on their ballast. Hopefully I'll have time to crack on with Nimue over the weekend.

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