The Unspeaking - Bearers of the Word - Plog

[m_r_parker]

Ok - this plog is one that I'm going to try and keep to, honest

Why Word Bearers?

I've found that my mind wanders. Sometimes I like to do Power Armour, then I've taken a shine to the Mechanicum, and there's always something else that catches my eyes. I jump from project to project. Word Bearers have always been on my to-do list, but it hit me that a Word Bearers force is perhaps the most varied in 30k. You can do Loyalist (perhaps, maybe a grey area there) or Traitor, ally in some Mechaincum (and Dark Mechanicum later), bring along some Auxilia or Warp Cults, and even some Daemons if you're feeling inclined. This should enable me to go to different ends of the hobby spectrum without leaving the confines of this force (which for me is a big plus point, if I can do something totally different but have it still fit in the overall theme).

Plus theres something about the models that the Word Bearers have. The Gal Vorbak are stunning, and I've always had a fondness for the Ashen Circle and the uniqueness of their armour type. Plus the colour scheme isn't too hard to do en-masse.

Anyway - you probably want to see some of the goods...

Models:

Whilst the weather isn't great for priming outside, I've decided to get a crack on and get models ready for when there's a dry-spell. First off are some dreads. I still have the two plastic Contemptors from BaC to get built, and I've just received another Leviathan with two Flux Cannons, but these just require some basing and some embellishment:

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t272/m_r_parker/Plogs/Word%20Bearers/153AD72B-3949-45ED-BAA2-EA951B56077C_zpslfzgjnqa.jpg

The Leviathan is a lovely kit to put together, with the exception of the cables at the back of the Siege Drill / Claws (I nearly went insane trying to bend it into the right position, and broke one - it's a good job each arm gives you left and right cables). It's only when you place it next to other Contemptors that you realise just how big this brute is. It's an 80mm base, and it doesn't look out of place on it.

It's roughly the same height as a Deredeo with a launcher on top, it's that big:

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t272/m_r_parker/Plogs/Word%20Bearers/A264DC9C-26F9-4357-B731-48AA26C23A31_zpsqxahqjbg.jpg

Also the Mhara Gal is a towering piece too, so much taller than it's regular counterpart. It's a shame there's not a lot of pose-ability in the model, but with that much cabling and muscle around the joints it was never going to be easy to do.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t272/m_r_parker/Plogs/Word%20Bearers/AC2854CE-4489-485F-9262-3A87DC0FC69A_zpsjibg7h0n.jpg

Along side the Dreads there's a few larger stompy models from the Mechanicum (going to be painted up in the same colour scheme that Mark Bedford has done his Atrapos in, now that I've got the recipe I can go and the paints). Some smaller ones are waiting to be built, but along the near completed are the following:

A Mechanicum Knight Styrix - needing to decide whether to keep the arms / pads seperate before painting, and basing needs to be completed.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t272/m_r_parker/Plogs/Word%20Bearers/60F5B00F-40D5-4B64-B322-7B2E1900B36B_zpsc31qhtwm.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t272/m_r_parker/Plogs/Word%20Bearers/2ABE1138-551E-420A-9AE6-C4579E79CFC9_zpsjl9czh0v.jpg

The centerpiece of the Mechanicum element so far, the Atrapos.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t272/m_r_parker/Plogs/Word%20Bearers/81E5B1DE-5E61-43EC-85B1-0CF9AF804309_zpskoyrt8ql.jpg

With my own spin on using some pre-existing scenic basing to better use...

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t272/m_r_parker/Plogs/Word%20Bearers/3CF1C0C6-B915-4C05-8341-642F3510FF29_zps45ragccg.jpg

I have a whole list of do's and don'ts for the Atrapos (and probably most Cerastus knights) based on this, and wish I knew from the start.

Foot troops from the Legion will primarily come from the two BaC sets, split into 2x 20 Tacticals, 5x Volkite Culverins, 5x Autocannon, 10x Volkites. First batch are preparred, with some sprinklings of the various upgrade packs from ForgeWorld:

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t272/m_r_parker/Plogs/Word%20Bearers/AF458030-28B1-40E8-AAC3-E7532C33CA96_zps4643rg2m.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t272/m_r_parker/Plogs/Word%20Bearers/A6F43700-BF45-48DF-9C0E-AFF04CC7670A_zpsqn8r31va.jpg

Also on the go are some Ashen Circle - I have a few more to get built, but here are the first 5:

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t272/m_r_parker/Plogs/Word%20Bearers/42409D4D-AAC5-4382-A314-DD20DDC7E1E0_zpsmmypetf9.jpg

And one of the main reasons why I wanted to go with the Word Bearers, some lovely Gal Vorbak. The final one needs to be put on his base and the rest embellished:

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t272/m_r_parker/Plogs/Word%20Bearers/6310A11D-947F-478E-888E-5AB92F8BECCB_zpsput4xini.jpg

--- EDIT --- Fixed broken links to pictures...

[Atia]

Awesome ^.^

 

Metallic red or flat red?^^

[Brother Heinrich]

Awesome!

 

*fingers crossed for metallic red*

[Pearson73]

Looking forward to this, quite a force you've got built up there.

[m_r_parker]

I'm still not sure on the Word Bearer paint scheme yet. The metallic red looks nice in principle, but could be a bit on the fiddly side to get done (if we're talking about different washes / clear paints). I'm tempted to base using the Gal Vorbak deep red from the FW paint range and then wash it with a Crimson wash to keep it deep and matte. I can then pick out highlights to contrast from the deep red. 

 

I think my plans for tonight are to crack open one of the Etched Brass packs and get some iconography onto the Deredeo and Leviathan, and finish off the basing too (I really want to start painting these guys more than anything else), I might get around to washing the second Leviathan and prepping that for build. Plus I have 9 Thallax which need to get assembled.

[Arac]

This is something that might interest me. Looking good so far.

[Daemon2027]

Wow a nice collection of resin and plastic. Can't wait to see some paint on them.

[Dantioch]

Looking good man, love every single Word Bearer model FW have put out. Looking forward to seeing them painted up!

[Urauloth]

Hell yeah.

 

It's good to see the AS posed so that they're standing on things rather than hopping awkwardly. It's something I've been keeping an eye out for, and this has cemented my decision to get some Ashen Circle myself, so your log is having an inspirational effect already.

 

Your BaC tacticals are looking great, very nice distribution of the upgrade kit. (It's nice, isn't it? ;))
Looking forward to seeing some of these things painted, whichever scheme you decide to go with.

 

 

 

You can do Loyalist (perhaps, maybe a grey area there)

 

I see what you did.

[Paradigm]

The answer to metallic red is iridescent medium. It is how I will be doing my 40k exorcists, along with interference paint for the the more ethereal looking bits.

 

If you mix in just a little and experiment, you'll find it really gives it a metallic sheen. Overboard though, it looks like a glitter paint.

[m_r_parker]

Ok - time for a bit of an update. I've been thinking about pimping the Leviathan a bit, and I've always been fond of studded armour, so I've been trying to recreate that.

What do you guys think?

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t272/m_r_parker/Plogs/Word%20Bearers/30F6B9D2-A45F-44FB-80FE-F00CCA91A54B_zps2jympp1s.jpg

 

--- EDIT --- Fixed broken picture link

[Retributis]

I think they're a bit big ?. Maybe if they were "embedded" more - On most studded armours there is only a semi-circle on the surface I think.

[m_r_parker]

Yeah, I'll try to get some better pictures. They are somewhat embedded, but I think the size of the balls are a bit bigger than advertised. I've used a 3mm drill bit to create a crater for them and they're also meant to be 3mm - but they only recess about 33% of the way. I might see if I can find some smaller ones, but it can be a bit difficult to find buts out and about.

Speaking of finding bits out and about I have managed to track down some fine chain after a fair bit of hunting, so I can make some trophy chains.

[Kriegriss]

if it is the same drill diameter as the ball diameter then u just need to drill deeper smaller balls will leave receases around the the edge of the drill hole.  take care as well if you are useing a typical HSS twist drill (for wood or metal) it will drill oversized sooo steady as she goes mate. and i think the size of the balls is good

[Daemon2027]

I kind of like the studs despite the size. Only thing I would say is perhaps it would have been better to have less of them.

[m_r_parker]

http://www.fortressoftheunforgiven.com/L_T_Poster_01_Start.jpg

 

 

I, Mike Parker, pledge the following for the Word Bearers Legion:

 

+++ HQ +++

• Zardu Layak and 2 Blade Slaves
• 
  

 

+++ Troops +++

• 20 man Legion Tactical Squad, Sergeant with Power Fist and Plasma Pistol
• 
  
• 20 man Legion Tactical Squad, Sergeant with Lightning Claw and Bolt Pistol
• 
  
• 10 man Legion Tactical Support Squad with Volkites, Sergeant with Power Fist and Volkite
• 
  
• 10 man Ashen Circle Squad
• 
  
• 10 man Ashen Circle Squad
• 
  

+++ Heavy Support +++

• ​10 man Legion Heavy Support Squad with Missile Launchers, Sergeant with Nuncio Vox, Power Fist and Combi-Plasma.
• 
  

 

Most models are built, based, primed and base-coated, some are still in the process of being built. I have lots of others also in the process of being built, but don't want to pledge too much at the moment.

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

 

So here are the starting pictures for the units I've pledged for L&T2 - most of them are at the base coat stage, with a couple at the building stage. None of the units have made it past their Leadbelcher spray, and I still have to finalise the paint scheme.

 

Ashen Circle:

 

I have 15 built, based and base coated, with another 5 finishing off their preparations. Rather than go with the grey scheme that ForgeWorld have put on them, I'm seriously tempted to give them the same red as the rest of the models.

 

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t272/m_r_parker/Plogs/Word%20Bearers/IMG_2064_zpsf9g92k7w.jpg

 

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t272/m_r_parker/Plogs/Word%20Bearers/IMG_2065_zpspa3u9a7s.jpg

 

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t272/m_r_parker/Plogs/Word%20Bearers/IMG_2066_zpsw8spm9r1.jpg

 

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t272/m_r_parker/Plogs/Word%20Bearers/IMG_2067_zpspjx28ngb.jpg

 

 

Heavy Support Squad with Missile Launchers:

 

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t272/m_r_parker/Plogs/Word%20Bearers/IMG_2068_zpsuzs8cfej.jpg

 

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t272/m_r_parker/Plogs/Word%20Bearers/IMG_2069_zps4oxpldnz.jpg

 

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t272/m_r_parker/Plogs/Word%20Bearers/IMG_2070_zpsz6xuzn7w.jpg

 

 

Tactical Support Squad with Volkites:

 

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t272/m_r_parker/Plogs/Word%20Bearers/IMG_2071_zpsiltw8d5x.jpg

 

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t272/m_r_parker/Plogs/Word%20Bearers/IMG_2072_zps6moisqve.jpg

 

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t272/m_r_parker/Plogs/Word%20Bearers/IMG_2073_zpstgyhzflo.jpg

 

 

Tactical Squad 1:

 

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t272/m_r_parker/Plogs/Word%20Bearers/IMG_2074_zpsn9bqbgbb.jpg

 

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t272/m_r_parker/Plogs/Word%20Bearers/IMG_2075_zpsut8jbtt4.jpg

 

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t272/m_r_parker/Plogs/Word%20Bearers/IMG_2076_zpsck1wmzcr.jpg

 

 

Tactical Squad 2:

 

I may have to re-spray these guys as they've come out matte rather than metallic - the weather was getting wet and I think that played a factor.

 

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t272/m_r_parker/Plogs/Word%20Bearers/IMG_2077_zpsltzc3lpb.jpg

 

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t272/m_r_parker/Plogs/Word%20Bearers/IMG_2078_zps06x2r6fi.jpg

 

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t272/m_r_parker/Plogs/Word%20Bearers/IMG_2079_zps679t7skd.jpg

 

 

+++ PAINT SCHEME +++

 

I was previously thinking about using the ForgeWorld airbrush colours to do a traditional Word Bearer scheme, however I had a chat to some of the guys at my local GW store, and have convinced me it might be easier to go down the metallic route. I've got some older Battle of Macragge minis from a while ago to give it some testing, but the basics of the scheme are around the following:

• Leadbelcher spray
• 
  
• Ironbreaker drybrush
• 
  
• Runefang Steel highlight
• 
  
• Bloodletter glaze (multiple coats to make it solid)
• 
  
• Carroburg Crimson shade (and maybe some Druchi Violet)
• 
  

 

No doubt I'll post some of the schemes here to get some feedback, but I'm looking for a metallic red with a slight purple hue - so as not to get too confused with the other Red marines in the Heresy era (Blood Angels, Thousand Sons)

 

 

+++ FUTURE PROJECTS +++

 

There's still quite a bit that I've been working on, and may make it into this event if I have enough time. I have plenty of Dreads, so hopefully the Forge Lord badge is also a potential here. I have a lot of Terminators that are about ready to be sprayed, and I have a couple of ideas for a Terminator Command Squad that I'm really excited about if I can get them right. There are some more Heavy Weapons teams (Autocannons and Volkites) and Veteran squads that are nearly completed. I also need to work on some transports to get these squads around the board, and some more HQ choices to lead them.

 

i'm hoping that my next post will be with some test models to show the colour scheme, and then I can crack on with getting these models painted.

[Atia]

That sounds great!

For the metallic red, you could use my recipe and try blood for the bloodgod (thinned) instead of bloodletter - should give you the slightly purple hint you want to achieve

Edit:

Oh, and I am also playing with the idea of red Ashen Circle - would probably fit well with the other units of your army, and the models have sooooo much awesome details, it's hard to paint them destroyer-dirty >.<

[m_r_parker]

Time for an update - and I think I'm nearly at a colour scheme that I like.

 

I've tried going through a Carionburg Crimson / Bloodletter combo over a leadbelcher base, but it was not as good as I was hoping for. Now I've started to look at Tamiya's Clear Red over a metal base, and it gives the right consistency and colour depth that I'm looking for. However, it's quite a glossy finish on it, and frankly it's a little Thousand Sons-ish in hue. I'll try to darken the tone with a wash but could do with some advice from the community - To get rid of the glossy finish should I be using something like Hardcoat / Purity Seal, and should I be doing this before I progress with shading or after?

 

Here are some pics, but by the time I could get them the light was beginning to fade, I'll try and get some better ones tomorrow.

 

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t272/m_r_parker/Plogs/Word%20Bearers/IMG_2085_zps1w4lpwmt.jpg

 

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t272/m_r_parker/Plogs/Word%20Bearers/IMG_2086_zps7r405x2q.jpg

[Andvarr A]

Nice...shiney, but nice.

 

Shading is better done before sealing in my experience, but its personal pref

[betrayer41]

Time for an update - and I think I'm nearly at a colour scheme that I like.

 

I've tried going through a Carionburg Crimson / Bloodletter combo over a leadbelcher base, but it was not as good as I was hoping for. Now I've started to look at Tamiya's Clear Red over a metal base, and it gives the right consistency and colour depth that I'm looking for. However, it's quite a glossy finish on it, and frankly it's a little Thousand Sons-ish in hue. I'll try to darken the tone with a wash but could do with some advice from the community - To get rid of the glossy finish should I be using something like Hardcoat / Purity Seal, and should I be doing this before I progress with shading or after?

 

Here are some pics, but by the time I could get them the light was beginning to fade, I'll try and get some better ones tomorrow.

 

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t272/m_r_parker/Plogs/Word%20Bearers/IMG_2085_zps1w4lpwmt.jpg

 

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t272/m_r_parker/Plogs/Word%20Bearers/IMG_2086_zps7r405x2q.jpg

On my AL i use Vallejo black wash and it mutes the sheen quite a bit

[Col.hertford]

Shade first as the ink will be drawn into recesses via capillary action, then battle damage, then dullcote.

 

That's my tupence.

[m_r_parker]

 

 

On my AL i use Vallejo black wash and it mutes the sheen quite a bit

 

 

That's a super recommendation - Thank you! (nice AL by the way, great colour you've got going on there!)

I'd tried Nuln Oil and Miracle Wash (50:50 Nuln and Sepia) and they'd left a weird finish. The Vallejo has a decent finish that deepens the colour and takes some of the glossy shine off the finish, without removing the metallic hue. A quick comparison shot - the model on the left has been washed with the Vallejo, and the model on the right is a model before being washed:

 

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t272/m_r_parker/Plogs/Word%20Bearers/796CCA7B-970C-4F5F-8B9A-546971615DC4_zps1khwv0as.jpg

 

Really loving the deeper red that it gives, breaks it away from looking a bit too Thousand Son / Blood Angel.

 

Got my work cut out for me over the next week or so as I have an extra 50 or so models at the base coat stage.

 

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t272/m_r_parker/Plogs/Word%20Bearers/5A4B86D3-498D-4373-AE10-8DEDB339BA91_zpsbpb5hmbe.jpg

[helterskelter]

So much shiny redness. Nice base colour, I think you're brave to do so much at once. A braver man than I!

[betrayer41]

 

 

 

That looks soooo much better! A nice deep red and takes away just enough sheen great work!

 

 

On my AL i use Vallejo black wash and it mutes the sheen quite a bit

 

That's a super recommendation - Thank you! (nice AL by the way, great colour you've got going on there!)

I'd tried Nuln Oil and Miracle Wash (50:50 Nuln and Sepia) and they'd left a weird finish. The Vallejo has a decent finish that deepens the colour and takes some of the glossy shine off the finish, without removing the metallic hue. A quick comparison shot - the model on the left has been washed with the Vallejo, and the model on the right is a model before being washed:

 

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t272/m_r_parker/Plogs/Word%20Bearers/796CCA7B-970C-4F5F-8B9A-546971615DC4_zps1khwv0as.jpg

 

Really loving the deeper red that it gives, breaks it away from looking a bit too Thousand Son / Blood Angel.

 

Got my work cut out for me over the next week or so as I have an extra 50 or so models at the base coat stage.

 

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t272/m_r_parker/Plogs/Word%20Bearers/5A4B86D3-498D-4373-AE10-8DEDB339BA91_zpsbpb5hmbe.jpg

[m_r_parker]

Right time for an update. I was hoping to get one squad completed today (10 man volkite), but it may just be too much to complete in the next couple of hours. 

Airbrushes are fantastic, but I've given myself a false sense of accomplishment by spraying lots of models to a base coat level. I forgot just how long it would take to get all of the detail into the model - so I'm going to try and do them as simply as possible and get a good gaming base out of them.

 

Anyway, time for some photos. Still some way to go, but they're nearing completion.

 

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t272/m_r_parker/Plogs/Word%20Bearers/B1E8038E-ED1C-4D56-8B84-F1370950B71D_zps3rzvqt53.jpg

 

Really loving the volkite models, there's a great amount of detail on them but I'm going to keep them simple. Thinking about a blue wash over the top for the energy, and then a purple wash over the tip of the muzzle. Still need to get the Legion Symbol more developed.

 

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t272/m_r_parker/Plogs/Word%20Bearers/92735619-EC48-4F40-9E6B-2D5E5DEEF3D4_zpsswuiviho.jpg

 

The bodies still have a lot to do, but I'm trying to keep it minimal. Besides the pistols, grenades and packs, I'm trying to keep the detail to the torso harness, combat blade, backpack and some green lenses. I might also put some metallic scrapes for highlights and battle damage.

 

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t272/m_r_parker/Plogs/Word%20Bearers/51065F30-2759-4E90-A204-EB9B816EFA4D_zpsmayezrfq.jpg

 

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t272/m_r_parker/Plogs/Word%20Bearers/EFE2C970-2A61-4795-B201-5960345D8758_zps30bvav3u.jpg

 

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t272/m_r_parker/Plogs/Word%20Bearers/9F9D7F9D-AD5A-4913-9239-E5B951944064_zpsy3hxzebx.jpg