Had some more fun Dropzone Commander games last weekend. I am really loving this game! Here are some pictures from the two games.
(That last picture – photo credit Brian @ http://magnetizedtolead.blogspot.com/ )
Also this week I had my two DZC rulebooks bound together at FedEx with a nice spiral binding, to make gameplay easier:
(Credit must be given to Racephysics on the Hawk Forums for this idea! I just outright copied him.)
Here’s a quick guide on how to get your Dystopian Wars ships (or other resin wargaming models) out of their boxes and blisters, assembled, painted, and ready to sink-and-be-sunk on the tabletops in your immediate vicinity!
STEP 0: Remove from packaging.
A sharpened edge might be required.
STEP 1: Remove flash and mold lines.
I prefer to use an eXacto knife and a pair of hobby clippers for this stage, removing any excess resin or metal from the cast components. Be sure not to inhale any of the detritus you create.
STEP 2: Wash the models.
This step is very important for removing the lubricant used to extricate the models from the mold. I use warm (NOT hot) water and Dawn dish soap. I let them sit for a moment before scrubbing them with my fingers and rinsing in lukewarm water. It is important that the water not be too hot or it could deform the resin models.
STEP 3: Let dry.
Be patient!
STEP 4: Construction.
Using super glue, put any multi-part models together. It is up to you if you would rather paint some part of the models (sub-assemblies) before the final gluing, but I personally like to glue everything together – even turrets, forever adhered one position – at this stage. Note: following this step is a good time to set up your new models for thematic photos.
STEP 5: Undercoat.
In weather that is not too cold and not too hot, and especially not too humid, spray paint your models outside. I use a matte black spray primer.
STEP 6: Get to painting.
The fun and/or most tedious step. Paint those suckers!
STEP 7: Seal ’em up.
These days, I am quick to seal my models with a matte finish. I don’t want to doubt myself too long about whether the models are actually finished being painted or not! Better to move on to the next project. As with other sprays, avoid humidity when spraying. Also, don’t forget to take pictures.
STEP 8: Play.
Get your new models on the table!
My brother just recently published a great YA fantasy novel on Amazon:
Check it out!
Summer is historically a time when I get a lot of hobby work done. I finally gave in late last night and assembled (as in, got-out, not put-together) nearly everything I have primed and ready to be painted. My plan: slap some paint on everything, then finish them. Should be easy! Here are some pictures of the assembled masses….
First up – the Dystopian Wars section. I have a set of Uncharted Seas walls/towers which I think can be used for a variety of purposes and games systems. Besides the walls we have Canadian ground forces, a few Russian Coalition frigates (love ’em!), and the majority of my Independent Mercenary Company. Some of the small tanks have some basic colors on them already from a long time ago.
The next section is more varied. We’ve got Firestorm: Armada. We’ve got Warhammer Fantasy. We’ve got…. Warzone Resurrection? …Afterlife? Thank you Kickstarter for these one-offs!
Everything together. It is both imposing and not too bad. Spartan stuff always paints up fast…
These Knights of the Realm have been waiting to be painted for a long time. Behind them: mounted yeomen and a mounted prophetess.
Close up of the Dominion of Canada forces.
Close up of the Independent Mercenary Company units.
-=-
So, all told, this is what I’ve got on my painting station:
DYSTOPIAN WARS
+ 4 stone Towers with cannon
+ 4 stone Walls with cannon
Dominion of Canada:
+ 6 Wolfe class Medium Tanks
+ 6 Archer class Flak Tanks
+ 21 Terrier class Small Tank bases (whew)
Mercenary Company:
+ 6 pocket cruisers
+ 3 super destroyers
+ 2 assault escorts
Russian Coalition:
+ 6 Novogorod class Frigates (yeah, baby!)
FIRESTORM: ARMADA
+ 1 Sentinel class Terran Cruiser
+ 1 Sorylian System Defense Monitor (custom build – counts-as Skyhammer)
+ 1 Spur class Battlecruiser (Terran Senator checking on the frontline?)
+ 4 Kopis class Sorylian Heavy Cruisers
WARHAMMER FANTASY
+ 4 Bretonnian Knights of the Realm
+ 4 Bretonnian Mounted Yeoman
+ 1 Bretonnian Mounted Prophetess
+ 3 Bretonnian Men-at-Arms
ONE-OFFS
+ Warzone: Resurrection Imperial Doomtrooper
+ Afterlife Unity Council Trooper (this one’s for you, Juan!)
-=-
Now that I write it all out, it does seem like an awful lot to paint…
A gift for a friend.
Just having some fun with free building last night. Check out Mobile Frame Zero in the blogroll.
A few months ago I had a great interview with Jonathan over at Wargaming Recon, and just yesterday the podcast was released. Check it out here:
We cover a lot of topics, but there’s plenty about the survey in there. Enjoy!
The final part of the results of my academic study of tabletop wargamers was posted today on Bell Of Lost Souls. Here is the link:
http://www.belloflostsouls.net/2013/07/academic-study-of-tabletop-wargamers_14.html
This part deals with the policy and political preferences of tabletop wargamers, including Social Dominance Orientation.
Part III of the survey results went up on BOLS today. This section focuses on wargames played and armies collected.
Here’s a link:
http://www.belloflostsouls.net/2013/07/academic-study-of-tabletop-wargamers.html
And check out this write-up:
http://www.geekinsider.com/2013/07/03/wargamers-in-the-mists-probably-not-of-pandaria/
Today BOLS posted part II of my survey’s results. Here is the link:
http://www.belloflostsouls.net/2013/06/academic-study-of-tabletop-wargamers_26.html
Andy G. and Ian C. 