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Modeling => Projects Blog => Topic started by: Orange on September 22, 2017, 03:45:14 AM

Title: Orange you glad I didn't say Iyanden
Post by: Orange on September 22, 2017, 03:45:14 AM
Hi all, and thanks for having me here.

I've been playing 40k for a long time now, and I've known this is the place for Eldar, so thought it the best place to do my blog :)

I've been playing Daemons and Marines since about 5th ed, and have dabbled with other armies now and then but haven't stuck to it. Having played a few  games of 8th, I really didn't like how either played any more, and was sick of painting each of them, so I thought it was time for a new project.

I went through just about every army there is, trying to find a mix of models I liked, models that were fairly effective on the battlefield and models that were fairly diverse in terms of how they actually look, and what role they performed.

I want an army that has resilience, speed, combat ability, psychic ability and shooting ability, and that isn't all the same colour scheme. So Eldar fit perfectly!

The previous time I started Eldar, but didn't get very far, I had a very wraith-heavy army (literally--they were the old metals) but never got in to the colour scheme, which was similar to Biel-Tan. After watching Duncan paint a wraithguard using the white spray-yellow wash technique, I bought a box of wraithguard to see if it worked, and whether it's as easy as it looks. I've always liked the scheme and background of Iyanden, so I thought it was worth a crack.

Turns out it's fairly easy. It's not as easy as just slapping it on, but it's a lot easier than any method I've used to paint yellow before, and more importantly it produces a tone of yellow that I really like. It's a far paler yellow than the really bright one that used to be common.

The hardest bit is keeping it neat. Painting the blue and black on afterward is fraught with danger, as every little mistake is annoying to tidy up. But being careful, and painting the harder to get to areas before doing the yellow makes it better.

So anyway, I put these up in the Eldar section but here they are again:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170920/0c85fbad8191cc2eccd5a9b72ad13d6e.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170920/f3df5aa15f620604802e64a62fef30f0.jpg)

I then won the plastic farseer in a raffle at my club, and after seeing the artwork for Iyanna Arienal in the Iyanden book, had a go at a simple conversion based on a female farseer I came across on the net.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170922/98c98056624e62c4cf27497c2a4b947b.jpg)

The oval gem on her chest bugs me and I still don't feel like it's right, might have another go at it.

The other thing I want to do with this army is use some of the older models, especially for the aspect warriors. I remember them from when I was a kid, and always loved them. So far I've managed to get my hands on some Scorpions, Reapers and Avengers, and plan to paint them in the classic schemes. I've painted armies where everyone has the same colour scheme, and I'm over it. I enjoy painting different types of models in different schemes, though they'll all have a bit of yellow or a bit of blue to tie them back to the Iyanden colour scheme. I have recently done a mixed order AoS army with retro models and mixed colour schemes, and it was (and still is) a lot of fun, so I hope to replicate that with my Eldar.

Always happy to hear comments and criticism.

Cheers
Title: Re: Orange's Iyanden
Post by: Looshkin on September 22, 2017, 04:25:27 AM
Amazing work Orange. I love that Farseer. Such a nice conversion and the paint really does it justice. The blending on the robes is terrific and the face a one of the cleanest jobs I've seen on this board.

Killer work and a hell of a start to your wraith army. Welcome to the project board!
Title: Re: Orange's Iyanden
Post by: Ynneadwraith on September 22, 2017, 04:44:19 AM
Yeah great introduction! I'm really liking the technique for a pale yellow. I'm all for techniques that use less effort to make something look better, and it's certainly worked ;)

Looking forwards to more :)
Title: Re: Orange's Iyanden
Post by: Saim-Dann on September 22, 2017, 05:21:38 AM
Niiiiice!
Good choice for the head, Orange. I like the dark shade for the spear as well. Can't see anything wrong with the gem either. Looking forward to more.

Am glad you joined us, mate. We Aussies are vastly outnumbered here... Be well!
Title: Re: Orange's Iyanden
Post by: Irisado on September 22, 2017, 07:39:55 AM
I think that the converted Farseer looks great and I see no need to revisit her in any way.  I think that the she is an excellent centre piece for your army.  You've also done a superb job with the yellow all round.

I still use my old Aspect Warriors, Rangers, Warlocks, and Farseer from the 1990 range.  They're still the best Eldar models of all time in my opinion.
Title: Re: Orange's Iyanden
Post by: dog_of_war on September 22, 2017, 07:54:30 AM
Superb job Orange. I think you really hit the yellow out the park and that converted farseer was executed brilliantly. It's a shame that GW doesn't sculpt more female models, as there is an increasingly greater demand for them, especially among eldar players. Luckily the dark eldar line has quite a few bits that convert rather well with the craftworld line. Keep up the great work. Can't wait to see where this ghost army goes.
Title: Re: Orange's Iyanden
Post by: Cavalier on September 22, 2017, 08:11:21 AM
Fantastic work Orange. Iyanden's scheme is my favorite out of all the classics and I think you nailed it perfectly. The highlighting in particular is awesome. Also the transfers and basing are fantastic as well. Always thrilled to see a new Eldar project down here in the logs. Can't wait to see more. Keep it up you are off to a hot start!
Title: Re: Orange's Iyanden
Post by: magenb on September 22, 2017, 09:52:27 AM
the warlock helmet looks awesome
Title: Re: Orange's Iyanden
Post by: Calamity on September 22, 2017, 03:53:16 PM
Orange your army is amazing!  Awesome paint job and conversion work!  :)
Title: Re: Orange's Iyanden
Post by: Aurics Pride on September 24, 2017, 05:24:37 AM
Wow, I love that Farseer, the skin and hair tones are amazing and you've done such a good job on getting the yellow looking so good!
Can't wait to see more of this army!
Title: Re: Orange's Iyanden
Post by: Orange on September 24, 2017, 10:58:57 AM
Thanks for such a warm welcome guys, I appreciate all the comments :)

Glad the farseer has been well-received, wasn't sure the head would work but it did in the end. I know what you mean about female models dog of war--especially practically dressed female models. Thankfully there is some good stuff in the elf lines, that head is from the dark elf dragon kit.

Irisado--completely agree! I like the new scorpions and banshees, but still the originals are better. The fact they still use the old warlock sculpts shows even GW thinks so!

And thanks Saimm-Dann mate, the one below is representing in green and gold ;)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170924/229b315636410524209304b69a71c22c.jpg)

Tried out one of the old schemes on the old models, and pretty happy with how it came out. The scorpions yellow helmets should tie in with the rest of the yellow in the army.
Title: Re: Orange's Iyanden
Post by: Cavalier on September 24, 2017, 01:08:53 PM
WOW! Looking awesome! KILLER paint job... So subtle yet striking. Love the color choices... just fantatic looking. The yellow helmet is the perfect touch. Also yes! The original Scorpion sculpts are the best, hands down. Killer work... keep it up!
Title: Re: Orange's Iyanden
Post by: Irisado on September 24, 2017, 02:31:49 PM
It's great to see one of the original Striking Scorpions painted in on the optional shrine colour schemes from the colour schemes in White Dwarf 127.  It has turned out really well.
Title: Re: Orange's Iyanden
Post by: Lord of Winter and War on September 24, 2017, 07:40:23 PM
Looking great! I can't wait to see more!
Title: Re: Orange's Iyanden
Post by: Saim-Dann on September 25, 2017, 01:04:17 AM
G'day Orange!
An Aspect warrior flagging the green and gold... Niiiiice!
Title: Re: Orange's Iyanden
Post by: magenb on September 25, 2017, 05:51:25 PM
Yeah still diggin the pre-dreadlocks scorpions, I'm still rocking those guys too :)
Nice work on the highlights.

Title: Re: Orange's Iyanden
Post by: vonny on September 26, 2017, 06:45:33 AM
Welcome to the board, Orange. As an Iyanden player myself, I'm glad to see more people take a whack at it! We were once the most populous craftworld, and we might well become it once again if you keep it up.

The yellow looks great indeed, I'm curious to see how your army will look with multiple models from the various units put together.
Title: Re: Orange's Iyanden
Post by: Orange on October 2, 2017, 10:29:00 PM
Thanks guys!

@vonny - yes I'm not used to having a clashing army, my last 40k army was marines and everyone had the same scheme. But it gets really boring to paint. So I'm interested to see how it looks too!

@Irisado - thanks for dropping the name of that issue, I've found someone whose posted it all online, great to read it all again.

So scorpions done, just waiting for a few more transfers to completely finish them:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171003/38bf7b0a81af30a16154e9271e473df2.jpg)

Dark Reapers are next, then I'll need to really start concentrating on more wraithguard and the transports. Keep getting distracted by Aspect Warriors...
Title: Re: Orange's Iyanden
Post by: Irisado on October 3, 2017, 05:27:58 AM
That squad looks fantastic.  This is akin to going back to where it all began for me.  They have that original Eldar feel and it's great.  The Exarch, in particular, stands out very well.
Title: Re: Orange's Iyanden
Post by: Saim-Dann on October 4, 2017, 03:24:38 AM
Niiiiice!
With this theme in mind, mate. Your army is going to look Micky Mouse. Keen to see what you come up with for the Dark Reapers.
Title: Re: Orange's Iyanden
Post by: Cavalier on October 4, 2017, 08:20:50 AM
So awesome. I just love these models to death. My issue with the current Aspect Warriors (Avengers + Scorpions) is how bulky they are. I love how slimmed down their armor was in the old sculpts. Love it.

Just killer glowing paint jobs all round. The execution, color choices, transfers, bases the whole 9 yards is just awesome. Can't wait to see whats next. Keep rocking Orange
Title: Re: Orange's Iyanden
Post by: Orange on October 5, 2017, 03:59:26 AM
Thanks guys!

Took me a while to remember my rhyming slang Saim-dann but I got it in the end :)

And cheers Cavalier. I got some of the new dragons and the scorpion exarch (need a guy with a claw) second hand and man they're huge. It'll work a bit with the exarch, but it's a massive difference.

Working on my reapers at the moment and need a bit of advice.

I'm using one of the 127 schemes, the one on the left:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171005/0e4a2ceab113e1fea0eb06a88ac3a613.jpg)

But then I saw these and loved how vibrant and old school they look.

I don't know I want to go this far with the red, but I liked the red on the launcher and the legs.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171005/f1c321637e9b9c66c70eb7d9d98081a2.jpg)

But I tried it and I don't know. Kind of reminds me of a toy gun with a red tip. The one on the left sticks to the 127 scheme and the right is a bit brighter.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171005/fa9d94bdd2051fd3d54b9f49909900ef.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171005/aebacfb5c25d38e67250c1f40c03ed10.jpg)

Too much red? Not enough? Please let me know what you think.
Title: Re: Orange's Iyanden
Post by: Saim-Dann on October 5, 2017, 05:38:55 AM
G'day Orange!
Don't ask Cavalier. He'll say red no matter what... Bwahaha!
I'd stick with the black and even go black on the armor as well. Yellow and black mean, "DANGEROUS". Yellow and blue means friendly but reliable.

If you want your opponent to be lulled into a false sense of security, go the yellow/blue. If you want them to look bad ass, go the yellow/black. Very neat job on them so far, mate. They even look good in white... Pointy ears forever!!   
Title: Re: Orange's Iyanden
Post by: Cavalier on October 5, 2017, 08:16:06 AM
LOVE IT! And yep you guessed it Saim-Dann... I say go red! If you are gonna kick it old school you gotta go red. I feel like it does give a bit more distinction to a dark scheme. Plust the red isn't too bright (love the blending), so it doesnt look cartoony at all to me. But both look sickening IMO.

Wow. Loving this project Orange keep it up my man. I love these old minis. Bring on the Dragons... they too are fantastic looking!
Title: Re: Orange's Iyanden
Post by: magenb on October 8, 2017, 04:46:04 PM
I found that having the entire helmet in red was just too much for a "Dark" reaper lol. I kept the helmet the same as the body armour (black or dark blue) and then just used the alternate colour on the "ears" and a few other spots made it less glaring.
Title: Re: Orange's Iyanden
Post by: Aurics Pride on October 8, 2017, 05:03:46 PM
I absolutely love your Scorpions! Big kudos for using the old sculpts too, I'm really not a fan of the new ones.

Personally I really like the red on the Dark Reaper. The Games Workshop one is too bright and there is too much of it, it's almost like a secondary colour rather than a spot colour. Using it darker and just for the Legs and weapon makes it much more complimentary to the overall colour scheme.
As Cav has mentioned as well, I love the blending on the weapon!
Title: Re: Orange's Iyanden
Post by: Orange on October 8, 2017, 09:17:50 PM
Thanks everyone for your input.

I decided to go with the red, you were the only anti-red one Saim-dann! I get what you mean about yellow and black, though a fair chunk of my army is going to be friendly yellow and blue ;)

Pretty happy with how they turned out. A couple more touches of red helped without being overwhelming I think. That was the main feedback so I appreciate it.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171009/9ea591ce65388d36500bb06b4cedbd08.jpg)

Might just try and get the exarch done now. I've only got the shuriken cannon one at the moment, though I'm going to try and track down the web of skulls one, as it's such a great model.
Title: Re: Orange's Iyanden
Post by: dog_of_war on October 8, 2017, 09:59:25 PM
Really great work Orange. You're absolutely correct with adding those few extra touches of red to tie everything together. I really admire your bases and your transfer technique. Keep these vintage minis coming!
Title: Re: Orange's Iyanden
Post by: Looshkin on October 9, 2017, 03:59:59 AM
Those are looking awesome Orange! I wasn't too sure about the red on the original iteration; I think it just stood out a bit too much. With the addition of other elements of red, though, it really pulls the piece together and works amazingly well.

Might just try and get the exarch done now. I've only got the shuriken cannon one at the moment, though I'm going to try and track down the web of skulls one, as it's such a great model.

I literally unearthed a box with 2 of those Web Of Skulls Exarchs in yesterday. I'll happily send you one if you PM me your details.
Title: Re: Orange's Iyanden
Post by: Saim-Dann on October 9, 2017, 04:08:30 AM
G'day Orange!
Went with the friendly/reliable look? You made it look good, mate. Totally agree with you about the exarch. The chained skulls guy is a badass model... Pointy ears forever!!
Title: Re: Orange's Iyanden
Post by: Cavalier on October 9, 2017, 07:55:04 AM
Wow. Looking soooo damn good man. You should submit these to the White Dwarf FLICKR account. I'm sure they'd be included. Looking insanely good my man. These minis still got it!

Again love the color choices. The bone colored head is the thing that makes it all work IMO. Its a sort of new school color choice that brings balance to the whole thing. The blending is insane and again, I love the basing.

To top it all off Dark Reapers are super good this edition. Field them with pride.

Now... just give us MOAR!
Title: Re: Orange's Iyanden
Post by: Irisado on October 9, 2017, 01:07:18 PM
Outstanding painting on those Dark Reapers.  The Rogue Trader sculpts remain the best Dark Reapers sculpts in my opinion and you've really captured their midnight blue armour so well with your painting. 
Title: Re: Orange's Iyanden
Post by: Ynneadwraith on October 9, 2017, 07:30:58 PM
These are looking stunning dude :) definitely think that you made the right colour choice with the Reapers. Really nice dark moody colours with just enough contrast.
Title: Re: Orange's Iyanden
Post by: vonny on October 10, 2017, 09:05:16 AM
I can only agree. These guys look menacing. Still, I can't say I wouldn't want to face them, because who wouldn't want to play against such beautifully painted miniatures?
Title: Re: Orange's Iyanden
Post by: Orange on October 10, 2017, 10:23:48 AM
Thank you all, you are very kind. Such great feedback is spurring me on :)

And have taken you up on that exarch Loosh, thanks again for your very generous offer. I'm hoping people will be happy with his web of skulls counts-as missile launcher!

Did extremely well at my club's trading night tonight. I few people knew I was after vintage Eldar, and they delivered in spades.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171010/a22fb7b7fc4d3da881e805e99f7b09a9.jpg)

The biggest coup were those fire dragons--I just got some of the new ones (and will use the exarch in the short term), but they're so much bigger than everyone else and look a little silly. Getting 4 of the originals (though they'll need a bit of work) is great. Filled out my avengers and scorpions to squads of 10, and got a good deal on some banshees.

Wasn't too keen on the old metal wraithlord (or Eldar dreadnought as we knew them back then) but after seeing this one I changed my mind. Has the two flamer arms too, which was a bonus.

Got a bit of work ahead of me, and I'm nowhere near a legal army! Need to do more wraith people or I'm going to be accused of being Biel-tan soon too...
Title: Re: Orange's Iyanden
Post by: vonny on October 10, 2017, 10:30:34 AM
yes, those old wraithlords have a certain goofyness to them, that disappears as you get to know the model a bit more. Then they suddenly start looking awesome. Can't wait to see what you do with all these, Biel-Tanner!  ;)
Title: Re: Orange's Iyanden
Post by: Ynneadwraith on October 10, 2017, 11:19:20 AM
Nice haul!

Also, I'm filing a motion that you change the name of your plog to 'Orange you glad I didn't say Iyanden' ;)
Title: Re: Orange's Iyanden
Post by: Saim-Dann on October 10, 2017, 09:45:05 PM
G'day Orange!
Nice haul there mate. You must have a good crew where you game. If I let my mob know I was hunting a particular model/era, The price would triple in cash or trade... Pointy ears forever!!
Title: Re: Orange's Iyanden
Post by: Looshkin on October 13, 2017, 03:40:28 AM
That's a great haul Orange! Your gaming group must be an awesome bunch. I can't wait to see how your throwback army shapes up!
Title: Re: Orange's Iyanden
Post by: Calamity on October 22, 2017, 04:16:37 PM
Amazing stuff Orange.  It all really inspires me.  :)
Title: Re: Orange's Iyanden
Post by: Orange on November 13, 2017, 08:48:43 PM
Long time no see!

Just got back from a whirlwind trip to the US and haven’t really been keeping up with the forums, I I’ve got a bit to come back and read.

I got back to Looshkin’s very generous gift of the old Web of Skulls Dark Realer exarch, and am  looking forward to getting some paint on him. But after that, I really need to figure out an army list with the new codex and start getting a legal army painted and on the table. There’s a lot to think about with the new rules, but I think I like what I see so far.

Unfortunately wraith constructs didn’t get objective secured, so I’m going to need to start by getting some actual troops... didn’t really want to use guardians but it looks like they are the way to go. Will see what I can come up with.

And blog name changed, love it Ynnead!
Title: Re: Orange you glad I didn't say Iyanden
Post by: Cavalier on November 14, 2017, 07:49:25 AM
Hey bud. I think you are off to a good start with what you have painted. Wraithguard and Dark Reapers are heavy hitters that are auto-include for me. Scorpions have made the cut as well in my Alaitoc/Stealth wing, but should do well with the Iyanden trait going in against hopeless odds... which is very Iyanden.

Guardians look really good from where I'm sitting as well. I'm running 1x20 which will be webway-ing in with my Wraithguard, an additional 1x10 Defenders and then 1x10 Stormies as a screening unit.

Anyway can't wait to see what makes the cut and what units you'll be posting next. Just love your stuff man. Keep us posted!
Title: Re: Orange you glad I didn't say Iyanden
Post by: Ynneadwraith on November 14, 2017, 10:21:28 AM
Hope the trip was fun! Glad you like the name suggestion ;)

Not that I game much, but I hear Dire Avengers are a solid pick for troops as well. Slightly different tack to Guardians in that min-squads of 5 is the way to go, but gives you another option to get your Wraiths to the table :)
Title: Re: Orange you glad I didn't say Iyanden
Post by: SeekingOne on November 17, 2017, 03:49:33 AM
Excellent models, love the yellow and the overall neat and crisp finish. Great job!

Quote
The oval gem on her chest bugs me and I still don't feel like it's right, might have another go at it.

I actually agree with you here - imho, the gem lacks the dark area at the top. If you make a white dot to represent a sharp glint, that dot should basically be on black - otherwise it doesn't look natural.

The Iyanna herself looks fantastic though :)
Title: Re: Orange you glad I didn't say Iyanden
Post by: Orange on November 27, 2017, 07:18:12 PM
SeekingOne--yes, I think that's what bothers me. I think because the gem is oval and horizontal it throws it out. Might have another look at some point.

In the meantime...

Retro exarch done, again thanks to Looshkin for the model, hope I did him justice!
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171127/de4344e076808a5e744c7a388acd8132.jpg)

Of course his armament isn't legal anymore, but I'm just going to say he is armed with a reaper launcher, I don't think anyone I play with will mind.

And with his squad:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171127/7b43dd60b0415f3157fc5c288f55f233.jpg)

So now the book is out I want to make a legal 1000 point force so I can start playing some games.

So this is the plan for the beginning, including what I've painted so far:

Farseer with spear
Warlock

5 Wraithguard with d-scythe
6 Scorpions, incl exarch* with claw

5 Dire avengers, incl exarch with diresword*
5 Dire avengers*
10 Guardian defenders with shuriken cannon platform*

Wraithlord with flamers and shuriken cannon*
6 Dark reapers, incl exarch with reaper cannon (maybe two squads of 3, flexible that way)

So it's a battalion at 969 points, with 22 models to paint (the asterisked models). I'm going to try to push through with the troops first, and hopefully get some games in by the end of January. It's not really what I want the army to look like in the long term, but it's a start... I do have this rule that I don't use unpainted models in games, so it always builds a bit slowly for me :)

Having 6 command points at this point size should hopefully give me a few fun tricks to spring during my games!
 
Title: Re: Orange you glad I didn't say Iyanden
Post by: Saim-Dann on November 27, 2017, 07:48:13 PM
Niiiiice!
Well done, Orange. The DR Ex looks really nice and compliments his unit. Interesting list as well. I personally will play the odd game with unpainted models. Mainly due to wanting to make sure the unit is a good fit within the list.

It would annoy the snot out of me to spend a lot of time painting a unit, just to find it lacking on the table. It's also the only time I will proxy as well. Don't want to spend $30/$100 on a unit that doesn't pull its weight... Pointy ears forever!!   
Title: Re: Orange you glad I didn't say Iyanden
Post by: Cavalier on November 28, 2017, 07:32:28 AM
Looking awesome Orange. Such a classic.... I wish the new sculpts had some homage to the web of skulls, like have it hanging off his belt, or that little clip of extra ammo. You did a great job painting him and the color scheme suits him so well.

As for your list I think you are off to solid start their as well. I think you'll be surprised how much mileage you'll get out of that list. Webway Strike is the game changer for Eldar. No longer do you have to trudge up the field getting blown apart turn after turn as you try to get short ranged foot units into range, or blow all your points on a Wave Serpent for each unit.  So this list is perfectly suited to take advantage of that.

The Dark Reapers are gonna really reward you too. I'd put the Warlock with Conceal supporting them, then just lock and load. I'd probably say Reapers are the best unit in the dex. As far as anti-tank goes they are my go to option. I'm rocking a unit of 10 at present.

Anyway great stuff Orange. Just a killer paint job on a classic model. I love it!
Title: Re: Orange you glad I didn't say Iyanden
Post by: Irisado on November 28, 2017, 08:31:29 AM
Another one of my favourite Eldar models which you have painted to an excellent standard.  You've particularly pulled off the bone colour very well and the Exarch makes a superb centrepiece for the squad.  The Rogue trader Aspect sculpts are still the best in my opinion.
Title: Re: Orange you glad I didn't say Iyanden
Post by: SeekingOne on November 28, 2017, 09:21:09 AM
Nice paint job on those Reapers! What paints did you use to paint that bone colour?

List looks quite good too.
The way your army is, it just asks to be expanded further with 2 Wave Serpents, one for Scythe-guard and one for the Reapers to deploy in. Finish it off with one Hemlock, and you'll have a great 1500 pts force - strong and flexible with some great variety.

Then you can just capitalise on the Iyanden theme by taking more Wraithlords, splitting them off into a separate Spearhead detachment led by a Spiritseer.
Title: Re: Orange you glad I didn't say Iyanden
Post by: Ynneadwraith on November 29, 2017, 09:37:56 AM
Haha i've got visions of your exarch hurling his web of skulls a clear 48" across the battlefield, followed by a full-on Hollywood explosion (who knew skulls exploded?) of SM-killing death :)

Love the paintwork as always too :)
Title: Re: Orange you glad I didn't say Iyanden
Post by: Blazinghand on November 29, 2017, 02:39:37 PM
That Exarch looks great! They should bring back the Web of Skulls weapon just for that great model.
Title: Re: Orange you glad I didn't say Iyanden
Post by: Looshkin on December 1, 2017, 05:05:32 PM
Orange! Wow! I'm really pleased that I sent you that Exarch because you have performed miracles on him. Really fantastic work that both captures the retro 90s vibe but also drags him forward to the present day. I can't really say enough about this guy, so I'll simply say that I have no idea how you could improve him.

Kudos dude. Simply stellar.
Title: Re: Orange you glad I didn't say Iyanden
Post by: Orange on December 3, 2017, 08:02:05 PM
@everyone, thanks!

Saim-dann—I hear that, but I learned a few years ago that if I don’t paint it before putting it on the gaming table, most of the time it never gets painted at all! It does create the situation where I paint a unit (sometime even a whole army…) and find out I don’t like how it plays, but I enjoy the painting project side of it that much that it becomes a bit irrelevant how good it is on the table. And if I don’t like using the model or army, it just gives me an excuse to paint more stuff.

Cavalier—thanks, yes I wish it was still somewhere in the current rules too, it’s one of the few things they haven’t paid homage to. I’m hoping to find some more at some point too, they look pretty lethal rules-wise.

Seeking one—the bone is pretty easy, just Vallejo Game Colour bone, washed with Army Painter Strong Tone, then blended up with the original bone up to white. I start on a light grey spray undercoat so it only takes a couple of thin coats to get a good strong colour.

Looshkin—really glad you like it! Half of the fun of this army is getting hold of the models and the stories I can tell about where they came from.

Haven’t done much painting, I’ve done a little work on the scorpions exarch but as it’s the new model it’s not quite the same… ;)

I’m gearing up to get a squad of 10 avengers done by the end of the month.

I might also change my list a bit. I was avoiding Storm Guardians as I didn’t know if I’d be able to source any of the old metal Guardians. But what do you know, I put a bit of a call out and a few locals came through. They aren’t the best quality models, and I didn’t have the best range of the plastic arms and weapons to work with, but the metal parts at least are great and I’m looking forward to painting them hopefully by the end of the month too.
Title: Re: Orange you glad I didn't say Iyanden
Post by: Saim-Dann on December 3, 2017, 08:34:56 PM
G'day Orange!
Have a few rogue trader guardians myself. Would send them your way, however, I love them so much. Have truckloads of memories attached to each one.
Title: Re: Orange you glad I didn't say Iyanden
Post by: Orange on December 3, 2017, 08:57:38 PM
Haha don't blame you at all! They're not that easy to come by, the guys who gave/sold me mine only did so reluctantly, and kept some for sentimental reasons.
Title: Re: Orange you glad I didn't say Iyanden
Post by: Orange on December 7, 2017, 10:31:37 AM
Halfway through my pledge for this month:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171207/eef9b2ddf122237b44fef49428023965.jpg)

I’m glad I’ve got these models in my army but they aren’t particularly nice models! Definitely much harder to paint when there isn’t a lot of detail. Some of them, the one piece ones especially, are good models but the metal/plastic hybrids are a little rough.

But I got them done :)

On to the much nicer metal dire avengers now!
Title: Re: Orange you glad I didn't say Iyanden
Post by: Cavalier on December 7, 2017, 11:09:47 AM
Absolutley classic stuff Orange. Just brilliant paint jobs as I've come to expect from you. The Iyanden Guardians IMO are the best looking out of all the Craftworlds. The yellow and blue is just so striking and you pulled it off beautifully. Just such a rich quality to your paint jobs and the contrast is just great.

I'm with you the single piece sculpts are classic and really still stand strong even today (particularly the squad leader) but I still have a soft spot for the plastic/metal hybrids. I still they look really nice... in particular their weapons are really great.

Anyway just killer stuff Orange. I really look forward to your updates. Great stuff man I absolutely love it.
Title: Re: Orange you glad I didn't say Iyanden
Post by: Saim-Dann on December 7, 2017, 01:23:00 PM
Niiiiice!
Have always loved those models and you've done them justice, mate. They're going to make a nice addition to your classic army. Good job on the faces as well... Pointy ears forever!!
Title: Re: Orange you glad I didn't say Iyanden
Post by: SeekingOne on December 7, 2017, 02:16:29 PM
Hi Orange )
Can't say I'm huge fan of these old sculpts (not a fan at all actually ;D), but your paint job makes them look good!
Title: Re: Orange you glad I didn't say Iyanden
Post by: magenb on December 7, 2017, 04:13:14 PM
not old school enough, where's the chain mail guardians lol :)

Awesome job on the basing as well.
Title: Re: Orange you glad I didn't say Iyanden
Post by: Orange on December 7, 2017, 07:25:27 PM
Thanks guys :)

Cavalier--the hybrids do have a certain charm but the helmets don't have any detail--so weird that you can just see where they've used a sculpting tool to roughly make an eye shape in the helmet and go "meh, you get the idea" ;)

And thanks, the yellow is in intimidating (and so easy to make mistakes onto when doing nearby colours) but I think it's worth it in the end. I appreciate your kind words as always!

Probably not clear from the photo but they're all chainmail guardians! I've got some of the one piece lasgun and shurcat defenders that I'm going to sneak in to that squad.

And fair enough SeekingOne, though at least they're better than the old mono-pose plastics!
Title: Re: Orange you glad I didn't say Iyanden
Post by: Orange on December 14, 2017, 01:34:54 AM
Just a little update...

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171214/6aac9c5511f87447b0ab9eba31d620e7.jpg)

My dire avenger exarch on the left, was the first model I painted for this army and I was experimenting with a metallic technique. I liked it but decided not to do all the avengers like that, I think it suits the exarxh to be a little different.

Then the normal avengers in progress. Love these models. Maybe not so much the lunging guy, but the rest look so stoic.

Then my scorpion exarch. Much bigger than the others and doesn’t fit in super well, but you get the idea and I don’t want to chop up one of the original ones to give him a power claw.

And the Hordes model Rask. I’m doing a little force for this game and I thought it’d be cool to paint something a bit more organic amongst the high tech eldar. Plus I’ve liked these models for ages and wanted to give them the cartoony swamp monster look.

Avengers not far away, then I’ve only got a wraithlord to paint and I’ve got 1000 points to play with.
Title: Re: Orange you glad I didn't say Iyanden
Post by: Saim-Dann on December 14, 2017, 02:37:34 AM
G'day Orange!
Really like the metallic blueish hue on the Exarch, mate. Very nice indeed. Really keen to see your models on the table. They're going to look magic in play... Pointy ears forever!!
Title: Re: Orange you glad I didn't say Iyanden
Post by: Irisado on December 14, 2017, 04:55:32 AM
Outstanding work on the Dire Avengers.  The Exarch having a slightly different colour scheme is again reminiscent of the painting style of the Rogue Trader and second edition eras, and it works so well with the original Aspect models.
Title: Re: Orange you glad I didn't say Iyanden
Post by: Cavalier on December 15, 2017, 08:24:16 AM
Oh man just phenomenal work as usual Orange. Can't say enough how much I like your style. The Avenger Exarch is a thing of beauty... one of the all time great Eldar sculpts. Also the cool Lizard guy looks great. He'd make a great counts-as Sslyth if you ever wanted to add a little Dark Eldar flavor to your army... some Sslyth mercenaries would look great. Anyway great stuff man. Just love everything about this project.
Title: Re: Orange you glad I didn't say Iyanden
Post by: Orange on December 18, 2017, 08:52:28 PM
Thanks guys :)

Really enjoy coming here for all the positive feedback.

The exarch is such a great model. He’s probably the first model I got for this army, I came across him randomly before I settled on this army and just got him to paint.

But it turns out he’s the cornerstone of the army, style-wise! Even if it’s not the most powerful weapon fit out.

Avengers all done:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171219/e2c0e17f880b4339f2d3902b176ec78f.jpg)

I only just realized after I finished that I pinched a modern colour scheme, but I like how it fits into the Iyanden look without being too yellow.

The wraithlord is on my table and is about half done, so not too far away from my first game.

Need to figure out what comes next! I should get to writing 1500 and 2000 point lists so I can plan the next few units, and I’m going to need to buy some more wraithguard at some point.
Title: Re: Orange you glad I didn't say Iyanden
Post by: Saim-Dann on December 18, 2017, 10:12:25 PM
G'day, Orange!
They look so nice, mate. I still have five of those models as well. You've done them justice, Orange. Very impressive... Pointy ears forever!!
Title: Re: Orange you glad I didn't say Iyanden
Post by: Cavalier on December 19, 2017, 07:59:44 AM
Again just beautiful stuff Orange. Its amazing how awesome these sculpts look with a great paint job. I really dig the scheme and of course I love the gold catapults.

Ooh... so Wraithguard are up next? I gotta say go with the NEW ones. I think they'd blend in perfect with these guys and they'd look really big and imposing as well.

Can't wait to see where this goes. Keep it up man!
Title: Re: Orange you glad I didn't say Iyanden
Post by: Irisado on December 19, 2017, 10:05:23 AM
Incredible.  The paint work is so precise and the colour scheme is excellent.  Every time I read this thread it makes me smile, as it reminds me so much of my original Eldar armies.  You make the excellent original Aspect Warriors look amazing.
Title: Re: Orange you glad I didn't say Iyanden
Post by: Looshkin on December 20, 2017, 04:34:50 AM
Wowzers Orange! Those Guardians are really cool and have me hankering for the classic Guardians I threw away when I gave up the hobby a while back (EBay didn't exist back then  :-[). The work you've done is excellent. I love the rich yellows on the models.

As for the Dire Avengers...just incredible. I love how dark you've gone with them. They're a fantastic addition to the army.

I'm loving how this project is turning out!
Title: Re: Orange you glad I didn't say Iyanden
Post by: Orange on December 20, 2017, 09:29:44 AM
Cheers guys :)

Glad you like the gold catapults Cav, picked that as a choice for the whole army early on (because scorps had gold pistols!) but like how it turned out.

And definitely getting more of the new ones. The old ones have their charm, but the new ones just blow them out of the park.

I’m glad I’m bringing back some memories, the avengers were the first Eldar models I bought back in ‘93-‘94. The ones I painted back then were terrible so I’m glad to do them a bit more justice!

Onto the Wraithlord:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171220/2e8b8dc60c74ac53f7721e2d8f38edea.jpg)

I didn’t think I liked this model, especially after the plastic one came out. But it grew on me when I got hold of one and started painting it, though I think it would benefit from a tabard/loin cloth to give it a little bit more bulk. I’ve got another one so I might try it one that.

And 1000 points done!

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171220/8d0489a05c85c888dd17c9d1edd52356.jpg)
Title: Re: Orange you glad I didn't say Iyanden
Post by: Saim-Dann on December 20, 2017, 11:34:23 AM
Oh, my orange!
They look Micky Mouse. Wasn't sure how the Wraithlord would turn out. However, you, again, have done it justice... Pointy ears forever!!
Title: Re: Orange you glad I didn't say Iyanden
Post by: SeekingOne on December 22, 2017, 09:58:17 AM
That's just absolutely lovely Orange! *holds both thumbs up* I saw many super-complicated and super-elaborate paintjobs that were still not even half as pleasing to look at as your miniatures are.

Your army seems to be progressing at excellent pace, especially considering the quality and neatness of  your paintjob. Keep it up! ;) I wish I could do it as quickly, lol
Title: Re: Orange you glad I didn't say Iyanden
Post by: Cavalier on December 23, 2017, 10:16:10 AM
Absolutley glorious. The Wraithguard look right at home with this force. Such a gorgeous looking army Orange and should be strong in games as well. I've been giving Wraithlords a second thought lately as backline defense against deepstrikers and outflankers too. So he should do nicely.

Gotta say after seeing your army and Vonny's I'm pretty sure Iyanden is the nicest looking CW of them all. Its really become my favorite... especially with great characters like Y'riel and Iyanna leading the way.

Just gorgeous, gorgeous work my friend. Overall might be my favorite force I've seen come to life on the project logs. Just love it!
Title: Re: Orange you glad I didn't say Iyanden
Post by: Ynneadwraith on January 11, 2018, 12:03:47 PM
Keep going like this and you might sell me on the older sculpts ;) I'm already warming to 'Mr Buzz-cut Mohawk Guardian'...

Wonderful work :)
Title: Re: Orange you glad I didn't say Iyanden
Post by: Looshkin on January 28, 2018, 07:17:34 AM
I'm not a fan at all of the old Wraithlord. I just think that the new model is a damn sight more impressive.

That said, your paint work is terrific and you've managed to produce one of the best old Lords that I've seen. He really fits in well with the whole army and I think that you've done a fantastic job with him.

The whole army looks amazing. I'd guaranteed lose to this army as I would spend most of the game forgetting rules while I try to pick my jaw up off the floor.

Amazing stuff Orange.