Saturday, March 8, 2014

Thracian Command (Crusader Minis) - WIP

Anxiously waiting for the Minwax stain to cure and dry completely. Waiting for the stain to dry is the longest part of the process. Once dried, the figures will be sprayed with Testors Dullcote. A bit a highlighting will be then be added, and finally the geometric patterns associated with Thracians will be painted on the garments and shields. The rhomphaias for the musician and helmeted leader are former naginata blades - the musician's a T.A.G. and the other one from Dixon - both left overs from a Samurai project.
The can of Minwax Tudor Satin stain is a few years old, and just about dried out save an ounce or so under a hardened film. I have to use some thinner to get it to flow properly, but determined to use it all up.
The figures blocked painted prior to the stain.
Once completed, this command will be based along with a group of javelinmen currently on washers.
Posted by at

10 comments:

  1. HandgrenadealienMarch 8, 2014 at 3:36 PM

    The Crusader Thracians are great figures. I did mine as Pydna era Thracians with white tunics & dark cloaks. That stain does look a little tired Dean, perhaps its time to re-invest:)

    Regards HGA.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DeanMMarch 8, 2014 at 3:40 PM

      LOL! You're right, HGA. But I'm holding out to the bitter end. Regards, Dean

      Delete
  2. Jonathan FreitagMarch 8, 2014 at 3:54 PM

    To me, the Minwax/Dullcote combo is a winner. Nice job on the Thracians. Your Minwax tin has a very familiar thick skin covering it. I know the symptom all too well. Thinning works but I have never ventured to the bottom of the can. If I had your tun, I would probably pitch it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DeanMMarch 8, 2014 at 5:49 PM

      Thanks, Jonathan - the can will soon be a memory :)

      Delete
  3. Christopher(aka Axebreaker)March 8, 2014 at 4:23 PM

    Nice work Dean and Crusader miniatures are a joy to paint from my experience.

    Christopher

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DeanMMarch 8, 2014 at 5:51 PM

      Thanks, Christopher. I definitely like Crusader's Ancient and Dark Age ranges. They paint up well and are sturdy gaming figs. Dean

      Delete
  4. MontyMarch 8, 2014 at 4:48 PM

    Love the Thracians! And thanks for the "behind the scene." I once did the dip and tried highlighting over it. It was like painting on glass. I see that the dullcoat probably roughs up the surface for a better adhesion for the highlights. Interesting!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DeanMMarch 8, 2014 at 5:53 PM

      Oh, yeah, you have to give it a coat of matte before working on it with acrylics again. Testors Dullcote, or if you're not too particular Krylon Matte; although Krylon leaves more of a satin finish most of the time. Both will give a good finish for touch up work. Best, Dean

      Delete
  5. Evan HughesMarch 8, 2014 at 6:58 PM

    Thracians make great skirmishers for so many Classical armies, and these are terrific examples of the type.

    I've never used wood stains or dips on my figures, but I'm always interested in learning new techniques. I look forward to seeing the finished result!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DeanMMarch 8, 2014 at 9:24 PM

      Thanks, Ev. And your are right about their usefulness. I've used them as skirmishers in a few WAB games. The problem was they would always get killed off as there were only 8 of them. I plan to use them with Hail Caesar as a standard sized unit. As supporting units really impact combat, they should be even better than in WAB. Best, Dean

      Delete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)