On The Workbench - 5/12

Didn't get much done last month; just a couple of projects.  Between work, family obligations, putting the garden in, being a bit under the weather over a long weekend, and what is becoming a really intrusive addiction to Modern Warfare 3, I only got 2 projects done last month.  This month should be a bit better, though.  Work is settled down.  The garden in and going like gang busters.  Graduations are happening towards the end of the month; they shouldn't be a hassle, though.  And best of all, I am back into good health and have a definite drive to get as many little tasks off the table as possible.

The new items and projects that I added stuff to are denoted by an * next to them.

On the Workbench for May 2012:
(This is all stuff that is partially finished; in no particular order)
21 x Khurasan Zombies* - 21 excellent sculpts for 15mm zombie gaming
24 x WH40 Tyrnaid Termagants* - I got these in trade for the Gnoblars I painted a couple of weeks ago.
10mm Ruins Project - I got a pile of old Epic plastic ruins, which are replacing the foam core ruins I was going to build and use for my Mech Warrior project. 
4 20mm Ruins - Plastic 20mm ruins I am building for resale. 
12 Acheson ATZ Minis - More minis for paint and review.
6'x4' Zuzzy Mat - Gaming Mat for my TEOTWAWKI project. 
15 28mm PA Survivors - 3, 5 man packs from Lead Adventure Miniatures 
18 Heroclix Figs - Figures for conversion into sci-fi and horror gaming minis
6  Pulp/Steampunk Minis - 6 figures left on the commission painting of some Fiendish Fabrications figures
20 Mantic Ghouls - Mantic Ghoul Regiment 
6 28mm Survivors - Obelisck Nighthawk gang
28mm Post Apoc Ruins Project - Ruins made from Gamecraft's Foamcore 6 story building.  This one is half done.
28mm Vehicles - 6-8 vehicles for my survivors
15mm Suburbia - Paper/foamcore houses for suburban Lazarus. 
50 20mm WWII Russians - Minis for a semi defunct NUTS! East Front project I planned
2 T-34/85s - Same As Above
Various Fantasy/Sci Fi minis - I have a box of old minis I use to try out techniques and hone my skills.  I have quite a few half painted figs that I'd like to finish


April's Finished Projects/Minis 
(I will be posting these up through out the month, as I get photos and such) 

11 x Khurasan "Not The Walking Dead" Survivors - I had get them; what with being a zombie fanatic
8 x GWFB Gnoblar Trappers - These minis were part of a FCM Challenge Trade

If you don't see the above posted here, now or in the future, you can check out Zero Sum Solutions for them.

On The Workbench - 04/12

"On The Workbench" is a little late this month, because Spring Recruits a local convention in Lee's Summit, MO, was this weekend.  I bagged a boatload of stuff I've been reselling.  I've spent the last several days handling that, and haven't had precious little time to do much of anything else.   With a bit of luck, I'll have photos posted and a rundown of how the convention was in a few days.   Things have settled down, though that I can post this month's "On the Workbench". 

The new items and projects that I added stuff to are denoted by an * next to them.

On the Workbench for April 2012:
(This is all stuff that is partially finished; in no particular order)
10mm Ruins Project* - I got a pile of old Epic plastic ruins, which are replacing the foam core ruins I was going to build and use for my Mech Warrior project.
4 20mm Ruins* - Plastic 20mm ruins I am building for resale.
12 Acheson ATZ Minis - More minis for paint and review.
6'x4' Zuzzy Mat - Gaming Mat for my TEOTWAWKI project. 
15 28mm PA Survivors - 3, 5 man packs from Lead Adventure Miniatures 
18 Heroclix Figs - Figures for conversion into sci-fi and horror gaming minis
6  Pulp/Steampunk Minis - 6 figures left on the commission painting of some Fiendish Fabrications figures
20 Mantic Ghouls - Mantic Ghoul Regiment 
6 28mm Survivors - Obelisck Nighthawk gang
28mm Post Apoc Ruins Project - Ruins made from Gamecraft's Foamcore 6 story building.  This one is half done.

28mm Vehicles - 6-8 vehicles for my survivors
15mm Suburbia - Paper/foamcore houses for suburban Lazarus. 
50 20mm WWII Russians - Minis for a semi defunct NUTS! East Front project I planned
2 T-34/85s - Same As Above
Various Fantasy/Sci Fi minis - I have a box of old minis I use to try out techniques and hone my skills.  I have quite a few half painted figs that I'd like to finish


March's Finished Projects/Minis 
(I will be posting these up through out the month, as I get photos and such) 
10 x Fiendish Fabrications Mudmen - 10 more finished for THW.
20 x 15mm Peter Pig Figs - 20 more militia for my Ambush Alley game.
7 x 28mm Dragon's Teeth Terrain - Painted the resin peices I cast last month.
20 x 15mm Rebel Mini Riot Police - To Crack the heads of the rioters I did last month.
1 x HeroClix Conversion - Photo Pending.
If you don't see the above posted here, now or in the future, you can check out Zero Sum Solutions for them.

On The Workbench 03/01

Another month has gone by, and it's time for another accounting of what I've been up to.  Here's this month's "On the Workbench" post. 

The new items and projects that I added stuff to are denoted by an * next to them.

On the Workbench for March 2012:
(This is all stuff that is partially finished; in no particular order)
12 Acheson ATZ Minis* - More minis for paint and review.
6'x4' Zuzzy Mat* - Gaming Mat for my TEOTWAWKI project. 
15 28mm PA Survivors - 3, 5 man packs from Lead Adventure Miniatures 
18 Heroclix Figs - Figures for conversion into sci-fi and horror gaming minis
16 x Pulp/Steampunk Minis - 5 more figs added for the commission painting of some Fiendish Fabrications figures
20 Mantic Ghouls - Mantic Ghoul Regiment 
6 28mm Survivors - Obelisck Nighthawk gang
28mm Post Apoc Ruins Project - Ruins made from Gamecraft's Foamcore 6 story building.  This one is half done.
10mm Ruins Project - Foamcore ruins for a BTech style game using Mechwarrior figs; another half finished project. 
28mm Vehicles* - 6-8 vehicles for my survivor
15mm Suburbia - Paper/foamcore houses for suburban Lazarus. 
50 20mm WWII Russians - Minis for a semi defunct NUTS! East Front project I planned
2 T-34/85s - Same As Above
Various Fantasy/Sci Fi minis - I have a box of old minis I use to try out techniques and hone my skills.  I have quite a few half painted figs that I'd like to finish


February's Finished Projects/Minis 
(I will be posting these up through out the month, as I get photos and such) 
8 x Heroclix Conversions - about 1/2 have been posted on WTL and ZSS, the rest are pending.
2 x HotWheels Planes - Conversions for 15mm post apocalyptic style games
1 x Post Apoc Ruin - Posted over on  ZSS
1 x GW Ork - Just a one off mini for giggles.
5 x 28mm Vampires - Finally got these done.
21 x Rebel Mini Urban Rioters - For my ATZ Campaign.

If you don't see them posted here, now or in the future, you can check out Zero Sum Solutions for them.

I got a Zuzzy, I got a Zuzzy...

Photo From Zuzzy.com

I received my long awaited Zuzzy gaming mat last week.  I ordered a 4'x6'  Wounded City mat and am quite pleased,  The wait was longer than anticipated.  Zuzzy set the expectation of 2-5 weeks.  It actually took about 7 1/2.  In their defense, at exactly 5 weeks I received an email from them saying that the had received a larger than expected amount of orders, and had had some problems with their vinyl vendor.  They apologized, and said that my order would be out shortly, and it was.  Kevin even threw in complimentary 14"x11" swath of mat for free.

Here are my impressions on the products. The mat came in a square cardboard tube, which will come in handy for storage.  The label on the package inside came with instructions on how to paint the mat;  I'll get back to that in a second.  The mat was considerably thinner than I had expected.  Still, it seems pretty durable.  The detail on the mat is exactly as pictured on the Zuzzy site.  I painted the small swath according to the instruction.  First I washed it with a black wash ( 20/1 Future/Black ink).  Next I dry brushed it with white, and dappled it with brown.  Finally, I painted the brick with Burnt Seinna, Cadnium Red, and Pumpkin Orange.  As you can see it turned out nicely.

Finally, I wanted to make sure that everything matched I broke out one of my finished TEOTWAWKI pieces and put it on top.  It all matched up well, although I may need to rethink my basing on future pieces.  I can work the cracked look into future ones to make it more seamless.

Even though I most likely will never use this for a zombie game, it could be used for that purpose.  Zuzzy has several other that definitely fit the bill for a zombie table.

On The Workbench - 02/12

Already into the second month of the year, and I forgot to queue this up.  Oh well, I had an anniversary on the first, a 15 year old's birthday on the 4th,the wife a youngest are going to Omaha this weekend, and Valentine's day on the 14th.  I think I'm allowed a bit of lee-way this month.  Here's this month's "On the Workbench" post. 

The new items and projects that I added stuff to are denoted by an * next to them.

On the Workbench for February 2012:
(This is all stuff that is partially finished; in no particular order)

15 28mm PA Survivors - 3, 5 man packs from Lead Adventure Miniatures 
26 Heroclix Figs* - Figures for conversion into sci-fi and horror gaming minis
16 x Pulp/Steampunk Minis* - 5 more figs added for the commision painting of some Fiendish Fabrications figures
20 Mantic Ghouls - Mantic Ghoul Regiment 

6 28mm Survivors - Obelisck Nighthawk gang 
2 x HotWheels Planes* - Conversions for 15mm post apocalyptic style games
5 28mm Vampires - Pontoonier Wierd West vampires for Two Hour Wargames.  Unfinished commission work that is grinding along on no certain timeline.

28mm Post Apoc Ruins Project - Ruins made from Gamecraft's Foamcore 6 story building.  This one is half done.
10mm Ruins Project - Foamcore ruins for a BTech style game using Mechwarrior figs; another half finished project. 
28mm Vehicles* - 6-8 vehicles for my survivor
15mm Suburbia - Paper/foamcore houses for suburban Lazarus. 
50 20mm WWII Russians - Minis for a semi defunct NUTS! East Front project I planned
2 T-34/85s - Same As Above
Various Fantasy/Sci Fi minis* - I have a box of old minis I use to try out techniques and hone my skills.  I have quite a few half painted figs that I'd like to finish


January's Finished Projects/Minis 
 (I will be posting these up through out the month, as I get photos and such)

5 x MegaMinis Forest Creatures - Critters for THWs, post pending.
20 28mm Zombies - Wargames Factory Plastic Zombies.
4 x 28mm PA Ruins - 3 more ruins for my PA project posted on ZSS last month.
8 28mm Survivors - The last of the Atcheson Designs ATZ figs.
1 x Horrorclix Dire Wolf - Posted on ZSS last month.

On The Workbench 01/12

I hope the new year finds everyone in good health.  Big plans this year, so let's get started.  Here's this month's "On the Workbench" post.  Despite all that went on last month, I did manage to complete several items.

The new items and projects that I added stuff to are denoted by an * next to them.

On the Workbench for January 2012:
(This is all stuff that is partially finished; in no particular order)

15 28mm PA Survivors - 3, 5 man packs from Lead Adventure Miniatures
20 Mantic Ghouls - Mantic Ghoul Regiment 
20 28mm Zombies - Wargames Factory Plastic Zombies
6 28mm Survivors - Obelisck Nighthawk gang 
5 28mm Vampires - Pontoonier Wierd West vampires for Two Hour Wargames.  Unfinished commission work that is grinding along on no certain timeline.
5 x MegaMinis Forest Creatures* - More commission work
11 x Pulp/Steampunk Minis* - Commission painting of some Fiendish Fabrications figures
8 28mm Survivors - Atcheson Designs ATZ figs.  Four down, eight to go.
28mm Post Apoc Ruins Project - Ruins made from Gamecraft's Foamcore 6 story building.  This one is half done.
10mm Ruins Project - Foamcore ruins for a BTech style game using Mechwarrior figs; another half finished project. 
28mm Vehicles* - 6-8 vehicles for my survivor; added another vehicle in November
15mm Suburbia - Paper/foamcore houses for suburban Lazarus. 
50 20mm WWII Russians - Minis for a semi defunct NUTS! East Front project I planned
2 T-34/85s - Same As Above
Various Fantasy/Sci Fi minis* - I have a box of old minis I use to try out techniques and hone my skills.  I have quite a few half painted figs that I'd like to finish


December's Finished Projects/Minis 
 (I will be posting these up through out the month, as I get photos and such)

20 Clicky Zombies - These will be up this month on this blog.
2 x Ral Partha Fantasy - A Ranger and a Rogue on ZSS
2 x Pontoonier Figures -  Mayan Vampire Priest and a Spanish Missionary, coming soon on ZSS
3 x 28mm PA Ruins - 3 more ruins for my PA project on ZSS
1 x Zombie Reindeer - Christmas greeting from WTL and the first mini in my 2012 FCM Challenge
4 x Acheson Creation ATZ Minis - Coming in a couple of days
28mm River Barge - Post Apoc watercraft on ZSS

On The Workbench - 12/11

Here's this month's "On the Workbench" post.  Despite my best efforts, I ended up adding more stuff to the pile of unpainted minis.  My finished items and new items offset each other, a bit.  Still, not a bad month's output for November.

The new items and projects that I added stuff to are denoted by an * next to them.

On the Workbench for December 2011:
(This is all stuff that is partially finished; in no particular order)

15 28mm PA Survivors* - 3, 5 man packs from Lead Adventure Miniatures
20 Clicky Zombies* - Beefing up the amount of clicky Zeds I have.
20 Mantic Ghouls* - Mantic Ghoul Regiment
20 28mm Zombies - Wargames Factory Plastic Zombies
6 28mm Survivors - Obelisck Nighthawk gang 
6 28mm Vampires - Pontoonier Wierd West vampires for Two Hour Wargames.  Unfinished commission work that needs to be done ASAP, as I've really let Ed down on this.  I have a feeling that I am just going to finish the project gratis
12 28mm Survivors* - Atcheson Creations ATZ figs.  I will be doing a review and size comparison on them, soon.
28mm Post Apoc Ruins Project - Ruins made from Gamecraft's Foamcore 6 story building.  This one is half done.
10mm Ruins Project - Foamcore ruins for a BTech style game using Mechwarrior figs; another half finished project.
28mm River Barge - Post Apoc watercraft
28mm Vehicles* - 6-8 vehicles for my survivor; added another vehicle in November
15mm Suburbia - Paper/foamcore houses for suburban Lazarus. 
50 20mm WWII Russians - Minis for a semi defunct NUTS! East Front project I planned
2 T-34/85s - Same As Above
Various Fantasy/Sci Fi minis* - I have a box of old minis I use to try out techniques and hone my skills.  I have quite a few half painted figs that I'd like to finish


November's Finished Projects/Minis 
 (I will be posting these up through out the monthr, as I get photos and such)

15mm Armor - USMC LAV-25 and a US Army M2 Bradley
30 28mm Zombies - Mantic Zombie Regiment Box (Look for this post over at Welcome To Lazarus in the future)
2 "Clicky" Zombies - (Look for this post in the future) 
1 Foundry Street Violence Figure (Look for this post in the future)
6 man 28mm Post Apoc gang - Junior's Salvage Crew
10 15mm Survivors -You can see the first half of the "Here"
15mm Suburban House Test - Test house for modeling a suburan area for Lazarus
1 "Clicky" Scarecrow Conversion - Not sure where this one will show up, yet.

Suburban Test House

Soon, my Lazarus campaign will move into the suburbs of the city.  I have nothing built, as far as terrain goes, for that setting.  I have about 5-6 different style paper house I can build, to give my neighborhoods some variety.  So, that's not a problem.  The issue I have is capturing the real feel of a US suburb.I could just plop my houses down on a green table top, but that would just look weird.  Drive ways are the answer.  How do I model them in an  easy and durable manner that, though?  I searched the web and found what I think is a great solution; roofing shingles!

I took a shingle, left over from my house being re-roofed.  I traced out the shape I wanted and cut it out.  Use a cheap utility knife, as these things will ruin an Xacto blade in a heart beat.  I then used wood glue to affix the paper and foam board house to the BACK SIDE of the shingle.  I painted the area around the edge brown and glued static grass to it.  I dry-brushed the areas that would be concrete grey and then painted in expansion joints.  I used green scratch pads for hedges and even made a little flower bed.  Here's the results

Here's an action shot with minis and vehicles for scale:

 

Going forward, here is what changes I am making to the process:

1. The driveways need to be longer, so two vehicles can be parked tail to nose in them.
2. Add back patios to the bases
3. I am going to lightly over-spray the base with grey primer, so I won't have to dry brush.  That'll lighten the color up, as well.
4. Paint the edges brown BEFORE gluing the houses on.
5. Find, or build AC units, satellite dishes, etc to add detail
6. I am going to use shingles for my suburban roads, as well.

"On The Workbench" - 11/11

I decided that as an ongoing feature, I am going to post a rundown of what I have on the work bench, and what I have completed from the previous month's list.  Some of the items will not be Zombie gaming related.  They do affect what I get done in regards to material for this blog, though.  So, I figure they are pertinent to the conversation.  Many of them will be dual use for Welcome To Lazarus and other projects.  I'll denote them with an asterisk.

The workbench in the Hobby Cave.  It's actually much better lit than the pic suggests.

If anything, this running dialog will keep me on track and help me prioritize what I need to get done.  Your input is more than welcome, and you never know.  Maybe if there is enough hue and cry, an item will get bumped to the top of the list, just to placate the masses.

On the Workbench for November 2011:
(This is all stuff that is partially finished; in no particular order)
15mm Armor - USMC LAV-25 and a US Army M2 Bradley *
30 28mm Zombies - Mantic Zombie Regiment Box
20 28mm Zombies - Wargames Factory Plastic Zombies
6 28mm Survivors - Obelisck Nighthawk gang *
2 "Clicky" Zombies - Ongoing conversions
6 28mm Vampires - Pontoonier Wierd West vampires for Two Hour Wargames.  Unfinish commision work that needs to be done ASAP, as I've really let Ed down on this.  I have a feeling that I am just going to finish the project gratis
12 28mm Survivors - Atcheson Designs ATZ figs.  I will be doing an indepth review and size comparison on them *
28mm Post Apoc gang - More survivors to battle in the rubble.
28mm Post Apoc Ruins Project - Ruins made from Gamecraft's Foamcore 6 story building.  This one is half done.
10mm Ruins Project - Foamcore ruins for a BTech style game using Mechwarrior figs; another half finished project.
28mm River Barge - Post Apoc watercraft
28mm Vehichles - 6-8 vehicles for my survivors *
15mm Suburbia - Paper/foamcore houses for suburban Lazarus. *
10 15mm Survivors - Figs from a company called "The Scene".  I have 5 Survivors and 5 Government types in the works. *
50 20mm WWII Russians - Minis for a semi defunct NUTS! East Front project I planned
2 T-34/85s - Same As Above
Various Fantasy/Sci Fi minis - I have a box of old minis I use to try out techniques and hone my skills.  I have quite a few half painted figs that I'd like to finish


October's Finished Projects/Minis
6 28mm Survivors - Look for them next Friday!*
2 28mm Aztec Vampire Maidens - Part of my sidetracked Weird West commision for THW
1 Steampowered Armored Suit - "Clicky" rebase and paint for Post Apoc gaming
90 15mm Rebel Minis (Zeds and Survivors) - Commision job for Scale Creep; looking forward to seeing what Mark does with them.  It'll be a hoot.
5 28mm Ruins - Part of my Post Apoc Ruins project