15mm Khurasan forces are COMPLETE!

How long ago did I begin this project? Too long ago, for sure.

BUT...after some mishaps with experimentation, let me present to you:

First, let me tell you about my experience with the Secret Weapon weathering pigments. I must say, after watching Robin of Gruntz make it look so easy on his videos, I bought a few and eagerly awaited the chance to use them. This meant that I purposefully left out my customary drybrushing, and after the paint and wash had dried, I coated them and moved on to the pigments.

Problem: Details matter. Did you know?  Like, GLOSS COAT is not MATTE VARNISH. Using Gloss, like I normally do for protection, does NOT give the pigments any traction!  I was quite dismayed as I began dusting on the pigments and see no noticeable effects, except for where they gathered simply by resting on a flat surface. After a quick reconsulting of the Secret Weapon tutorials and a post to their Facebook page, I realized my idiocy...and rushed out and purchased Krylon Matte Finish varnish from my local Ace Hardware. It was a whopping $5...and not too late.

The snippet from our FB discussion:

Me: SO, the steps should have been: 1. Paint 2. Matte coat 3. Weathering pigments 4. Matte coat?
SW: Yes, you've got it now. Although I'll add that it also depends on what else you're doing. For instance it might be:

Paint
Gloss
Decals
Gloss
Washes
Matte
Oils
Matte
Pigments

So...after I coated the minis in the Matte Varnish, I COULD have gone back again and reapplied the pigments, and then recoated in Matte to finish them off again, but I was just DONE with them. They are good enough for tabletop gaming, and while I will be annoyed at myself till the end of time for doing this incorrectly, I'll know for the future.

Without further ado:

Blue Squad deploys in front of the town, enjoying the warm early morning sun:

Blue Squad revels in their Walker escort:

Green Squad checks the end of an alley for insurgents:

The Squad of Power Armor spots suspicious activity at the outskirts of town, and investigate...taking the short route:

Two Heavy Machine Gun crews cover the town from across the way:

The Main Battle Tank cruises along slowly, escorted by its canine team and handler:

Yellow Squad jumps out of their APC, eager for action:

A mass of Company Support Assets, ready for assignment, cluster in the staging area:

Company Commanders huddle in conference, comparing notes and weighing options (note the US Nickel base, setting them apart):

Representatives of the different squads gather for discussion (L to R: Purple squad, Senior Company leader, Company leader, Yellow Squad leader, Green Squad junior leader/Medic, Orange Squad medic, Company asset (unassigned) Light Support, Company asset Medium Support, Blue Squad Medium Support, Company asset HMG Heavy Support team):

Details of the Support Weapon markings:

Leadership markings (note, the Junior Squad Leader on the left is also a Medic, and only the Squad level leaders have squad colorings. The others are "Unassigned" grey, meaning they can fit where ever they need to be):

Lastly, just a quick shot of two "guys". Purple squad is a regular trooper, and the Orange Squad is a Medic (see his right shoulder):

The overall group shot again, as they patrol the quiet border town in the early winter sun:

Our playtest of Tomorrow's War is on this coming Tuesday. I cannot wait!

And now, for a quick gratuitous mention of Battlefield 3:

I play a TON of Call of Duty on my Playstation, but recently got REALLY into flying helicopters on BF3. I want to show you my favorite video on Youtube, AND the free download of that AMAZING song by Emancipator that I cant get enough of:

And to get Maps for free:
http://emancipator.bandcamp.com/album/free-downloads 

Have fun, and thanks for reading!