Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Zzzzap! Finished Skaven Warp Lightning Cannon

I have to admit I'm behind on my blogging. Too much work and the strange need to see my family seem te be blocking my attempts to blather about my hobby online. I haven't even found the time to wax enthusiastic about the newly announced Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay edition (or the yet to be expanded upon announcement of the Age of Sigmar rpg). Then again, it will only arrive around August so there will be plenty of time for ranting and raving with an actual product in hand later. Around the last post I was preparing to paint a lot of different Skaven. As usual I did not finish them all (just yet). I did strip, repair and repaint this classic metal Warp Lightning Cannon.

Blast, blast, blast away my loyal chained up crew....as soon as I've moved to cover away from the machine...

This sculpt was the reason I purchased a small batch of second hand Skaven. At the time it was first produced I did not really have the funds to purchase expensive war machines like this one (and the classic Screaming Bell). Now with the newer models I do not really feel the need to buy the old Screaming Bell (I like the plastic one better). I did have the ambition to own a classic Warp Lightning Cannon for the simple reason that it looks different. Yes you can pose a bit with the new plastic kit, but these scratch built (by Skaven hands) super weapons should look vastly different if you ask me. Now lets compare.

The new cannon is slightly bigger, but they work together well. If I had not been lazy I would have made some scaffolding to reduce the size difference.
The sizing difference is mostly due to me wanting to make the other one as tall as the kit allowed. As tall as pictured is around the max. Also I should add that the neon green on the plastic cannon has not been added to the other cannon yet. The effect was accomplished with a nail polish powder called 'Pretty Me' (always gives me a giggle when applying it to Skaven), but I can't find it (some things are still missing after the move).

In front on the base is one of the ready to glue (badly painted) rats I have ready to add to bases like this.
Painting the metal model was fun at times even though every part managed to break off at least once during painting. My decision that pins should not be necessary was not quite right... I do love the crew with this machine. An armored up Engineseer and two chained Skaven Slaves with (what looks like) warpstone smashed into their skins (if it isn't, it is now thanks to my paint job).

The surroundings of this cannon are part of the new back yard that is mostly reminding me to build a damn display board...
On the whole it was a fun kit to paint. Working with metal has its moments from time to time. Right now I'm already back to very new plastics with a bunch of red robed machine god worshippers on the painting tray. If I find the time I'll update later this week as I'm attempting a speed paint with them. With the move practically finished (sans missing stuff and waiting for some replacement hobby room items) I have more time to hobby around. Only a new version of The Elder Scrolls or Fallout can stop me from yelling Bingo this year (even though this model doesn't earn me a dot) :D



4 comments:

  1. That metal lightning gun was always a cool bit of kit, from when GW war-machines looked like they might actually be functional (even if fantastical).

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    1. The old machines where so cool. I dream about re-acquiring a Goblobber, have a Man Mangler and occasionally regret selling of my Whirlwind and Tenderiser. Ah nostalgia :)

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  2. The old metal machines are kinda cool. I have the orcs and goblins machines and they are fantastic. The only new plastic kit I purchased is the Empire steam tank and I only have to say that it´s really awesome, great details and fits perfect.
    I love the way you painted your skavens machines, they look really cool.

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    1. Thanks! I agree with you on the Steam Tank. It is definitely on my wishlist of war machines.

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