I have been painting Zulus for a few weeks now, 240 completed so far, and felt it was time for a change of subject.
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| The 1:72 scale plastic Zulus completed so far. |
The perfect excuse arrived with a postal delivery of some Star Wars Legion models I had spotted on sale. Some Wookiees and B2 Battle Droids were quickly painted up and added to my growing Star Wars collection, adding a bit more variety of units in my skirmish games.
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| Battle droids. |
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| Wookiees. |
While I had my Star Wars figures out, I decided to upgrade the Emperor model. It is a nice enough model, but it looks like an old man rather than a truly menacing figure, even when accompanied by his bodyguard. To give him a bit more menace, I decided to try and add some bolts of crackling energy coming from his raised hand.
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My current model of the Emperor lacks menace.
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| Adding his body guard helps increase the level of menace. |
This was done by bending some wire into shape, coating it with glue, and sprinkling sand over it for texture. Once dry, I sealed it with a second layer of glue before painting it in successive layers of mid-blue, light blue, and white to try and create an energy effect. A small hole was drilled into the Emperor’s raised hand, allowing the wire to slot neatly in place. This means the energy effect can be added or removed as needed.
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| "Luke, turn to the dark side!" |
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| It can be removed when not needed. |
Later this week I have a remote Blood Red Skies game scheduled which will be part of my Battle of Britain campaign.
Your Zulu army is fair taking shape, Star Wars figures look great, really like the Wookies, great work all round.
ReplyDeleteThe Zulus will be back on the painting table very soon, they are my 2026 project.
DeleteI don't know, I think Palpatine looks pretty menacing Peter. Love the 'force blast (detachable)'
ReplyDeleteI am hoping the energy blast will give home more presence on the tabletop. He tends to disappear when not surrounded by his body guard.
DeleteNice one Peter. A change is as good as a rest!
ReplyDeleteIt is, I am now prepared and ready for the next batch of Zulus.
DeleteZulu’s - you big bases fit the subject perfectly.
ReplyDeleteThe Emperor - excellent application of a visual effect.
I am looking at using 6 large Zulu bases for a unit.
DeleteYou are keeping your brush flying, Peter! I look forward to your next aerial encounter.
ReplyDeleteI will be sending through the scenario for the next campaign turn.
DeleteGreat work on the Zulus Peter. You are getting through them.
ReplyDeleteThe robots and the Wookies are certainly a change from Zulus!
The Emperor's bolts of energy certainly make him look nasty and evil.
I like painting the Star Wars figures which were a nice break from painting Zulus.
DeleteNice paintwork and cracking job with the Emperor's energy effect.
ReplyDeleteThanks. He should stand out on the tabletop a bit more.
DeleteGreat painting models!
ReplyDeleteThanks. I have had a good spell of painting over the past few weeks. I just hope it lasts.
DeleteBrilliant work on the Emperor and his detachable lightening bolts:)!
ReplyDeleteThank you. Originally I was not planning to make the energy bolts detachable, but it fortunately just worked out that way.
DeleteYou are progressing brilliantly with the Zulus. That bolt of 'out of control' force looks great. The small hole is well disguised in his cloak.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes, James
I got into a good painting routine with the Zulus. Hopefully I can get back into that when I return to painting them.
DeleteAn impressive looking collection of lulu's so far Peter and the addition to the emperor looks great 👍
ReplyDeleteThanks. I suspect I will take the reset of this year to complete the Zulus.
DeleteNice 👏👏 When completed, how many Zulus will you be able to field? Please remember it doesn’t have to be thousands of ‘em - although many wargamers would like it to be.
ReplyDeleteI think the thing with the Emperor is that he doesn’t necessarily need to look imposing - it’s probably just enough that everyone knows he has mighty, mighty powers.
Cheers,
Geoff
I have enough boxes of Zulus to field 600 once painted, but I suspect I will be stopping at around 400. I made a mistake and over ordered.
DeleteEnjoyed your Star Wars report. If you think your “Emperor Lacks Menace” (a new Star Wars prequel?) you should see the one in my collection, from the 54mm Star Wars Command Galactic Empire set one with his blue Vaudeville Jazz Hands!
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy painting up the Star Wars miniatures, and it sounds like any prequel should be a musical!
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