Sorry for the delay, but was unable to have both Haradrim and Arabs together at the same place for quite a while - but here's a comparison picture:



Most historicals (Perry and ebob being the main exceptions) are a bit chunkier than the traditional LotR scale, but later LotR releases have been approaching the same proportions. As such, there's a noticable diffence (especially in head size) between e.g. the Haradrim infantry and plastic cavalry, which is why I included the leftmost figure in the photo - a conversion with the lower half of a warrior, while being a raider from the waist upwards. I'd say there are certainly ways to make them fit in.

Another update, this time containing an actual painted LotR figure (about time again I suppose).

Never liked the plastic wood elves, which is why my first two boxes (back then good for 48 models) were just painted in flat colours followed by some washes splashed on. Have been itching to get a small Mirkwood army however (with those lovely Hobbit plastics), so I wanted to test some colours first (before applying them to those costly figures). My least favourite sculpt of my least favourite set then proved quite useful. Quite liked how he painted up, I tried using a limited palette to tie the colours together a bit. Picture turned out surprisingly well, with artificial light, flash photography and a mediocre camera.

Note that the freehand on the base rim is the result of some experimenting, something like that may feature on the triangular pieces of clothing of the Rangers. Not sure how to do a nice flower yet, but the vine with leaves could work.

I really like him and think you should paint all 48 to that standard. It would look great!

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Backlog Status is getting worse all the time...

2014 Backlog Oathtaker (3 points)

Really like the base patterns really adds to the theme of the character

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Harfoots-The first of the Hobbit people to cross over the Misty Mountains and enter Eriador.

Cheers!

Not sure if repainting minis is the best way to get rid of the voluminous backlog, but I may do it for a single warband perhaps (allied in, led by Legolas). Having now seen the Rangers in person though, I'll certainly enjoy painting those a good deal more. Lovely figures.

Here the latest and very random addition to this thread: Santalf the Red!



And in comparison to the original Gandalf figure (painted terribly, I hope you can just about make out 10 years of progress there).

Love Santa Gandalf, brilliant idea, very well executed.

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Really cool.

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Backlog Status is getting worse all the time...

2014 Backlog Oathtaker (3 points)

That Santa is amazing dude nice work hahaha

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BLACKHAWK 2010 2013 2015 DYNASTY

Cheers guys - happy new year!

Although I was not planning to repaint any of my six dozen old plastic wood elves, about one sprue's worth of figures were still unpainted - perfect, as I wanted a nicely painted warband potentially to be led by Legolas (if not leading new Elves). Not to mention the fact that they'll be the basis for a Battle Company.

Here is the full company, note that they are of course still WIP! Just painted the base colours for all areas and gave everything (bar hair and skin) a black wash. Only the cloaks and tunics are currently finished.

Here seperately. First model will later be Thranduil, King of the Woodland Realm: hence the two swords, he will also get armour of course. For the Battle Company, he'll be Galenduil (Lieutenant). In order of appearance, the others are: Ithiliel (Sergeant - modified Sentinel), Celephir, Oroloth, Anorhir, Arthrandir (Sergeant) and Angduir.


Also finished the first Mirkwood Ranger (aside from two small things I just noticed in the pictures).

Looking forward to seeing the whole band together on the board across me, and to set my traps for them..!

They certainly look marvelous!

Cheers, you'll be pleased to see that all company members are done now (aside from Ithiliel's hair: forgot my orange paint!), and even a bit of progress on Thranduil.

First a minor update: 4 bowstrings! Every time I make them, I forgot how I successfully made them the time before, so it's trial-and-error all over again. These bow sculpt also don't lend themselves to stringing very well, but the end result is alright.



Then all the painting:


Finally, a little bit of sculpting on Thranduil, halfway there to become King of the Woodland Realm. Long chainmail under the coat (at leg slit and collar), a left hand (similar to the right one - rings to be added later) and now mainly a pair of spaulders to add.

Much prefer Thranduil with 2 swords.

Well painted all round mate.

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That second sword works well with the pose, well thought out and executed.

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Nice work going on here! Nice conversion on thranduil

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Im doing sculpting and painting Service

Thanks guys, much appreciated.

Another few simple and slightly less simple modifications below, but first: a little bit of painting.


Well, I said it was only a little bit, right? 8 more of the unattractive old Elvesies, to form a warband with the previous 4 normal ones. A few conversions in the front row.

Was pretty much getting started with the painting, when I was interupted by a delivery (never bad). That means that in the pic below, Thranduil didn't just get his spaulders (may add a decorative rim/pattern before painting), he now also boasts a mighty bodyguard. Immediately set about building them, but not before I took off those weird 'flappy ears'. Much, much better this way, and so simple. Armoured Mirkwood guys will likely be modified similarly.


Not just plastic in the box though. Hereby I present to you: Tauriel the no-longer-exiled. Difficult to believe people genuinely thought (think?) this one is no better or indeed worse than the lifeless plastic version. Still, she has to lead some Rangers, so a bow was required. Kindly donated by the female Mirkwood Ranger in 'dancing/spinning' pose. Had to attach the quiver higher than for others, but this works nicely I'd say. Still some gaps to fill.

Great conversion

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I like what you have done with Thranduil and Tauriel. I will keep an eye out for the painted versions.

Nice work on the conversions! I have to admit I thought the Thranduil grey was a female... Arwen with 2 swords? I am losing the plot

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More to come!

When I first saw your Thranduil conversion, I thought it was a bit naff, but after seeing your sculpted additions, I think I prefer it to the other model. Tauriel is fantastic and I will shamelessly be nicking that idea.

The wood elves look wonderful and you should be proud.

Keep on plugging through the backlog mate!

VG

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"Dark have been my dreams of late."

Many thanks for the very kind words, guys.

Done a bit of work on various Mirkwood figures, but not enough to show.. yet. That's what happens when being distracted by those monthly challenges! So here is this month's entry, good ol' Skully. No doubt the best looking Orc in my collection (not that that means much, most were painted 10+ at a time many years ago. And: he's an Orc).


Should have my first Palace Guard done soon, and Thranduil himself has found himself a bit of colour as well. Loads of work left though.. and loads of figures.