bench update 01 June 2023

Well these are okay! I've got the best three LCh for the 3.0 list Hyksos - luckily the general is one of the three - and with ochre and stone (grey grout with grit mixed in) they are not going to look too badly out of place next to allies like sherden or libyans.

Same goes for the Bd and Ps elements. Don't get me wrong, they are far short of perfect. Once I am through the far side of new army builds I suspect I'll circle back.

bench update 31 May 2023

Bits n pieces work - before getting into the camelry, I'm experimenting with renovating the existing bases of my Hyksos side. That is, the old olive colored ones that don't match the later ochre-and-stone ones. Just overpainting will not do, because they have sawdust flock. So I've spread ivory grout on, but won't be throwing grit down until I have ochre paint on.

If this does not work, I'll have to chisel the minis out and base them properly!

Libyan I/7b awaiting matt spray

Not much to say - the base finish is ochre over ivory grouting latex, mixed grit dry brushed with silver-grey, and gamers grass swamp? Something burnt-looking anyway. Not great compared to some of the other chariots-r-go sides but ok enough. I can always add some herb sprinkles or thin olive wash patches later.

bench update 28 May 2023

Gosh I wish every weekend could see this kind of progress! The good combo of weather and pressure I'm feeling combined to see me speed-painting the Libyans and getting them onto bases. I even had time to glue the LCh crew in.

Speed-finished minis - I stuck with 50-50 varnish/flesh wash, then went back over hair. White highlights and probably cape detailing remain. 

Ivory latex grouting, from Selleys. It holds moisture well, allowing enough time to go back over all bases with mixed-size grit in a wet solution.

Grit will need to be applied later, once ochre color is done. The staining is from a wash of the same varnish/flesh. Crew have bases (and feet) trimmed down to fit, then superglue is used. 

bench update 27 May 2023

Bulk painting is all done today, and the LCh mounts are done too, which is a relief. Carefully reaching through a base to get to hard to reach spots is not something I like to try!

Looming in the background of this shot is the pile of camelry that arrived recently to fill the gaps in Bedoiun and one of the Andalusian/Saracen variants. The pressure is on!

bench update 21 May 2023

Today I focused on the LCh again, getting them to the point where they are fixed to bases. I seem to remember needing very firm platforms when it comes to fixing the crew in. Once these are dry I can finish up the harness, shading of beasts, etc.

I also tested a couple of washes as a way to finish the foot without over-darkening. The mini on far right has an Army Painter flesh wash, which is probably the way to go (mixing with varnish, I mean).

bench update 20 May 2023

The last couple of days I've turned my attention to the LCh. Sorting out which minis to use as general and driver and archer has the useful side-effect of confirming the Libyans are only good for the 7b side, the period where they swung the same big bronze swords as other post-Troy foes of Egypt.

Drivers

Base coated LCh- they are not fixed to those bases, it just seemed convenient to use them