40K Lamenters: Intercessors

I finished off those assault marines from last time, as well as another five basic marines. They were so quick to paint compared to their Sternguard Veteran brethren from last month.

Assault Intercessors with heavy bolt pistols and chainswords.

Assault Intercessor Sergeant with plasma pistol.
 I used a transfer on his tilting plate- it looks a little flat.

His helmet is on his belt, and his bionic arm suggests an earlier plasma mishap.

Intercessors with bolt rifles.

Underslung grenade launcher.

Bolt rifle.

Auto bolt rifle.

Bolt rifle.

Auto bolt rifle.

I miss the days of the tactical squad with a heavy weapon and a special weapon. And the backbanner.

Skull-o-meter™: 21

How I paint Lamenter icons

 The Lamenters have a famously challenging chapter badge. Here's why I find it challenging:

• straight, parallel lines
• right angles
• symmetry
• perfect circle
• perfect squares
• painted on a curved surface

Each of these is its own challenge, and your brain will subconsciously identify irregularities and imperfections quite easily.

From @brushandboltgun

There are alternatives to freehand painting- transfers and 3D prints exist, but are not usable for every model. So here's how I approach mine. I use a #1 brush for every part of this process.

Key points:

• Perfection is the enemy of good enough
• Thin paints, careful strokes
• The en masse effect of several models will override any individual flaws.

I do this somewhere in the middle of the painting process- after the yellow but before the final details. I start with two thin coats of white.

I then use a pencil to plan the checks. I've tried a few different approaches- this is my current preferred approach. I've demonstrated this with a diagram, the actual pictures follow.

Here's how it actually looks at this stage:

Now you've pencilled in the pattern, carefully fill it with black. I use Army Painter SpeedPaint 2.0 Grim Black. Work hard at getting right angles and parallel lines.

Here's an actual model:

You'll tidy this up later. Now it's time for the heart. This is challenging due to the symmetry and the need to replicate a familar symbol dozens of times. I use Army Painter SpeedPaint 2.0 Slaughter Red, then Vallejo Vermilion.

Here are actual process pictures of the heart stage.

After this, I tidy up with white and black to get rid of irregularities and pencil lines. Done! I usually do about five of these at a time. The group effect at arm's length is quite satisfying and buries a lot of little flaws.

Practice makes perfect!

Next time: can I get these finished?