Painting Countdown to 2012: Update

My favorite new Kroot of Carrot squad. His eyes say "Oh shit ! Look out !"

I have been painting my ass off. If I can also paint off my belly, that would be extra great for my self-esteem and chances of being shirtless at the lake this summer.

I have updated my goals a bit, working hard to have my 2000 point Tau list and my 1500 point Space Marine list completed by January 1st, 2012. I have also changed my Raven Guard list, adding in another tactical squad and their drop pod.  


Here's some pics of what I've finished since my last painting update...

Kroot Carnivore Squad "Carrot".

Kroot Hounds: Part of the 2000 point "Banana" squad. I got them second-hand without legs, so I made some. 

XV-88 Broadside with two shield drones. I have two done for my 1500 point Tau list.

Helios pattern Crisis suit. Possibly the last Tau battlesuit I will ever paint until new ones come out.

"Banana" squad member. All 10 for the 1500 Point list are done.

To complete my 1500 point Space Marines I need to finish:

• 3 drop pods, two for the Tactical Squads and one for the Dreadnought. These are built, primed, and base coated.

• 1 Chaplain with a jump pack. He is built and in the final stages of painting. I need to complete the details and flock. I was never happy with the first chaplain I painted, and to make him more like the rest of his flock, he is a custom build. I am still working to figure out how I am going to finish him up. To make him distinct from the others, he will be in stark white armor.

• A 10-man Tactical Squad. These are built and primed. I am going to try a new painting method to get that Raven Guard black to look good. If I could go back to choose another a Space Marine chapter to paint, it would not be a black one. Black requires a great deal of subtlety to pull off really well- subtlety that I am often sorely lacking. I am working up from a black primer, base coating in Charadon Granite, highlighting in grays, and washing these out with coats Badab Black. The various details, such as shoulder pads and weapons, are painted at particular stages as required. It seems to work okay, but is time intensive and the results are less than satisfying.  

To complete my 1500 point Tau list I need to finish:

• Two Devilfish transports. These have been base-coated and some details filled in. I need to wash them with the ubiquitous Devlan Mud and start on the final details. I have magnetized both already and the drones are completely done. Due to an over excited use of weathering powder, I will probably redo the four engine pods. I was never happy with them anyway and they aren't that hard to work on. 

My 2000 point list requires me to finish:

• 10 Kroot from the Banana squad. These are base-coated and some details need to be added in before washing them, highlighting, rinsing and repeating.

• 10 Kroot from the Tomato squad. These are basically in the same state of completion as the above squad. 

Wow. So close. 

Those Orks in the drawer are getting restless.