Hey guys! I'm super stoked to finally say that my combat patrol is done! It's been a journey, a real labor of love, and I'm so excited to share my thoughts and reflections on the whole process. From the initial planning stages to the final brushstrokes of paint, this project has been a rollercoaster of challenges, triumphs, and a whole lot of learning. So, let's dive in and I'll walk you through my experience, the choices I made, the hurdles I overcame, and what I'm planning to do next. I hope this helps some of you who are maybe just starting your own combat patrols or those who are thinking about diving into the hobby!
The Beginning: Choosing My Faction
Choosing my faction was the first and arguably the most important decision in this whole process. The faction you choose really sets the tone for the entire project, influencing everything from the models you'll be working with to the play style you'll adopt on the tabletop. For me, it wasn't just about picking the strongest faction or the one with the coolest lore (though those were definitely factors!). It was about finding a faction that I connected with on a personal level. I needed a faction that sparked my imagination, that made me excited to build and paint miniatures, and that I felt a genuine enthusiasm for playing. This connection, I believe, is crucial for staying motivated throughout the long process of building and painting a combat patrol.
I spent weeks researching different factions, reading lore, looking at miniatures, and even watching battle reports to see how they played on the tabletop. There were so many compelling options! Some factions had incredibly rich histories and detailed backstories, while others boasted stunningly designed models that I couldn't wait to get my hands on. In the end, I narrowed it down to a few key contenders, each with its unique appeal. Ultimately, what helped me make my decision was thinking about what kind of stories I wanted to tell on the tabletop. What kind of army did I envision myself commanding? What kind of victories did I want to achieve? These questions helped me focus on what truly mattered to me in a faction, and they led me to the choice I ultimately made. This initial step is so important guys, don't rush this step, think and consider your options.
Building the Core: Model Assembly and Preparation
Once I'd chosen my faction, it was time to dive into the actual building process. This is where the real work began, and where I started to truly feel like I was bringing my combat patrol to life. Model assembly can be a daunting task, especially if you're working with a large number of miniatures or models with intricate details. The key to success here is patience. Don't rush the process. Take your time to carefully read the instructions, identify the parts, and plan your assembly. I found it helpful to break the process down into smaller, more manageable steps. Instead of trying to assemble an entire unit in one sitting, I focused on assembling a few models at a time. This helped me avoid feeling overwhelmed and allowed me to maintain a higher level of focus and attention to detail.
Before I started gluing anything together, I made sure to clean the parts thoroughly. This removes any mold release agents or residue that might interfere with the glue or paint. A simple wash with warm, soapy water is usually sufficient. After the parts were clean and dry, I carefully removed them from the sprue using clippers. It's important to use sharp clippers and to cut the parts as close to the sprue as possible to minimize any excess plastic. Then, I used a hobby knife to carefully clean up any remaining sprue gates or mold lines. This is a crucial step for ensuring a smooth and clean finish on your models.
As I assembled the models, I paid close attention to the pose and positioning of each miniature. I wanted my combat patrol to look dynamic and engaging on the tabletop, so I experimented with different poses and arm positions. This is your chance to inject some personality into your army, to tell a story through the way your models are posed. I also made sure to leave certain parts unglued, such as arms or heads, if I planned to paint them separately. This can make the painting process much easier, especially for hard-to-reach areas.
The Artistic Touch: Painting My Miniatures
Painting is arguably the most rewarding aspect of the hobby for me. It's where you get to truly bring your miniatures to life, transforming them from grey plastic to vibrant, characterful representations of your chosen faction. But let's be honest, it can also be intimidating, especially for beginners. The key here is not to strive for perfection right away. Start with the basics, learn the fundamental techniques, and gradually build your skills. There are tons of resources available online, from tutorials and guides to videos and forums, so don't be afraid to ask for help or advice.
I started by priming my models with a thin, even coat of spray primer. Primer provides a consistent surface for the paint to adhere to, and it also helps to protect the plastic from damage. I chose a primer color that complemented my chosen faction's color scheme. Once the primer was dry, I began applying the base coats. Base coats are the foundation of your paint job, and they provide the main colors for your models. I used a combination of brush painting and airbrushing for this stage, depending on the size and complexity of the area I was painting. The most important thing at this stage is thin, even coats. Multiple thin coats are always better than one thick coat, as they prevent the paint from obscuring details and ensure a smoother finish.
Next came the layering and highlighting. This is where you add depth and dimension to your models, making them look more realistic and visually appealing. Layering involves applying progressively lighter shades of the base color to the raised areas of the model, creating a subtle gradient effect. Highlighting takes this a step further by adding the lightest shades to the very edges and corners, creating sharp contrasts and drawing the eye to the most important details. For me, this part was where everything started to come together and it was exciting.
Finally, I added the details: the eyes, the insignia, the battle damage, the weathering effects. This is where you can really personalize your models and tell their story. I spent hours carefully painting tiny details, adding highlights and shadows, and trying to capture the character of each individual miniature. It was a time-consuming process, but it was also incredibly rewarding. Seeing the finished models, with all their intricate details and vibrant colors, made all the effort worthwhile.
Basing and Presentation: Completing the Look
Basing is often overlooked, but it's a crucial step in completing your miniatures and presenting them in the best possible light. A well-based model not only looks more visually appealing, but it also helps to tie your entire army together, creating a cohesive and thematic force. There are countless ways to base your miniatures, from simple sand and flock to elaborate dioramas. The key is to choose a basing style that complements your chosen faction and the overall aesthetic you're trying to achieve.
I started by applying a layer of texture to the bases. I used a combination of sand, gravel, and small rocks to create a natural, uneven surface. Once the texture was dry, I primed it and painted it in a base color that matched the terrain I was trying to represent. Then, I added highlights and shadows to the texture, bringing out the details and creating a more realistic look. Next, I added flock, tufts, and other decorative elements to the bases. This is where you can really personalize your bases and add some visual interest. I used a variety of different colors and textures to create a diverse and natural-looking landscape.
Finally, I added any special details or effects that I wanted to include, such as static grass, snow effects, or water effects. These can really elevate your bases and make them stand out. I also made sure to clean up any glue residue or stray basing materials that might have gotten onto the models. A clean base is just as important as a well-painted model.
Final Thoughts: Lessons Learned and Future Plans
Completing my combat patrol has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I've learned so much about the hobby, from model assembly and painting techniques to basing and presentation. But more importantly, I've learned a lot about myself. I've discovered my patience, my creativity, and my ability to persevere through challenges. This project has taught me the value of setting goals, breaking them down into smaller steps, and celebrating the small victories along the way. It's also taught me that it's okay to make mistakes, as long as you learn from them.
Looking back on the whole process, there are definitely things I would do differently next time. I would probably spend more time planning my color scheme and experimenting with different painting techniques. I would also try to be more organized and keep better track of my progress. But overall, I'm incredibly proud of what I've accomplished. My combat patrol looks fantastic, and I can't wait to field them on the tabletop. So guys, the most important thing to remember is to have fun.
So, what's next for me? Well, I'm already thinking about my next project. I'm considering expanding my combat patrol into a full army, or maybe starting a completely new army from scratch. I'm also interested in trying out some new painting techniques, such as non-metallic metal (NMM) and wet blending. The possibilities are endless, and that's what makes this hobby so exciting. Thanks for following along on my journey, and I can't wait to share my next adventure with you!
