Today is all about the robots. Big freaking, retro, robots. The kind that gave 1950s America nightmares. That's right, I've finally finished the Kastelans and their Cybernetica Datasmith.
These models are so cool. I really love the 50s retro-vision-of the-future stylings. I know it's not to everyone's taste but I really dig it. These models I found really easy to get to the 'clean' painting stage. Spray with Wraith bone. Pick out the metal bits. Agrax Earthshade recess wash. Add some blue bits. Done.
Then along comes the weathering. There was many many hours sat chipping away at the chipping. I lost track of the number of Discord hobby chats where all I could say was "Chippy Chippy Chip Chip." However, despite the sheer amount of effort it was totally worth it. Once the chipping was done then comes the grime wash with Vallejo's Fuel Stains.
The Kastelans can take any combination of Grabby Hands, Shooty Hands, and Flamey or Shooty shoulder weapons. I couldn't decide if I wanted a flexible loadout, a ranged loadout, or a melee loadout. So I ordered a bunch of magnets and had all three. Yup, each hand and should weapon is magnetised for easy swapping around. When I did this before with the Helbrutes in my Thousand Sons army I made the mistake of inverting the polarity. This time I was so much more careful to keep it the same. Makes life easier.
Finally we have the Cybernetica Datasmith, or the Robo-Shepherd as I've been calling it. It's been painted in the standard fashion and there isn't too much to say beyond that it's a lovely little model. It's just a shame that it is sooooo monopose that any dupicates will be easily spotted. I think a little bit of conversion and a headswap should lessen that.
Secret Bonus Content for anyone who read to the end! As a break from all the chipping I made a few objective markers out of spare bits. It was fun throwing random components at a base and seeing what came out of it. As these are supposed to be lost archeotech I've gone pretty heavy with the rust. The process was basically stippling lots of browns and oranges, starting with the darkest, then giving it all a good wash of Nuln Oil. The other texture comes from Nihilakh Oxide which got washed over anything that felt like a copper or brass part.
That is going to be it for a little while of the Adeptus Mechanicus. I'm up to a solid 1500 points worth and need to work out what the next batch is going to be. In the meantime I've been working on my 6mm Napoloenic project. Updates pending for that one.