I've painted Farmer Maggot and his dogs: Grip, Fang and Wolf, for Middle Earth Strategy Battle Game. I've done them because they feature in the first scenario of the Quest of the Ringbearer book, which I have a mind to try playing through solo. The smaller scenarios (at least until Moria) are much easier to manage than War in Rohan for now.
Farmer Maggot was quick to paint and actually looks better in real life than in this photo (he has eyes, for one thing). He's a good rendition of the movie version of Maggot, but in my head the character was always much older.
This is the first hobbit that I've painted in a very long time, and they do paint up quickly. The temptation to get the Scouring of the Shire book is already building (which I guess was one of GW's reasons for including him in this book - crafty beggars).
The dog models have their names on the metal tabs, but I didn't check which one was which, so I'm calling this one Grip.
I'm not overly keen on the sculpts of the dogs, this one especially, Crooked Dice do better ones. They lack detail and definition. However, I'm pleased to have got something out of them with a combination of contrast, dry brushing and washes.
This on is Fang; you can see his teeth. It's definitely my favourite of the three, both in terms of sculpt and my painting, and prompted some googling of the colours of Rottweilers, which are impressive, if intimidating beasts.
Wolf is so named because he's the most wolf-like. I did him in much the same way I did my Alsatian from Crooked Dice, as I wasn't clear what breed he is.
Initially the brighter highlight I did felt like a mistake, but I think it's actually worked out okay.
In terms of the Quest of the Ringbearer, I have everything I need to get from Hobbiton to the Barrow Downs, so you can probably expect a few reports to start popping up soon.
Acquired: 25
Painted: 12
Nice work; looking forward to your Ringbearer quest!
ReplyDeleteCheers. I really want to get gaming again, even solo.
DeleteThese are still a lovely set of sculpts even by todays standard. Nice work Kieron!
ReplyDeleteThey are great. Only the plastics have dated and unlike a lot of modern sculpts, they aren't in stupidly acrobatic poses.
DeleteNice work
ReplyDeleteThanks
DeleteGreat stuff Kieron! I've been eyeing this set myself, as well as the book like yourself... it's only money right 😀
ReplyDeleteThanks. Indeed, although I had a sharp intake of breath when I looked at how much nine mounted ringwraiths cost.
DeleteFor only one scenario...
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