One of the many things that appealed to me with this project is that fact that I did not have to paint many, many, many, many, and did I say many, miniatures of the exact same pose to be able to play. Sure, there’s that horde of zombies, and who doesn’t aspire to amassing a fully painted horde the size of Vampifan’s? But from a survivor point of view, I knew that I could simply paint up just enough to get started and add to them whenever I felt like it.
I was instantly drawn to Hasslefree Minatures Survivors range. With dynamic poses, an assortment of armaments, a cheeky nod to movie tie-ins and a good mix of male and female characters it seemed difficult to go wrong, so I initially opted to order just four miniatures with different weapons to get the ball rolling.
My survivors of choice were Eve (My other half yelled ‘Oooh, get Lara’), Ray (Shaun), Suzi (You can see her knickers, why wouldn’t you?) and Ken (Kenneth from the 2004 DOTD remake anyone?)
The purchase went smoothly and hand-written note and the sweet made me smile, which was nice; it is good to know the personal touch is not lost, thank you Hasslefree.
I wanted to try a different basing technique and having seen the Tengu Models advice I decided to give milliput a try for the first time and attempt a paving slabs effect. Thank you also to Jim for the pointers. I was pleased with the results however I think I will add a little extra ‘detritus’ and mix elements of milliput, gravel and other scattered randomness to future bases as the project progresses.
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| Milliput 'flagstone' bases |
I think the painting turned out ok however, although the models are playable they are not quite finished, requiring a little more highlighting before they finally get a coat of matt varnish.
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| Hasslefree Adventurers, almost finished. L-R: Eve, Ray, Ken and Suzi |
I agree - Hasslefree make some damn fine miniatures and I've got quite a few of them myself now, although I've yet to get 'Shaun' and 'Lara'. I'm sure I will at some point though!
ReplyDeleteWhat rules are you using Zombie Ad?
They are very fine miniatures. These are the only survivors I currently have, so I do need to expand the selection somewhat.
ReplyDeleteI'm using the 2005 version of ATZ, but I plan to purchase the current version once I have finished the majority of the buildings I have planned, so hoefully in the next couple of months.
Hi, Zombie Ad. I've just found your blog thanks to a heads up from Colin (cmnash). You've got off to a very impressive start. You're clearly a very talented painter. One of the beauties of painting zombies is that there is no right or wrong way to paint them. If you do make a mistake you can always cover it up with blood. Colin mentioned getting hold of some Tamiya Clear Red paint for your gore effects. I can't stress how good it is! Once you've tried it you'll wonder how you managed without it.
ReplyDeleteDon't worry too much about amassing a huge zombie horde. Little by little is the way to go, otherwise you risk burnout, not to mention a huge hole in your wallet if you buy too many at once! My favourite manufacturer of zombie miniatures is Studio, so you're off to a great start with your first purchase from them.
You win big brownie points from me by including WWG models amonst your buildings and scenery. Good man!
I love Hasslefree and I plan on reviewing lots of their adventurers very soon. I wish you nothing but the best for your blog and as well as becoming a follower of yours I've added you to my list of favourites, so hopefully you'll attract more followers.
Kind regards from Bryan aka Vampifan.
Hi Byran, thank you so much for your kind words and support, and thank you Colin for giving you the head's up.
ReplyDeleteI've been lurking your World of the Undead since I started the project last year and thought it only right to join the community and show what you have all inspired in me, including minatures and scenary vendors. It is probably the quickest progressing and most satisfying project I have undertaken in years and I'm loving every minute of it.
I've got Tamiya Clear Red on my shopping list thanks to you guys and will be sure to let you know how I get on.
Thanks again for all your support.
Welcome to the world of zombie wargaming blogs!
ReplyDeleteGreat painting, I love your Ray / Shaun miniature...and Suzi...and...
And I do like your zombie skin colours. I am still trying around to create something easily reproducable.
I gave up on sculpting pavement on my bases some time ago. Now some of my miniatures (like my main protagonist Mr. Whiteface) have square bases with sculpted pavement, but most of them use detailed round bases from Antenociti's Workshop.
Tamiya Clear Red...still looking for a vendor in my country. Not really satisfied with GW reds.
Now I am off to take a look at everything else you've posted.
Whiteface / Oliver
Thanks for the warm welcome Whiteface. The survivors still need some work to finish them off, they are my first attempt at painting on a white undercoat, the zombies are on a black basecoat and most of the credit has to go to the wonders of GW's Devlan Mud with some other washes here and there. Re: the bases. I think they can make or break a figure. The ones on the Studio Miniatures website are my target, often quite quite subtle, that's what I'm headed for now I'm happy to do a little scuplting.
ReplyDelete