Ruckdog's Firestorm Armada Terrans

[Ruckdog]

I've finally gotten around to starting in on painting the new Terran models I picked up a while back. Here is my test model, one of the frigates:









As you can see, I've added some decals to this one; the number on the starboard bow is the squadron designation, while the number on the starboard engine housing is the ship's hull number. The port engine housing carries the squadron emblem. All the blue trim is an organizational identifier for the task force the squadron belongs to. And finally, the white stripe on the nose of the ship indicates it is the squadron flagship. This is the same basic scheme I used on my Mk. I terran ships, but I wanted to make the scheme brighter overall and include a little more color. I also wanted to shift to decals as opposed to hand written or painted markings, for a neater appearance. Here is a comparision shot between this frigate and one of my earlier efforts so you can see the difference:

[Andrewchristlieb]

If I haven't said it already I'm really digging the blue on these too. I'm doing something similar on my Syndicate Spur, now if I can just squeeze some time in to finish it up. 

[Landlubber]

Ruckdog, you continue to set a pretty high bar for painting standards. Those ships look great.

[Ruckdog]

Ok! With some of my DW back-log out of the way, it is time to turn back to the Terrans.



On the docket is:
1 Dreadnought
1 BB
3 Cruisers
3 Frigates
2 Destroyers
2 Shield Cruisers

I'm excited to finally start in on these models; some of them I've had for several years!

[MajorMcNicol]

Looking good!  Side by side those new Terran ships look great!

We'll have to get some games in soon!

[Landlubber]

Bet you guys $5 he has them painted to show-quality by Sunday....

In my limited Firestorm experience, it seems to me that the Terrans had the biggest and probably best aesthetic upgrade from 1.0 to 2.0. The new Terran sculpts just look really, really good.  That said, I cannot figure out why Spartan hasn't yet updated the Terran destroyers. They look TERRIBLE compared to the other Terran ships. Actually, to me, they look like they belong to a different fleet completely. With as important a role in the fleet as the destroyers play, it just boggles my mind that they didn't get a new hull along with all the other 2.0 ships.

Just my $0.02. As always, Ruckdog, can't wait to see how these look when you're done!

[Ruckdog]

Bet you guys $5 he has them painted to show-quality by Sunday....

LOL, I don't think I'll quite get that far. I have made some progress, though; here is a quick update shot:



I've gotten the drybrushing done, and the base coat on for the blue areas on the FFs and DDs.

[Ruckdog]

Just finished highlighting the blue:

[Ruckdog]

Another quick update:



I've gotten all the painted markings done, base coated the metallics, and applied a coat of Glosscote. Next step is decals!

[Landlubber]

Can't wait to see the finished product! As much as I don't like the Terran destroyer models, you're making them look really good.

[Last Rites]

These are gonna be sweet. Can tell already.

[Andrewchristlieb]

Can't wait to see the finished product! As much as I don't like the Terran destroyer models, you're making them look really good.

+1 They don't look flat which by itself is a huge improvement!

[Ruckdog]

Alright! This first batch is done:



You can see some more shots here:

http://manbattlestations.com/forum/index.php?topic=826.0

Time for the next batch! I'm starting in on the carrier and shield cruisers:

[markymark1970]

Nice Terrans!

Do you paint the pegs on your stands?  They look silverish-gray. 

[Ruckdog]

Nice Terrans!

Do you paint the pegs on your stands?  They look silverish-gray.

They are actually made of Aluminum...I employ Corsec's Omnistand system for my fleets:

http://corseceng.com/omni-stand/