Aeronautica Imperialis - Orc Dakka Dakka Fighta Bomba - Trials and Tribulations ...

Oh, I felt so relieved when I could call this project done. Sigh. You secretly know to yourself when you are overworking something and that is what I was doing here - but I honestly could not see a way to stop myself. I was overthinking the problem. The formula I used for the previous "Red" little Orc fighters just did not seem to work well at all for this "Yellow" two man (sorry Orc) fighter bomber, and it was only ever so slightly bigger a modal. In hindsight I thought I had possibly even overworked the "Red" Dakka Dakka fighters (but in my defense I was applying multiple thin coats rather than one thick one) but I liked the "Red's" resulting "comic book" character and the depth of colour I had achieved (so the pain and time was worth it - even enjoyable), however trying the same technique on the "Yellow Terror" seemed to tie me down in too much of a repetitive cycle of coats of watery yellow paint that did not quite cover. Yargh! Working up from a shade of light orange was a very bad starting point, it meant I had to work double as hard to effectively change from this "orange" colour. More fool me for using the Vallejo Game Colour chart that is good for small fantasy figures on small areas (see below, my Flaming/Hot Orange starting point, it should have been a simple Golden Yellow on a white primer [I had used Airfix Grey Primer]): 

I say all the above the stuff about orange and yellow because I slavishly applied a brown wash to get a ugly feeling of rust in the paneling, cracks and missing parts that are a signature trait of "orc craftsmanship" (see below, but everything just went a "darker orange"): 

The model started taking off when I finally got a couple of coats of Golden Yellow onto it (see below, this was the colour of the planes that harassed and attacked me in the iPhone game of Freeblade .. and I so liked shooting them down as they exploded beautifully .. hats of the the graphic designers, animators and computer programmers for a job well done):  

Again slavish to the "rust concept" I plonked another layer of brown wash on it (see below, oops I think I am missing a trick here as I pretty much undid all the brighter yellowness of the previous stage for not much texture gain, and in hindsight I was putting a lot of paint on the model - less is good in most cases): 

At this point Sun Yellow came to rescue me from insanity, the first coat starts to bring me round to the yellow look I an after (see below, but it was very patchy and would definitely need another coat - seriously I am putting too much paint on this model .. and I cannot get the knack of putting thin coats of yellow on it to look right, so in desperation I am globbing more Sun Yellow paint on than I know is really right):  

At this point I honestly could have easily given up on the Orc Fighta Bomba and who knows in a none Covid-19 scenario I might well have done. Instead of aborting, I took a big deep breath and left it alone for a while and busied myself in another concurrent ACW project I have on the go (more on that in a future post). I came back when my painting frustrations were abated (also with a tick in the box for the ACW project) and with a nice strong cup of tea in hand, plus a plate of calming chocolate digestive biscuits I (see below [although the natural light is on the dim side], the second coat of Sun Yellow seemed to saved the day and I resisted the brown wash on the yellow [good decision] - but I did re-apply the brown wash and needed to do some black lining on the silver leading edge paneling):  

Now I just went full-throttle for the finish, using Moon Yellow and a very slight touch up on the silvery bits (see below, you may also notice a bit of brassy gold applied [and a subtle brown wash] to various pipe things and vent things as a contrast to the silver/gun metal): 

The beast is complete, but it did have one final bite to give me. My big clumsy mitts managed to either smear some red on the canopy and nose, or rub yellow paint off to expose the orange .. urk, it looked a mess .. but I took a deep breath and undercoated it white so I could reapply the Moon Yellow. In a spur of the moment decision the leftover white+yellow paint ended up being dabbed a random patches of super highlight (see below, all-in-all it seems to have worked and I am fairly happy with the final results): 

Time has truly expired on this one, but as a final touch .. or should I say insurance .. if there was ever a model that needed a strong coat of varnish over it to protect it from rough handling, this is the one! Note to self: I put that last bit in to remind myself to do it later ;) 

The only remaining thing to do is get it in a game and take delight in shooting it down!

The Painting Tray .. A couple of Months ago ..

I pulled together rather a random collection of wargaming toys to "keep me going through Covid" and the Painting Tray in general ticking over. A 15mm Achaemenid War Tower to flesh out a Cyrus the Great DBA army (I have have this years) and the last of three Orc Dakka Dakka Jets from Aeronautica Imperialis - a relatively new 2020 acquisition (see below, I have actually completed that Orc Dakka Dakka jet in quick time and have subsequently moved onto the two-man [rear gunner] Orc Fighta Bomba aka Me110 look-a-like):  

Continuing on the Aeronautica Imperialis theme I also undercoated the two Imperial Marauder bombers .. although I must confess a real lack of enthusiasm to complete these "big birds" (very WWII Mitchell/Marauder look-a-likes). More interestingly are the Revell ACW 20mm Union troops that I intend to pitch against their Confederate brethren (see below, the painting "mojo" is slightly [very] waning on the ACW front, but little bits every day is the key to progress - the One Hour Wargames is still the intended wargame rules set - although Bob Cordery's Portable Wargame is also interesting for this period): 

Updates (and deviations on projects) on progress to follow shortly ;) 

Dakka Dakka Attack Jets Rumble with the Imperial Navy (AI 40K) - Game 2

The Orc War Boss raged as the Orcling's Dakka Dakka Jet's blip disappeared from the crude radar apparatus. He turned and pointed to the three surely looking young Orcs. "Waaagh". The Orcs understood their leader's order. The Dakka Dakka Jets took off in unison hell bent on revenge. Soon enough they had their chance (see below, three Orc Dakka Dakka Jets tangle with a pair of Imperial Navy Thunderbolts - winner takes all): 

The speed of the Orc Dakka Dakka Jet has to be respected but it first must be controlled and all three Orcs are guilty of overshooting their original marks (see below, the temptation of running up to speed 8 was just too much for these young hot-heads, dangerous as the Navy pilots had a height advantage and have planes that can turn):  

The battle suddenly became a twisting turning fight that teh Navy pilots liked, with two Dakka Dakka Jets again over shooting but remaining safe while the third lay in the cross hairs of "both" Navy Thunderbolts - this little Orc surely was fried chicken! (see below, despite being in the optimum "middle range/killing zone" of both auto-cannon (6 dice) and lasers (2 dice) [rolled for twice], the Navy pilots missed a sitting duck [perhaps putting each other off] - something they could well live to regret latter, be sure to take your chances quickly when they come in Aeronautica Imperialis):  

The Navy pilots then faced a nightmare of their own creation, two Orc Dakka Dakka Jets up 'close and personal' in the Orc Dakka Dakka Jet "close-in killing zone" each wielding a hefty load of firepower (8 dice) and with the Orcs holding the initiative, at least one Orc jet would get to "fire first". Perhaps it was inexperience (or just plain bad dice rolls) but the young Orc muffed his chance and only inflicted a inconsequential amount (one hit) of damage to the sturdy Thunderbolt's frame (see below, the bottom Orc jet misses his chance [badly]): 

With the immediate threat to himself gone the Navy pilot coolly decides to "take out" the medium range Orc Dakka Dakka Jet lining up on his partner and the result is one young Orc dies in an incandescent ball of flame, not ever "seeing" his killer, his eyes being fixed upon his opponent directly to his front (see below, first blood to the Navy, 1-0):   

The fast paced action continues, spinning into a dizzying frenzy of raw speed and crafty turns. The lower Thunderbolt twists and jinxed onto his opponent's tail while the upper Thunderbolt cleverly anticipates the third Orc pilots "stall turn" and gently "swoops" in from the side lining up a medium ranged shot (aka the Thunderbolt's armament "sweet spot"). The Orc pilot is first blinded and then deafened by both the eye-piercing laser and crashing sound of the auto-cannon's shells, before an explosion hurtles him into oblivion (see below, "Fly Navy" 2-0, things are not looking good for the last Orc): 

Being tailed is possibly last thing you will ever do! Strike three to the Imperial Navy as the Orc, although not in the Thunderbolt's "sweet spot" takes the "tailing fire" before it can move. A good hit means a dead Orc (see below, the young Orcs knows his mistake, but sadly not live to tell learn from his mistake and "tell the tale", 3-0 to the Navy, 4-0 in the campaign - but there is a seemingly endless supply of Orcs ready to join the fray): 

The Orc War Boss orders reinforcements and plans to lead the next mission himself (see below, the next painting project is the Orc Dakka Dakka Fighta Bomma - with a turret at the back that could come in useful given the twisty turning capabilities of the Navy Thunderbolt fighters): 

Conclusion: The air war continues unabated on Drakon-514. The Imperial Navy holds a slight tactical advantage. Who will win? Only time will tell, I see only a winter of sky combats over Drakon-514.

First Test Run of Aeronautic Imperialis: "Fly Navy" versus "The Space Orcs"

A cloudless sky over Drakon-514, a simple patrol to test the refurbished engines but a wailing alert shattered a peaceful dream as an Orc Dakka Dakka Jet appeared as a tiny pin-prick on the horizon. Joss froze he only had his integral armament as the Techs did not want to risk causing an unnecessary malfunction, he just hoped the interloper was not tooled-up with long range missiles or better still fast asleep at the wheel (see below, the Navy Thunderbolt closed with the Orc Dakka Dakka Jet): 

The planes turned into one another. the Orc was no slouch as it was he who fired first. Joss slightly out of position, paid dearly for his early error as the NAvy airframe took a beating. He could hear his instructor cursing his incompetence (see below, thankfully the Thunderbolt is made of stern stuff, being able to soak up three hits, whereas the Dakka Dakka Jet is a more flimsy, with two structure points):  

The planes whizzed by. Joss marveled at the simplicity of the Dakka Dakka Jet in comparison to the sophisticated Navy Thunderbolt and its ability to "turn on the gas". It was pure speed, but in overshooting its position the Orc had given Joss an opportunity (see below: the hunter is now being the hunted):  

The Orc had the initiative but was not reacting with its OODA loop now more predictable than the Thunderbolts. With a seeming less ease the Thunderbolt seemed to move itself into position (see below, medium range is the killing range for Thunderbots, whereas Dakka Dakka Jets have to get in close - if the Orc had gotten in closer earlier it would have been Joss' loss being reported):   

The Dakka Dakka Jet was now atoms spinning crazily earthward, to scatter across the sandy, barren plains of Drakon-514 (see below, the was killed two times over and came to a catastrophic ending, not even time to feel the shame of fear):  

Joss dipped his wings, circled slowly and headed for home. Already the Squadron Leader had sent him an automated congratulations as the computers chimed with his next mission details. In the air war over Drakon-514 there would be no time for luxuries, his next mission might not be against an inexperienced "Orcling" as this one was.

"Fly Navy" (Thunderbolt and Fury) - Aeronatica Imperialis is approaching lift-off

With three Orc Dakka Dakka Jets in air it seemed reasonable to scramble a pair of Imperial Navy Jets to fight them (see below, there were two variants included in the "Wings of Vengeance" starter box - Thunderbolt [the staple Navy fighter] and Fury [hard hitting but can run out of ammo] so I made one of each; not that you can notice from a top down view): 

I think my plane painting will take a pause here until I get a couple of games under my belt. The rules seem fairly straightforward (Canvas Eagles - Blue Max comes to mind) but the devil may be the tabletop detail. 

It's "just for fun" painting really .. but it really helps clears the cobwebs - Aeronautica Imperialis (40K)

Sometimes it is a case of an excuse for "freedom of expression" and sci-fi (and I care not what 'how' the figure manufacturers want the figures to be seen to be painted) gives me that (see below, my second Orc Dakka Dakka jet comes off the painting stocks): 

It also allows me to try new techniques .. sometimes fast, sometimes more slower (see below, in the case of Aeronautica Imperialis it is slower, as in the approach I took for this project with a "two milky coats" is better than "one thick coat" so "thin the paint" - at first with water but next I will experiment with the Vallejo medium):   

The result is pleasing as I let the thin paint layer add depth even though the end result is a little cartoony, but that befits the project (see below, in many ways it was an exercise in over-painting a model to then see how much you can take out of the process to leave it with the same effect): 

The end result was a Dakka Dakka Jet "pair" (see below, [milky washes] of Vallejo Game Colour [sic] of Gory Red, Gory Red, Contrast Skeletal Hoard, Scarlet Red, Scarlet Red, Contrast Skeletal Hoard, Blood Red, Blood Red and a final Wash of Skeletal Hoard .. with highlights of Blood Red):  

This gives me three planes (ahem, or rather sci-fi objects) that I can run through the rules with me and the kids .. if I can drag them away from their digital devices (see below, during my painting my technique was to have complete coverage with the first milky was and then selectively paint the stronger areas with the second and then let Skeletal Hoard . aka an aged brown .. shadow the model. The next milky paint layers were applied more and more selectively .. with the final highlight being very selective and minimal .. as were the subsequence applications of .. aged brown wash): 

All in all this "game in a box project" was an un-locker to other more historical projects that had been lying around (for instance Ancients and ACW).

Final Painting Note: My experience with the Citadel Contrast paints was slightly underwhelming, they are certainly no "magical tartan paint" (one coat and a highlight and you have a figure) but, well at least the one I tried (Skeletal Hoard), was a superior kind of wash that I will integrate into my painting technique - when I want to be a bit fussy about the effect I get, And I am almost always a fussy painter. The test of these paints to my mind would be how they perform in the yellows, but they certainly seem to be capable of giving Vallejo's "Wash" and "Ink" range a run for their money (but more expensive) or better still complement them.  

Painting Imperialis Aeronautica - Navy Thunderbolt

Some opposition was required for the Orc Dakka Dakka Jet. A smooth looking cool dude, a little bit like Stingray's colours for me, [one for the Gerry Anderson oldies] but I see that as a good thing (see below in a flat base of Vallejo "Imperial Blue" and "Golden Yellow" on the tail): 

I was also cruelly thinking that the model reminded me of a Formula One Racing Car hitting a Saab Viggen; finally if you ask me and also quite big and chunky for a fighter - but I still like it! (see below, WIP with the base colour - kind of a WWII US Pacific War colour scheme): 

Highlighted and passed fit for the wargames table (see below, battle ready and taken to the air!)

Video's I found online, but in the end I did my own thing with the paints that were just to hand: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2mg5GGVSoo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2F3zLMyweQ

40K Games Workshop - Aeronautica Imperialis - Orc Dakka Dakka Jet

The current state of the "Painting Tray" (see below, a 15mm Persian War Tower and a GW 40K Orc Dakka Dakka Jet primed and undercoated with Airfix Acrylic Grey (01)):

My experimentation with Citadel Contrast Paints continues, the 'Skeleton Hoard' is used as a deep wash as I don't think it gives much colour paint coverage (see below, the detail of the Dakka Dakka Jet panelling comes out very nicely): 

The "Shade" colours are applied. One of the things I am doing with this model is trying to apply the principle of "two milky layers of paint is better than one thick layer" (see below, Vallejo Game Colour Gory Red [fuselage], Gun Metal [engine, guns and shiny bits] and Orange Fire [highlight trim]):

The Citadel Contrast Paint 'Skeleton Hoard' is applied to dull down with a dirty brown wash on the jet (see below, somehow dull and dirty is very Orc, leave the shiny stuff to the Elves): 

The "Base" colours are applied (see below, Vallejo Game Colour Scarlet Red - Gun Metal (again) - Golden Yellow triplet, with sight concern that the yellow looks "too fresh"):

A slightly closer look at the model at this stage (see below, the metal and red look good though - still concerns about the yellow): 

Repeat the Citadel Contrast Paint 'Skeleton Hoard' is applied again to dull down the model with a dirty brown wash (see below, once again better): 

Highlighting the yellow but trying to do it subtle, also doing it now as if it goes wrong I can quickly dull it back down again with my favourite Citadel Contrast Paint (see below, Vallejo Game Colour Sun Yellow):  

WIP with the "red layer". The process of applying the highlight, or should I say an "extensive highlight" as it begged to pretty much cover the whole model again, is influenced with the several milky layers of paint approach as it tends to encourage subtle blending and it successively tones each layer into another - but it takes time (see below, the Vallejo Game Colour Blood Red is half way through the red layer and I am really liking the look of the "final" red layer):  

OK the "red" is done! I like it, it says a big "Orc jet statement" to me, as if it is yelling "come and take me on if you think you are hard enough" (see below, just the metal bits to bring out in a final, more subtle, highlight): 

With the metal shined up we have a "factory fresh" Orc Dakka Dakka Jet (see below, most shiny metal got a final Gun Metal retouch, but the side protrusions got a Vallejo Model Colour Old Gold):  

Taking the now staple Citadel Contrast Paints 'Skeleton Hoard' pot, watering it down lightly the "factory fresh" is turned into "operational dirty" (see below, that will do for now as it is mounted on its flying base and put on the "wargame ready" shelf):    

Next: Calling out for some Orc Dakka Dakka Jet friends to make a flight of three. Note: I chose not to attach the rockets and bombs at this stage to keep all areas accessible, after all it was a small (but perfectly formed) model.

Respect and kudos to this You Tube inspirational video, many thanks as after seeing this the idea of the painting this model became irresistable: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22elLsWjHxk

My Collection of "Games in a Box"

There seems to be a definite trend of companies producing "games in a box" that can be expanded on, as adverse to producing a line of figures you have to then "go get" a set of rules for. Warlord Games are very adept at this. To be fair it means you do "get a basic game" that at least can be played if you bother learn the rules .. with expansion sets galore that tempt you to burn the cheque book (and that phrase certainly dates me). I recently reviewed my collection of "untouched" and "partially touched" box sets and I had more than I thought (see below, my lit of crimes of passion .. a sucker for classy "box art" and the concept of a "period covered" tick-in-the-box - well at least I have not fallen [yet] for the kick-starter trip, but it is  only a matter of time!):

Black Seas "Master and Commander": again a curious scale choice not fitting in with other manufacturers figure ranges but I thought for "small squadron" actions of frigates and the like, it therefore had a place of its own in the market - although I am not a big "Squadron Man" for these rules, set seeing the price of the squadron and also the temptation I have to detail sailing ships [not that you have to - but I know what I am like] put me off. Better still, the rumour is that the rules "hold their own" which is "double plus good" in 1984 speak" something that does not seem to be true sadly for another Warlord naval offering .. Cruel Seas which comes later (see below, anyone for a bit of Hornblower? I am waiting for a small but beautiful ship painting phase in my life to germinate this set):

Judge Dredd "I Am The Law": This was a must for me - just for painting the figures themselves, and yes I was one of the many happy suckers who had more money than sense and could not resist the Judge Dredd expansion box, despite its price [£15] (see below, memories come flooding back from that classic 2000AD Comic look of my childhood, bring on "Block War" and "Judge Death"):

Test of Honour: I was so determined to get this and so I did; no matter how long it stays under the bed gathering dust I am still happy. I know at a point in time in the future I will have a - "Samurai Phase" all wargamers do! I think it is triggered in the genes or by the environment - perhaps a change of diet will "trigger it" and I get a katakana urge (see below, the original box set, and I have several packs of the basic plastic troop types by Warlord too, though none of the expensive metal sets):

Cruel Seas: A beautiful model range, a great areans [The English Channel] with apparently brilliant extension capability through the likes of 3D printing and large scale plastic merchant ships and 1/350 Destroyers [Tamiya etc] - sadly I fear the rules are letting it down as it craves for a simple, elegant but effective "hidden movement" or "spotting" system, maybe a 'solo' gaming extension of house rules might come to the rescue? (see below, and I am sure somebody [as mad wargaming friend] is actually thinking of getting a cruiser on table):

SPQR: Which I must confess I bought because of the start-up bundle being so full of figures on that cost alone made it worth while. The game system has seemingly fallen by the wayside but I cannot make a personal comment as although I have broken the seal I have as yet not played it (see below, a Warlord Games special, full of Gauls and 28mm Caesarian Romans - note small, war band sized!):

Mortal Gods: I pretend to be a committed 15mm large battles ancients man [large DBM sized Greeks and Persians army in the loft, with the intention of going up to Alexander the Great and his Macedonians in DBM (note size - I don't play those rules anymore); then to Roman in DBA through its many Republican to Imperial Phases]. Other people have tempted me to move to 28mm wholesale for Greeks/Persians for Imperus I/II [but apart from a small (ahem) Imperial Roman Army of Warlord in 28mm that was a bargain and the various Warlord Roman sprue sale packs I invest in] but I am totally resisting the "army switch in focus" [who am I kidding here, I am collecting Britons and Gauls?] but I do like the idea of painting 28mm figures. Therefore I could happily raise a warband or two of various miscellaneous Ancients. So this is my "sound reasoning (?) in getting Mortal Gods" .. an excuse to buy a sub-army size 28mm selection of figures of various historical themes that I will simply enjoy painting (see below, it may even have the scope for a bit of RPG work too - if your head hurts after reading that paragraph don't worry and just move on):

Terminator: Science Fiction fun based on "The Terminator" series of films - say no more. Generic killer robots and resistance fighters of the future - what is not to like (see below, I think I will get the kids to paint these up one day!):

40K Aeronautic Imperialis: I see it as "Korea War" jets with a "Space Theme" and forget about teh link to 40K. I have no plans to but anything other than the basic box, enjoy painting stuff u in a wacky fashion. Play the rules and see if there is any borrow-able mechanisms for historical air combat rules and "let-it-be" at that (see below, a classic GW throwaway game in a box - hit and miss but generally worth it with teh amount of kit if bought separately, especially when you get it discounted from your local hobby shop):

And I am sure is there will be more temptation yet to come in 2020 .. so far I have resisted the Blood Red Skies(BRS)  - partly as the figure range was 1/200 instead of 1/144 but that might be a serious "miss" on my part (although I do have a copy of the FREE Warlord Games rules and have played several good games with my wargaming friends collections) and "The Gangs of Rome" (interior city politics in ancient times which ends up in brutality and stabbings) - which did not (yet) appeal to me?