DragonTooth GI-6, Big Meg and Her Stewpot

It's been way too long since I finished a project, much less one of my favorite subjects - DragonTooth giants. Last time I finished a DT giant was back in 2012, so I'm a bit overdue. Big Meg has been sitting on the workbench since 2010, when I picked her up in a nice lot of giants. I was working on her and a repaint of my Ral Partha 11-488 Cyclops over the past several weeks, so it was nice to finish not just one but two (two!) projects. I know that's peanuts compared to some of you more dedicated painters, but it's progress for me.

What can I say about Meg? How about she's so ugly she's beautiful. Her face is kinda flat and broad, with one bug eye and a single snaggly tooth. Her limbs are thick and beefy, and Sir Mix-A-Lot would be a fan of her rear end and then some. Tom Loback was such a wonderful artist, so good at adding life and character to inanimate bits of lead. Big Meg has that "it factor" in spades, at least in my opinion.

Painting her presented a new challenge for me, as she is of course nearly naked. I don't think I've ever painted this much bare flesh on any miniature, much less one this large. Lots of creases, folds, and random dimples to deal with. I was trying to achieve a pale, pasty complexion, with dirt and grime in the appropriate areas, as I picture Meg hanging out in a cave lair. That explains why her feet are dirty, from scuffling around her cave, hunched over a cooking fire, tending her stew.

She has a unibrow. Hawt!

Why did I paint her stew green? I don't know, isn't all giant stew green? Actually, it was purely for aesthetic reasons. It was the only place I thought a pop of color would look appropriate, and the stew in Conan the Barbarian (remember the orgy scene where they kidnap the princess?) was kind of a sickly whitish-greenish glop, so that was my inspiration. The only non-OEM part on Meg is the stewpot handle. I fashioned mine out of wire, as the ones I made out of Green Stuff and Milliput both proved to be too brittle and broke.

And here's a picture with both of my completed DT giants side-by-side. I would hate to run into these two, although I could totally picture them in The Steading of the Hill Giant Chief. Such a cute couple!

DragonTooth Christmas Dragon

I always enjoy solving a lead mystery, in particular the kind where we go from a black & white drawing found in an old catalog to digital pictures of the actual miniature, in the flesh - well, lead - and sharing it with like-minded collectors.

So I am happy to present to you pictures of DragonTooth's D81 Christmas Dragon that came in the mail yesterday. He is a pretty chunk of lead, and I'm very pleased it is in great condition, considering how ornate the sculpt is, with all the spines and detail on this fella. It's a unique pose, not the traditional rearing dragon, but a sinewy, coiled serpent, perhaps snapping at an intruder attempting to sneak up from behind. I used some Blu-Tack to hold the pieces together, except for the wings.

What I'd like to know is the story behind this particular sculpt. Why is he a Christmas Dragon? Perhaps released at or around Christmas one year? His lair is in the North Pole?

His tail is a snake! And yes, he is a MALE dragon, for sure.

Once I get him cleaned up and properly assembled, I will take some fresh pics and add them to the Lost Minis Wiki. These will have to make do until then.

Catalogs, Rulebooks, and Posters, Oh My!

The latest additions to my non-lead collection of mini-related ephemera make me happy both from a collecting standpoint (great artwork) as well as my bottom line (most were downright bargains, if not very affordable).

First up is a copy of the 1980 DragonTooth catalog. OK, so it is more of a pamphlet or flyer, really, given that it is digest size and consists of two folded pieces of paper for 8 pages total. Still, the black & white illustrations are lovely (most are by Mike Gilbert) and it does list available models and prices, so a catalog it is.

Next up is a Ral Partha poster featuring the artwork of Dean Morrissey. You might recognize the image from the Best of Ral Partha boxed sets (10-300 through 10-303). It measures about 25 x 22, nearly square. Too bad it was stored folded, but it is in great shape, creases aside. I read that having it linen-backed might help deal with the creases, so I'll have to take a closer look at that method. And I received two of them, so I have a copy to spare if you are interested. Looking for other mini posters or Superior Models catalogs, among other things.

Erol Otus is one of my favorite fantasy artists, like many gamers who grew up with his work burned into our retinas by hour upon hour of reading and re-reading various D&D books. So when I saw this Alma Mater poster I had to have it! It was only $3.50, so I couldn't say no at that price. It measures 22 x 17. You can read an Alma Mater review on RPG.net and an entry on Grognardia.

And rounding out the quartet is this smashing copy of Naval Battle Group by Superior Models. This was the most expensive acquisition of the four at $25, but I haven't seen it move for less than around $50 or so, which is too much for me.

The booklet is in outstanding shape - great color on the covers, no staple rust, no writing inside, and all the inserts and sheets are present. It is only 12 pages of text (16 total including covers) so it looks to be a fairly simple set of rules. I need to sit down and give it a thorough read one of these evenings. Now I just need to find myself a copy of Starfleet Wars that isn't grossly overpriced...and yes, I realize it is available from Monday Knight Productions as Galactic Knights.

So Hrugnir, Big Meg, and Cumulus walk in to a bar...

I could have also titled this post "Third Time's A Charm" as I missed out on adding Hrugnir the two previous occasions I have seen him up for auction. This time, fate & fortune have smiled upon me and I am now the proud owner of my very own Hrugnir! It always helps when the auction doesn't specifically mention relevant details like "DragonTooth" or "Hrugnir" anywhere in the listing, and the auction title is "Vintage Dungeons and Dragons Metal Figure, HUGE Giant" or something similarly generic and non-specific.

Last time Hrugnir surfaced, he was paired with Cumulus and they sold for $224.50. Just the kind of auction I look for, but it was too pricey for my budget. And before that, this Hrugnir sold for $119.50. Just the figure I was looking for, but once again, too rich for my blood. Don't get me wrong, $55.26 is still a LOT of money for a single miniature, but I'm quite pleased that my Hrugnir only cost me about half the going rate.

Well, time to send Hrugnir off to his much-needed bath in paint stripper. While he soaks, I will ponder things like basing options and potential paint schemes. He and Big Meg (still languishing on my bench) both deserve the royal treatment, much like my GI5 Horned Hill Giant project.

For those of you curious about Hrugnir's dimensions, I must say that he is truly a big-ass hunk of lead goodness. He tips the scales at a whopping 1 pound 11 ounces (760g)! He stands 3.25" tall, 2.75" wide, and 1.5" deep. His base is 2.25" wide by 1" deep.

David Sutherland's DragonTooth Saurians

It has never been a collecting goal of mine to acquire miniatures painted by other artists. I always figured I would paint minis for myself and for my group, and that was that. And then two years ago, that all changed when I received Asmodai, painted by Ron Saikowski. Having a mini in my collection with a story behind it and a paper trail (or at least electronic trail) makes it interesting, if only to me.

I still wouldn't say that I am actively seeking miniatures painted by others. However, if the right opportunity comes along, I am always willing to consider it. Such is the case with today's feature:

Lean mean fighting machines.

Old-school leadheads will recognize these DragonTooth Saurians (SMC1 Saurian Mounted Champion on Giant Lizard) despite the fact they have been been partially to heavily modified. What's even cooler is that they are products of the skill and imagination of legendary fantasy artist David C. Sutherland III. And it's possible that at least one of this trio is modeled after a rather famous illustration from the Holmes Blue Book seen here:

Colored by yours truly back in the day.

Art imitating art.

It is also possible that the picture was based on the miniature, but I don't know how we could verify that unless someone who knew David was able to chime in. The single horn is unique to the mini, and the rider is sitting in a more upright position. But the polearm and quiver of javelins (complete with skull) are clearly depicted in both print and on lead.

At first glance, they appear to be nicely-painted minis. Upon closer inspection, though, the attention to detail and skill becomes apparent. Each rider carries a unique polearm. Each lizard has a horn or horns sprouting from their heads. Skulls dangle from the horns. The riders hold hand-made reins. Various weapons are slung on the riders and/or their mounts. And there's even some bling in the form of tiny gems here and there. David used drafting pens to accentuate scales to varying degrees on the lizards, as well as on the shields and other bits. You can also see the letter S scribed on a few bits. Is that S for Sutherland, or S for Saurian? I'll go with Sutherland.

It gives me great joy to have these three miniature works of art as the centerpiece(s) of my collection. I hope that David's family would approve that they have passed from one collector to another, and that they will continue to be treasured and cared for.

Hrugnir and Cumulus

Earlier today, an auction ended with a final price of $224.50. Included in the lot were a pair of DragonTooth giants and a much smaller troll or ogre that looks like it could have been from Minot, Minifigs, Essex, or something along those lines.

The DT giants were two that I would consider rare, and they would be Hrugnir and Cumulus The Storm Giant. Cumulus looks like a truly massive hunk of lead, and I'm wondering if his wooden lightning bolt is OEM or did someone else fashion a wooden replacement? I guess I should ask over on the DT Yahoo! group.

The last time I saw a copy of Hrugnir, it was just over a year ago and it sold for $120, so it looks like both of these giants command $100+ when they hit the market. I threw in a last-second bid but it was like trying to attack a polar bear with a pocket knife - futile.

So congrats to the new owner! I hope they have found a place of honor in your collection.

More New Old Dragons

 Superior Models FA-49

 Superior Models WL-137 (?)

Superior Models FA-36

I was fortunate enough to pick up a new batch of old dragons recently. The lot in question caught my eye because it was heavy on Superior dragons, two of which I already have and two that are new to my collection. And then there was the dragon second from the right on the listing picture that sure looked like a Dragontooth D79 Large Dragon, but I wasn't 100% sure. Turns out I am now 100% sure. And for good measure there was a Grenadier Brass Dragon (2504 or 9303), as well as a sculpt that could possibly be a Minifigs Large Dragon from Auroela Rococo (it is stamped ARM 1 on the bottom, far right on the listing picture).

 Dragontooth D79 Large Dragon

What I really was after was largest beast in the lot (second from left in the listing pic) that is FA-49 Tiamat, The Dragon. There were also two copies of FA-36 Puff the Dragon, and one I believe to be WL-137 Dragon with Crystal Ball on Treasure (even though it's sitting on a rock and not so much a treasure pile).

Minifigs Large Dragon (?) ARM-1

I'll have to snap some pics this week, but needless to say I am happy to have some cool new old dragons in hand and for only $10 each!

Grenadier Brass Dragon

Here Be Dragons! (Reaper painting challenge)

I stopped by Reaper's forums the other day and noticed there is a new painting challenge up and running. This is my kind of challenge - you have a whole year to complete it! Of course, I'm a notorious procrastinator, so this could also be one of those double-edge sword scenarios if I don't stay on top of things.

There's a black dragon by the name of Ebonwrath sitting on my bench, languishing in miniature hell, partially pinned and assembled, just begging to be finished! And I also have one of those neat old DragonTooth dragons who needs some paint as well, so one or both of those will be my entries.

I'll be posting my progress here from time to time, and hope that I can actually finish this challenge.

DragonTooth Giant - Finished!

It has been brought to my attention that it's been nearly a month since my last post. Has it been that long? I hadn't noticed...honest! To get things rolling again, I give you (hold your breath) a completed project (gasp!):

This is the end result of a project that started two years ago when I purchased this fella along with some of his giant brethren for a song. I really wanted to do this one justice, give him some oomph, so to speak. But how? Basically, it came down to his base - I wanted the PERFECT base to mount him on, as the integrated base he came mounted on was less than ideal.

So began my long search for the perfect base. It had to be something special, as I wasn't crazy about his stock pose - he's leaning over a bit too far for my liking, even if he's likely about to mash some poor fighter with his massive tree trunk club. I did a LOT of searching, combing through base after base on the intertubes until I finally found what I was looking for. I really like Secret Weapon Miniatures, having purchased some bases for my Dark Angels army previously. MisterJustin and his crew do a bang-up job and are a pleasure to work with.

Now that I had a base, it was down to work. Snipping away the old lead base was fairly easy - I just needed to take my time and cut slowly and carefully. It took more time to file down the bottoms of his boots than to cut off the original base. Then it was time to fit him for pins and do some drilling. Once that was done, it was on to priming and painting.

My goal was to give him that old-school high fantasy look - I wanted him to look like something you might find in a DragonTooth ad, circa 1979 or so. Taking my modest painting skills into consideration, I have to say I'm very pleased with the final outcome.

This pic shows the entire mini, from the base to the tip of his club. That's about 4.5 inches, or 11.5 cm total.

And here he is, ready for his close-up.

The next couple of pics show him from various angles:

Hopefully it's obvious why I chose this base for him. The climbing pose is spot-on, with plenty of room for his loot bag in tow.

Next, I tackle my other DT giant - Big Meg and her stewpot. Hopefully this one gets done in less than two years! Thanks for stopping by, and don't hesitate to leave a comment.