Late post this week (not that I have a given day to post really) to show a model I had almost finished (everything but the scarf actually) for some time now.
The conversion has also been sitting on the table for quite a while and with the recent hype about Abdul Goldberg; I had th eperfect occasion to add this guy to the group of models I was painting (I tend to paint in batches because I'm a firm believer of Taylorism applied to painting).
If the base for the conversion seems familiar, it's because it comes from Mydas the Mean, one of the Dogs of War special characters during the 5th edition of Warhammer.
I'll let any ethnic stereotype aside to concentrate on the model. It's not in a fighting pose which is always something I like and for once it's got a fat belly which is another good point since most models look like they're built the same way anatomically speaking.
To make the model fit in a sci-fi setting, I had to take care of a few things so I got my skitari sprues ou (best purchase I've made in a while, what a fantastic kit) and made a quick head swap with the addition of a few bionic elements.
Päinting wise, I've kept things simple, the skintone is voluntarily matt to echo the clothing style and the clothes are simple but give a sense of wealth hidden under a worn-out and poor quality (to conceal his wealth a bit).
What I really like about this model is that he's modelling speking, the excat opposite of my Abdul Goldberg, what is plastic on one is metal on the other and they complete each other in a pleasant way. I do think they fit well with one another and I like to think both have deeper connections...
Having a trader after having a dorf robber only seems natural doesn't it ?
Now since we're talking about Abdul, I had the chance to take part in a challenge and have my model judged by Rick Priestley himself. Here's what the legend said about my model :
"I was intrigued by the headpiece - and then read the excellent blog with the accompanying pics of Sikh's - and I thought those Chaos Dwarfs were over the top! A lot of thought has gone into this chap, both from the point of view of the background and the modelling. I just love the way he's reaching into his pocket as he races away from the scene of yet another escapade. It's beautifully painted too, the spatters on the coat are an inspired touch and - does he have different coloured eyes? I enjoyed the background yarn, with its nice little twist in the tale. Totally in keeping with the character I'd say. First class job."
The challenge wa finally won by Evo from Port Imperiale but I git the chance to get a sort of second place :
"This entry was the other model and overall write-up that really appealed to me – and quite honestly it was touch and go for overall fave – I loved the action pose and the paint job on this one – it’s very different from the first pick – but just as impressive – see how tough this judging stuff is?"
What more could I ask really ?
Right now I'm working on several projects at the same time (4 actually) which imply about 20 models at once (plus vehicles and monsters). Of course being my usual self, to relieve myself from the burden of so much projects, I'm adding stand alones (single miniatures) in between now and then just to break the monotony so I have good hopes to have cool stuff for you soon ! ;)
The summer holidays are nearing and with them the end of the sport season and kids going to tehir grand parents so I should get some spare time to get on more ambitious things...
I couldn't have hoped for a better outcome for that model than to see it turned into not one, but two great conversions :D Perfect!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure I could have built a vehicle too out of that one but hey, time and energy savings right ?
DeleteExcellent! and congratulations on the (almost) win ;)
ReplyDeleteCheers, some second places taste sweet don't they ? ^^
DeleteVery nice. The face and belly makes me think of Lord Harkonen ^^
ReplyDeleteI realised that afterwards yes, a little bit of Dune is always welcome right ?
DeleteCheers mec ;)
Very nice JB - I like the olive skin, and the worn coat makes a lot of sense fluff wise.
ReplyDeleteCheers, a man of taste like you can appreciate little details like that. That's nice !
DeleteJolie cohésion d'ensemble JB. J'avoue que ce petit challenge Abdul Goldberg m'a inspiré aussi pour lui adjoindre quelques amis. Affaires à suivre... :p
ReplyDeleteMerci à toi, j'avoue avoir adoré les diverses propositions et si ça nous amène plus d'aventuriers du future de ta part, alors c'est la cerise sur le gâteau !
DeleteThat's an excellent conversion of the model. I agree I like the idea of non-fighting poses, I think it adds a little more narrative to a character. Out of interest, which Skittari boxed set did you buy for the bits?
ReplyDeleteCheers, variations of poses and style are important I think, if everyone is in a dramatic poses, noone really is...
DeleteThe skitari box I was refering to is this one :
https://www.games-workshop.com/en-NO/Skitarii-Rangers
C'est excellent !! ^^
ReplyDeleteEn voilà une très belle conversion très bien peinte !! ^^
Un très bon recyclage plein de personnalité, bravo !!
Serviteur,
Merci à toi,
DeleteC'est pas le grand jeu, plus une petite récréation entre de plus gros projets mais je ne me lasse ps de ce genre de personnages. ^^
Very characterful! And yes, he does fit nicely with Abdul. Keen to hear about the connections you hinted at (surely the basis for some madcap scenarios)!
ReplyDeleteThanks ! Sharing each parts of the other had tpo make them look good together. I already have a few idea about how to link those 2 but I suppose it will be an interesting relation given the nature of them. ;)
DeleteA very fine conversion JB - just the sort of trader / merchant you need to sell you some only slightly worn lasrifles or a pair of servitors of dubious origin!
ReplyDeleteThe conversion is nice and subtle. I'm with you on large bellies - can't beat a nice fat miniature ;)
We're on the same page but you're ahead as far as realisation goes ;)
DeleteLove the conversion JB...you are quite the whirlwind at the moment! ;)
ReplyDeleteCheers buddy, I'm the tornado of souls !
Deletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lcm9qqo_qB0
His belly makes me feel like this fellow requires many hugs and adorations from nieces and nephews. (Can't imagine he's got [legitimate] children of his own though.) Kind to those he shows love for, but manipulative of everyone else in the name of... profit. (Very Farengi)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the 2nd place. Evo's effort is indeed splendid, though I feel yours was the better.
Thanks for the kind words ! I have to say I absolutely love the description of tehe trader above, it is completely fitting the character as one can imagine him, spot on !
DeleteIt's was a great competition, the standard all round was very high. And I'm not just saying that because I won ;)
ReplyDeleteThat's a great pair of matching conversions, btw love the trader, very simple but effective!
I agree there were a lot of excellent ideas all around, people really played the game and made their imagination work.
DeleteCheers mate !
I really like that one, simple but brilliant conversion. He would make a great Harkonnen, wouldn't he?
ReplyDeleteJust read the comment...I see others have made the same link ;-)
DeleteI suppose he could be a distant relative to baron Harkonnen who got into trading rather than planetary domination ;)
DeleteAnother gem of a conversion mate - skillfully and tastefully executed. Bravo!
ReplyDeleteHeadswap and sticking a couple of decoration bits really ! ^^'
DeleteI believe in the power of simplicity (and lazyness).
Cheers !
I'm really pleased for you JB that you got such glowing praise from THE man himself. I think I'd consider that I'd have 'made it' if I was fortunate enough to receive such a compliment from Mr Priestley.
ReplyDeleteOut of curiosity, did anyone ask Rick who or what the Abdul character was originally based off of?
the thing is that there's actually nothing behind Abdul and the name itslef was just made to be confusing and look like the archetypical villain.
DeleteRick was really nice to comment throroughly all entries (24 of them) and take the time to read blogposts and all. A true gent.
Cheers mate ! ;)
I cant keep up with your output at the moment Asslessman... Im missing posts all the time at this stage.
ReplyDeleteNice work on Abdul and Goldberg both.
You should always check my blog ! I can barely keep up with it myself ! ;)
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