Six Shot

I wanted to do a test model today for a Tau color scheme. I was looking through the new Tau Codex and there's this green colored Broadside battlesuit on page 89 that looks a lot like an old transformer called Sixshot I used to own.

I really like the colors but how its painted still eludes me. But he did really remind me of Sixshot. Not sure why though. Maybe its the green.

Anyways I tried to paint up a test model on a whim, but discovered I never really built or primed any of the Tau Firewarriors.

I used an Eldar Dire Avenger I had lying around as the test subject hehehe!

I used the new Citadel paint called Sybarite Green on a base of Regal Blue. I painted him in about 10 minutes. He looks to be the only one of his kind. Not sure I'll do a whole army in that color scheme.
I definitely had some giggles when I finished painting him though.

Cheers!

WIP: Patlabor Tau

I've went on to paint a test model for my Tau counts as Pathfinders. I tried to follow as closely as I could to the original uniform colors in the Patlabor cartoon.

Above is the pic of the original crew.

My rendition using em4 Miniatures soliders from their plastic range :)

It was a quick paint job this morning. I largely used Regal Blue and Blazing Orange colors from Citadel range. And Dark Angels Green with Scorpion Green highlights for the helmet visor.

The Real Deal
I managed to get my hands of the real Patlabor models thanks to Comet Miniatures from the UK. This means I no longer have to cut up the original Tau Riptides.

I bought 2 Alphonse Specials as they can make 3 different patterns and the Type X-0 for another variety. Its just nice to proxy as 3 Riptides.

The original Labor is just slightly taller, but with its articulation, it is easily modeled to be the same height as the Riptide. This Alphonse is a really nice model but the arms and legs are a bit of a challenge to assemble.

I wish everyone a great weekend and a super fruitful week ahead!

WIP: Patlabor Themed Tau

Its been a good restful weekend. A bit lonely cos the missus is out of town. She will be home next Tuesday. Can't wait :))

I've managed to do some assembly and painting as well with the spare time. Finally got the Riptide kit and also bought white paint to cover the remaining basecoat of my Sky Ray.

Its a bit hilarious I used such a huge test model haha! Should have tested something smaller...

But I do like the starkness of the white. Its a color of an entire army which my other armies do not have. I'm gonna add more black to some areas to give it more 'police' look.

Riptide WIP: Designation Alphonse
I managed to do some light conversion work on the Riptide. I wanted to do a more complicated one involving a driver poking out of the top hatch below the head. But that would involve creating a 'neck' for the head. I do not forsee having the time to do this with work and stuff.

So here it is. A WIP, mostly blue tacked so I can make some changes. Comments and critique most welcome :))

I selected the Fusion Blaster as its free weapon to be its 'revolver' proxy. Given that the revolver has a short range but deals good damage, i thought it a suitable choice. Also mounted the Burst Cannon on the shoulder for a bit of the anime OTT look.

Lock and Load! I sawed the hands of the Gundam kit. Its still available at Metro, at $9.94 for the entire robot. Lots of parts to use for conversions.

The head is from the same kit, a G-Bouncer. Its got the closest look to the Patlabor robot. Shoulder stuff added from another Gundam kit I got long ago. If I'm not mistaken its the 1/144 GN-X.

Its always been a temptation to add some Gundam to GW minis. The opportunity finally arrived lol!

Have a great week ahead everyone!

And to all mothers, a very Blessed Mother's Day ;)

WIP: A Different Kind of Tau

Its Labor Day today or as many of my friends would say, more accurately, No Labor Day since we are all taking a good rest :) 

I did a conversion for a Tau Ethereal for my Patlabor Mobile Police Tau army. He will represent the only Tau in the entire army. I have named him Aun'Tyr aka Galileo. The guy on the right is Captain Nick Stone. He will be my counts as Cadre Fireblade. He is yet another excellent mini from Reaper Miniatures. Both minis are still very much a work in progress.

Aun Tyr's Fluff

Aun'Tyr aka Galileo (Tau Ethereal)

The Tau Ethereal with a keen interest in humans and their culture pre Dark Age. He is seen as an eccentric by other Ethereals for his almost human-like mannerisms and odd dress sense. As such Aun'Tyr or Galileo as he likes to be called, was deemed to be 'useful' as the ranking officer of the Mobile Police Unit.

Patlabor: The Mobile Police <40K-rized>

The Tau have always been amenable to the absorption of other races or its individuals that embrace the Greater Good.

So it was that those who were discontent with the Imperium of Man sought shelter under the guidance of the Tau. These humans have long been the target of piractical raids of the Dark Eldar and Chaos Warbands, not to mention Eldar Corsairs and Ork invasions. But their pleas for assistance have gone unanswered for too long..for not all the populace from outlying systems can claim constant protection from the vast machinery that is the Imperium.



Their plight was however noticed by the Tau who then assisted these humans with protection and patrol of their home worlds and trade routes. In return, they would have to join the Greater Good.

Many of these humans later became Protectors of their realms. Armed with Tau technology and guidance, they gained skills in policing trade routes and escorting of convoys. As time passed, their skills also helped in the capture of renegade Tau and allies who had forsaken the Greater Good.

The Mobile Police is a unit whose deeds and tenacity have won recognition and support from discerning Tau Commanders. As such, their presence is a welcome sight not only in the stars, but also on the battlefield.

The Mobile Police have also received the latest Riptide suits, modified for human interaction. This presents a clear sign of the trust and understanding between the Tau and their human allies.



Captain Nick Stone (counts as Fireblade Cadre)
Stone served as an apprentice of a veteran Tau Firewarrior when he was just 12 Terran years of age. He joined the Tau Firewarriors and after years of being in the unit, he earned both respect and trust of the Tau. He rose to command equivalent to a Captain by age 30 after the demise of his tutor. Serious yet of noble repose, Stone leads with both taciturn melancholy and valor(whatever that means).

Mobile Suits:
Riptide- Designation Alphonse
Crew: Nina Arthagen

Riptide- Designation Beltane
Crew: Quin Rendars

Riptide- Designation Cheyenne
Crew: Alver Merin

Skyray Gunships:
-Aramis

-Arthos

-Porthos

Pathfinder Squads:
-Oriole

-Finch

-Sparrow

The Army List
HQ
1 Cadre Fireblade (Nick Stone)

1 Ethereal (Aun Tyr aka Galileo)

Elites
1 Riptide
Burst Cannon, Counterfire Defence System, Early Warning Override, TL-Fusion Blaster, 2 Shielded Missile Drones

1 Riptide
Burst Cannon, Counterfire Defence System, Early Warning Override, TL-Fusion Blaster, 2 Shielded Missile Drones

1 Riptide
Burst Cannon, Counterfire Defence System, Early Warning Override, TL-Fusion Blaster, 2 Shielded Missile Drones

Troops
11 Fire Warriors
1 Devilfish

12 Fire Warriors
Shas'ui with Markerlight

Fast Attack
8 Pathfinders

8 Pathfinders

8 Pathfinders

Heavy Support
1 Sky Ray Gunship

1 Sky Ray Gunship

1 Sky Ray Gunship

Total should be 1751 points.

Using the List

Cadre Fireblade leads the 12 man Firewarrior squad. He provides a Markerlight shot at BS 5. Other squad of 11 man Fire warriors will deploy inside their Devilfish transport with the Ethereal. This also increases the range of the Ethereal's powers and leadership bonuses.

Pathfinders will hug terrain as much as they can and fire off their Markerlights.  Riptides will try to hug any available cover, but priority is to shield their brethren on foot.

Sky Rays mark and take out tank or monstrous threats. They also have nice Networked Markerlights and Skyfire to take care of flying stuff.

So there it is. My ideas for a themed Patlabor Tau army.

That's about all the fluff I got for now. Hope you have been entertained ;)

Cheers!