Nocturna Models Facebook Page highlights Ser Gergor Clegane (Game of Thrones)

Many thanks to Nocturna Models for highlighting a miniature paint job conversion of their Crusader XIII C. miniature as completed by Shire Works' resident painter. In this project, the Nocturna Models resin scale model was painted as Ser Gregor Clegane, a character in the Game of Thrones books which is also a HBO TV series currently in its fourth season.

For more photos of the painted miniature, please check out the following link => http://foureyed-monster.blogspot.com/2014/02/nocturna-models-crusader-xiii-c.html

Knight Models Logan assembled minus paint

Here is a quick look at the Knight Models Logan from the Marvel Universe range as it stands after assembly prior to getting a paint job. It is a fairly easy model to assemble with some extra patience (and with help from a super glue-sodium bicarbonate combo) needed for the claws. Depending on personal preference, some green stuff can be used to smooth out the flesh on the metal miniature.

Logan is available to purchase from the Shire Works blog shop as are many other characters from the Marvel Universe.

360 View: Knight Models Iron Man [Completed]

Check out this YouTube video for a short video showcasing a 360 degree view of the Knight Models Iron Man Special Edition which was painted using acrylic colours.

For detailed photos of the painted miniature, please visit the following link => http://foureyed-monster.blogspot.com/2014/01/knight-models-iron-man-completed.html

Latest arrivals from Knight Models

Some new miniatures in the Knight Models Marvel Universe range have arrived! Check out these latest arrivals which comprise Magneto, Wolverine, Captain America, Thor and Loki.

Troll Hunter in Issue 7 of Figure Painter Magazine

Completing a triumvirate of sorts, the Ax Faction's Troll Hunter was featured in Issue 7 of Figure Painter Magazine. Previously, both the Nocturna Models  Freya and Knight Models Zombie Girl was seen in Issues 5 and 6 respectively. Below is a picture montage of Jotnar's Bane aka Troll Hunter from Ax Faction, which was painted exclusively for Shire Works.

Ax Faction Jotnar's Bane aka Troll Hunter

Specifically, the Troll Hunter was featured on Page 99 of Issue 7 of Figure Painter Magazine.

Troll Hunter in Figure Painter Magazine, Issue 7

To see more Ax Faction miniatures that are available from Shire Works, please click here.

Basic tips on working with metal miniatures

If you have been working with only plastic and resin miniatures so far, it is only natural to feel slightly intimidated with a new material such as white metal. But fear not, most of the principles that are used when handling resin (described in an earlier blog post) and plastic miniatures also apply to metal miniatures with a few minor adaptations. Most Knight Models miniatures are white metal model kits while some come in a mixture of resin and metal.

Knight Models Iron Man (Special Edition) comes in a mixture of large and small metal parts

In contrast, Knight Models Zombie Girl comes in a few, easier to assemble metal parts

Handling of resin and metal miniatures - What is similar?
Metal miniatures go through the same process of cleaning (removal of mould lines and flash) as well as a need for a final wash with soap before being glued together. Moreover, the main tools used when handling resin miniatures are also used when dealing with metal model kits. We can still use the same hobby clippers to separate pieces from the sprue as white metal is very soft; the hobby knife can still be used to remove mould lines although some new tools will be used to complement the knife; and finally super glue is used to fix the parts together.

Removing metal parts from the sprue with hobby clippers

Cleaning some minor mould lines with the hobby knife

So what then is different?
Rougher abrasives to clean the miniature
Essentially, some of the tools used will have to reflect the medium we are working with i.e. metal. Mainly, rougher abrasives such as diamond files and fine steel wool can be used to better clean the metal miniatures. As always, work slowly and careful so as to not to destroy the details on the miniature when using rough abrasive tools. Patience is key.

Cleaning some stubborn and larger mould lines with a diamond file

Using fine steel wool to polish up the metal miniature

  
Additional techniques to glue heavier parts together
a) Use of green stuff (putty)
Using a bit of green stuff (putty) on the joints when you glue them together with super glue can help keep the metal parts together as the glue dries. Metal parts are unique in that they are heavier and can often come apart while the glue is drying. But be careful not to use too much green stuff as it will prevent the parts from adhering properly.

Using green stuff to help keep the parts together as the glue dries

b) Use of baking soda with super glue
Another technique used by modellers is to mix super glue with pure sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) which is said to create a very strong bond that dries faster than super glue. This is very helpful when you want two metal parts to glue together faster and stronger.

Dealing with out-of-shape metal parts
If you can recall, resin miniatures sometimes face warping issues. While this is not a problem for metal miniatures, you do on occasion find some metal parts bent out-of-shape. Not to worry because with white metal being soft, you can easily (but carefully) just bent the parts back into shape.

A fully assembled metal miniature in the form of Iron Man

Hopefully, this simple how-to guide can help you get started on your own metal miniatures. Till the next update on Shire Works, stay well and happy. 

360 View: Knight Models Iron Man S.E.

A popular Knight Models white metal model kit is the Iron Man Special Edition. To showcase how cool the 1/28th scale miniature looks even before any paint work, a short video was taken of it on an automated turntable display. Press play on the YouTube video below to see the Marvel superhero in all his 360 degree glory. Enjoy!  

To keep tabs on the painting progress on this miniature, please check out http://foureyed-monster.blogspot.com/ - a personal hobby blog on miniature painting. All work-in-progress photos will be posted there so be sure to visit the blog from time to time for updates.

Zombie Girl makes it into Figure Painter Magazine

Painted as a special Halloween piece for Shire Works, the Knight Models Zombie Girl was lucky enough to be featured in the latest issue of Figure Painter Magazine UK.

Figure Painter Magazine (FPM) - Issue # 6

Knight Models Zombie Girl (as painted for Shire Works) in FPM

Shown in page 99 of Issue 6 of the magazine, the Knight Models Zombie Girl was inspired by the child zombie seen in Season One of The Walking Dead television series. She is one of two miniatures found in the Knight Models Terror Series, the other being the Zombie Hunter as shown below.

Knight Models Zombie Hunter

The following is photo montage of the Knight Models Zombie Girl as painted for Shire Works. Please click on the picture for a larger detailed view of the miniature. If you wish to see more pictures of her, please check out the following blog post => http://foureyed-monster.blogspot.com/2013/10/knight-models-zombie-girl-completed.html 

Knight Models Zombie Girl, as painted for Shire Works

Thanks for checking out the latest news in Shire Works. Do stay tuned for more stuff!