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Writer's pictureBlaxkleric

"Have You Met The Goon Squad?"

Updated: Nov 29, 2022


"Maximilian and my robots only run this ship the way I wish it run."

These four 28mm scale 3D printed resin models of some Sentry Robots are sold under licence by “Twisted Pinnacle 3D” and were sculpted by Mike Tongue (a.k.a. Big Mr Tong). The figures are highly evocative of Hans Reinhardt's security forces aboard the U.S.S. Cygnus in Gary Nelson’s 1979 American science fiction film “The Black Hole”, and were painted accordingly.


The miniatures arrived without any obvious support struts still remaining on them from the 3D printing process. But were covered in several small ‘bobbles’ of resin which needed to be removed with a sharp modelling knife. I also found that a couple of the automaton's blasters had been broken during transport. These pieces, particularly the weapons' long slender barrels, were thin to begin with and I unfortunately broke off another one whilst cleaning them.

"Games Workshop" WIPs - Three of the ten MK VI Armoured Space Marines currently being progressed

"Silent and obedient", each model was undercoated with a double-helping of "Vallejo" Heavy Red, before being drowned in "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. They were then enthusiastically dry-brushed with (more) “Vallejo” Heavy Red, and had both their eyes and blasters layered with "Citadel" Abaddon Black." Finally, these areas were ‘picked out’ using a combination of “Vallejo” Gunmetal” and “Citadel” Nuln Oil.


Alongside my Sentry Robots, I've spent a third hour working on a ten-man unit of 28mm plastic Tactical Space Marines wearing MK VI armour by "Games Workshop". Having finished dry-brushing them all with "Citadel" Sons Of Horus Green, I'm now patiently starting to 'pick out' a number of different areas in Abaddon Black - starting with their bolters.

"Alternative Armies" WIPs - These Retained Knights just need some shading

I did initially begin this factory line process on the squad's sergeant, applying "Citadel" Abaddon Black to all the various weapons, armour joints, and equipment I could find in preparation of finishing him off first. However, I actually found this process rather tedious and demotivating, so instead of pigmenting all the black parts on an individual model in one go, I've split this chore down into a few separate sessions, such as bolter, shoulder-pads and joints. Hopefully, this should make matters a bit more digestible.


In addition, I have been working on another three-man base of "Alternative Armies" 15mm Retained Knights, as I want to expand my 'Sons Of Horus' infantry contingent some more. These figures are actually quite close to completion, and just need their metallic areas to be painted and shaded...

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undercoat2670
Aug 03, 2022

Great looking sentry robot. He looks close to the film ones, great job! Is he just a bad a shot?

Those mk6 marines look fab, especially the sergeant. Can't wait to see them finished.

The tiny ion age marines are tremendous. I can't believe you have painted good trim on those shoulder pads! Awesome stuff.

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Blaxkleric
Blaxkleric
Aug 03, 2022
Replying to

Thanks. The Sentry Robots are really nice to work on, so if I get my head down with them then I can quite quickly have four of them finished - as above. I'm a big fan of the HH currently, so my enthusiasm is carrying me along with both the 28mm and 15mm SoH.

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planetmut
Jul 29, 2022

Excellent painting on those sentry robots, Simon, I love the way the reds look! It's just a shame some of the bits broke off. Print resin is so damn fragile.


Oooo, beakies! They look excellent, a good cross between the old-school RTB01 minis and the newer style. I love how GW even brought back the original bolters and those weird chainsaw bayonets. The 15mm knights are looking great as always!

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Blaxkleric
Blaxkleric
Jul 29, 2022
Replying to

Cheers Matt. I don't think the breakages on the Sentry Robots is too ruinous tbh. The GW MK VI models are a bit complicated to both assemble and paint, at least compared to the MK IIIs I'm also working on. Lots more 15mm Retained Knights coming, as I've dug out two large bags of stuff from "The Ion Age" range from my backlog.

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wsd50
Jul 28, 2022

The sentry robots are simply stunning mate, top ten stuff for sure (or perhaps STAR? (I've got time to think anyway).


I like the poses on these latest 28mm marines a lot, don't remember seeing any quite like that before.


And of course more lovely work on their 15mm brethren.


Cheers Roger

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Blaxkleric
Blaxkleric
Jul 28, 2022
Replying to

Thanks Roger. I think the Sentry Robots have turned out well, so I'm keen to paint a few more tbh. Not sure about Top Ten stuff though as they're super-simple, imho.


The new MK VI armour figs do have little notches for their arms to slot into for ease of posing. But I tend to slice these off so I can pull the pose around whilst the plastic glue is drying. The shoulder-pads are great for then covering over any gaps at the shoulders.


Should have the 15mm Heavy Weapons stand posted soon, as it's finished.

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Simon Quinton
Simon Quinton
Jul 27, 2022

Brilliant work mate. Love the Heresy minis they are coming along nicely. Always did love the look of chainsaw blades on bolters

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Blaxkleric
Blaxkleric
Jul 27, 2022
Replying to

Cheers Simon. Got some more Sentry Robots to come too. I've managed to get all the MK VI marines fitted with chainsaw blades within my first 500-points. 😀

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wargamesterrainworkshop
wargamesterrainworkshop
Jul 26, 2022

The sentry robots look excellent Simon, will we be seeing, Max, Vincent and Old Bob at some point ?

The Sons in both scales are progressing well, when I first glanced at the 15 mm ones, I thought there was a Mole Mortar, but then realised it was a missile launcher.

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Blaxkleric
Blaxkleric
Jul 27, 2022
Replying to

Thanks Dave. I have a few more Sentry Robots to finish, and will probably buy another load at some point too - just so I can potentially flood a 'space hulk' floorplan with them. I'd definitely like to do all The Black Hole figures, but currently I can't find any more 28mm sculpts for them. VINCENT is very popular, as is Max, but not as wargaming pieces. I'll keep looking though as hopefully someone out there has done them.


I have done a mortar for my 15mm Imperial Guard, but think all the Retained Knights have bazookas etc. I'm really enjoying the Ion Age stuff, as its keeping me in the mood for 28mm Horus Heresy too.

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