This 40mm scale plastic figure of the synthezoid Ultron is made by “Atomic Mass Games” and can be found inside the Marvel Crisis Protocol Core Box set. Assembled using twenty-one separate pieces, not including its circular stand, the model depicts the Hank Pym's homicidal creation standing atop a pile of molten slag.
Originally built "to be a force for good", the rogue robot was originally primed with two layers of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and treated to a couple of coats of "Vallejo" Silver. The super-villain was then shaded using some "Citadel" Nuln Oil before being heavily dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Silver.
I also applied a thinned down wash of "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade over the model so as to make the computer A.I.'s almost indestructible adamantium body appear to have a slightly blue hue to it. Finally, I set about 'picking out' all the deadly automaton's armour vents with a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson" in an effort to suggest the unbridled power of Ultron's internal nuclear reactor.
Initially, I had momentarily contemplated following the "Atomic Mass Games" official paint-job for all these numerous filters. But frankly I have never been a fan of the metallic fiend's torso and limbs being completely criss-crossed with orangey red like writer Roy Thomas' co-creation was suffering from some bizarre case of varicose veins. So in the end I settled for simply 'picking out' the synthezoid's eyes, maw, chest, thighs and calves.
Disappointingly, the finished figure's paint-job did subsequently seem to have a detrimental reaction to being sealed with "Coat d'arms" Gloss Varnish, as the so-called protective film stripped the entire robot of its subtle "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade shading, as well as part of the Nuln Oil shade applied to the miniature's sculpted base prior to it being dry-brushed with "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey.
Having been somewhat put off from painting any more of the Marvel Crisis Protocol figures as a result of this mishap, I have momentarily taken the time to make some slight progress on a handful of assorted, super-powered resin costumed vigilantes produced by "Kitbash Games" as part of their Supers Unlimited range.
Cheers Dave. The blue shading was subtle but visible. The next time I need to apply just such a wash I will probably try again on Ultron at the same time; albeit I am somewhat loathe to shade straight over the top of such a troublesome application of varnish. It has however made me drop "Coat d'arms" gloss entirely, and I'm now using "Vallejo" Matt Varnish instead - as it still gives quite a glossy finish (which I know I'm in a minority for liking) but doesn't appear to be as sticky. I used it for Crossbones.
Shame about the blue on Ultron, I was thinking I can't see any blue as I was scrolling down, now I know why
Thanks Roger. I've left a comment for Alex on his blog's comments section asking to take part in Fembruary, so hopefully I can get involved, I've made quite a bit of progress on Kayo already, so it shouldn't be too much of a distraction, LOL!!!
Actually I think you only have to paint up one female figure in the month (Elvira is mine), you just have to let Alex know through the comments on his blog to register....
https://leadballoony.com/
Sadly he doesn't seem to have a page with the rules on for me to link to, I got them from IRO's site here.....
https://imperialrebelork.wordpress.com/2021/01/06/fembruary-2021-challenge-wip-1/
I think Dave Stone, and Keith (Dead Dicks Tavern) are both taking part, should be simple and fun.
Cheers Roger.
Cheers Undercoat. The varnish problems do seem to raise their head every few months for some reason; albeit this is the first problem I've had on an "Atomic Mass Games" mini, and all the others seem to have been varnished with no issues - that I can recall..?
There is definitely a wrestler vibe to the "Kitbash Games" models I'm currently picking through for sure. As they are all destined for my Weird War Two table though, they probably won't be quite so colourful as those who inhabit the squared circle - except perhaps Kayo, who I'll be painting predominantly red so she can be used as Mother Russia - the Soviet Super-hero.