This 1:285 scale pre-assembled plastic model of a Griffin is made by “Catalyst Game Labs” and currently can only be found together with the Wolverine, in the company’s BattleTech: Beginner Box. There are actually numerous ‘official’ Regimental Paint Schemes for the Kallon Industries manufactured mech. However, as I plan to employ this particular sculpt as a Japanese Mitsubishi class War Walker for an upcoming Weird War Two campaign using some homemade rules, I decided to go with a predominantly yellow palette.
“Combining good striking power, endurance and speed” the 40mm tall figure was initially undercoated with “Vallejo” Japanese Uniform WWII, shaded in “Citadel” Reikland Fleshshade, and dry-brushed using (more) “Vallejo” Japanese Uniform WWII. As I wanted the machine to somewhat represent the look of the Empire’s old carrier-based fighter, the Zero, I then ‘picked out’ the machine’s knees and shoulder-pads using a combination of “Vallejo” Luftwaffe Camouflage Green and “Citadel” Biel-Tan Green. These areas were later carefully dry-brushed with (more) “Vallejo” Luftwaffe Camouflage Green.
The Griffin’s cockpit windows and hands were pigmented in “Citadel” Abaddon Black”, whilst it’s right-handed Fusion Particle Projector Cannon (PPC), drum-mounted Delta Dart LRM-10 launcher and elbow joints were ‘picked out’ with a little “Vallejo” Gunmetal and a splash of “Citadel” Nuln Oil. Finally, I took two war flags of the Imperial Japanese Army and applied the Rising Sun transfers by “Decal Details” to the top of the mech’s shoulder-pads.
With the first of three Japanese Weird War Two walkers I currently have planned finished, I’ve found enough time to also complete a second base of 6mm scale Flesh Hounds, which used to be produced by "Games Workshop" for their tabletop wargame "Epic". These tiny chaotic beasts of Khorne were primed using two coats of "Vallejo" Heavy Red, washed using "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade and delicately dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Red. Their back spines and head crests were then ‘picked out’ using some “Citadel” Abaddon Black.
In addition, I’ve started work on the second of my Weekly Challenges, randomly chosen via a deck of playing cards. This time round I’ve got to paint a single 28mm model, so thought it might be a good opportunity to ‘crack-on’ with another science fiction figure by “Tangent Miniatures”.
Due to my already completing The Enemy from their Space Warriors range, I decided to base and prime The Enemy Commander. As with the (not) Rodan I’ve previously pigmented, this sculpt is heavily-influenced by Nick Castle’s 1984 American space opera film “The Last Starfighter”, and should make an excellent stand-in for the alien leader, Lord Kril…
Really like your Japanese mech. Looks great and I like the colour scheme a lot. Another great batch of Flesh hounds and another quirky mini you have shown in the form of that alien soldier. So much out there that continues to surprise me!
The Griffin has turned out lovely mate, have to say that's probably my fav mech of the bunch so far!
Nice 6mm hounds too, and Lord Kril is coming along very nicely indeed, great bit of shading on his uniform!
Cheers Roger.
The Japanese mecha looks great, the colours have really worked and it's got a definite Zero look about it. I like the Enemy Commander too, it's a cool looking mini and your paintjob works very well. And it's always nice to see some more daemons!
Great work on the Japanese Mech Simon, and great looking colour combo, thought you might have gone with the the white with red dots. the Flesh hounds turned out great as well. Look forward to seeing your Kril completed, have you considered using vallejo livery green with a green glaze for the tactical screen over his eye, or am I thinking of the wrong colour