Tuesday, 3 December 2013

Curious Constructs Lasercannon

Hiya folks,

Finally had a little hobby time tonight, result, I've assembled one of the new Curious Constructs Lasercannons - still needs a little tidying, and to get the rest of the weapons cleaned up! Pretty chuffed!


Monday, 2 December 2013

In a word, manic! Kirton Games and the Kickstarter Conclusion!

Hiya Folks,

Well well well its been a little while since I’ve posted, with one thing and another I’ve been insanely busy and not lifted a paint brush in a while! The reason for that is two fold really, so let me tell you a little bit about what I’ve been up to.


First of all, alongside my closest friends Tim & James I’m now running a Brick & Mortar Gaming Store! It’s all been a little bit crazy really how it happened all of a sudden, though I will add I’m not quite crazy enough that this is becoming my day job! I’m still working full time in my previous employment despite the manic number of hours both take up. We’re running Kirton Games (which officially trades as Curious Constructs) in a part time capacity open in the evenings and at weekends. It’s a rather small, but perfectly formed(!) store which can be found in my hometown of Crediton in a shopping arcade called the Creedy Center.



We've started off by stocking what we know, Games Workshop, we carry a small permanent stock of 40k, Warhammer and the Lord of the Rings, but we’re currently expanding this, and should also be carrying Warmahordes, Magic: The Gathering and Flames of War amongst others. Though our held stock is small we do have the facility to order in almost anything that a gamer might want through our suppliers.

We’re currently offering a minimum 5% discount on all products in store, with 10% discount for members of local clubs as we aim to help grow the hobby in mid-devon. That said, we do of course have the nearly mandatory webstore which is coming together slowly – our push was to get the store up and running, so this has taken a little bit of a back seat! At present a good portion of the GW range we have available to us is uploaded, with more still to come, pictures are something we still need to work on though especially. No small challenge as GW trade does not permit you to use their own stock images, so we’ve got to take our own! We’d of course welcome your support, not to mention your custom online as we start out, every purchase counts at the moment no matter how small! And as a little incentive all of those who register on the webstore will be entered into a draw to win a £5.00 gift voucher. The draw takes place on December 25th.

You can find the webstore at,

Of course that all said, it would be great of course to see any of you in the store sometime if your local (and I know some of you are!), we do have a full size 6x4ft gaming table, custom designed and built by James with a bit help, which is free for anyone to use during our opening hours, so please drop in and say hi!

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Monday
CLOSED
Tuesday
16:00-19:00
Wednesday
16:00-19:00
Thursday
16:00-21:00
Friday
16:00-19:00
Saturday
09:00-16:00
Sunday
CLOSED




There’s a lot of avenues open to us, and a lot of things being discussed still, its early days, but please do watch this space as I’m sure I’ll be charting our progress!


Of course the other thing which has been eating up my time was the Kickstarter, though this finished its funding period all the way back in May it has only just actually completed! The Kickstarter you may remember went absolutely crazy, I asked for £600 to fund a Steampunk themed Anti-Tank Lasercannon, instead the final total was a massive £7295!

This saw all the stretch goals funded and required a massive amount of production, well over 1500 sprues to be delivered to nearly 140 people, quite an epic for me!

There was a short delay in the design phase as the last of the kits were finalised, this included the late addition of the Multiple Rocket Launcher and Mule LSV. While everything went well initially in the casting, delays quickly started to creep in pushing back the first shipments by over a month, the second shipment was further delayed, and by the time of the third I made the decision to switch to a new caster in the face of delays and a number of casting issues. Of course switching casters in itself also pushed things back a little further, but finally I dispatched the last kits last week, many of which I now know to have arrived.

So at last, all the Kickstarter funded products have now finally reached the Curious Constructs webstore (yes, for now this remains separate to the Kirton Games store due to a number of rather unexciting reasons!). Anyway, if you missed out on the original Kickstarter, now is your chance to get hold of these kits which include the Field Artillery Kit (comprising of a Carriage, Lasercannon, Gatling Cannon, Tesla Cannon and Autocannon), Multiple Rocket Launcher Kit (comprising a Carriage and the Nebelwerfer), Gun Carriage kit, Rocket Launcher, Mule LSV, Artillery Crew and Bombardier. There are also discounted sets of multiple kits. I'll go into more details and singing and dancing surrounding these as soon as I can actually get around to assembling some!

You can find them on sale on the Curious Constructs webstore at,


Right, back to work now anyway! More soon!

Monday, 11 November 2013

Kirton Games (AKA The Plot Thickens...)


I finally tracked down the heretical Col. Gravis! It seems he has been hard at work establishing a bricks and mortar coven in his hometown of Crediton (Kirton in High-Gothic) to supply fellow heretics!

Hopefully he'll break his cover soon and the Inquisition can swoop in.

Further details can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/kirtongames



Friday, 8 November 2013

Have you seen this heretic?

Whatever happened to Col. Gravis?

It's something that at least 0.00001% of the internet must be asking itself.

Preliminary investigations have led to me linking his disappearance to the malign influence of this deadly vorpal blade. He was last seen in the Mid-Devon area.

More on my investigation as it breaks...





Tuesday, 13 August 2013

REPOST- The 23rd Praetorian Imperial Guard: Shameless plug #1

Just a repost from Malkayschilde's blog if anyone out there is interested!

The 23rd Praetorian Imperial Guard: Shameless plug #1: Ok people this is a shameless plug... ...but Praetorian army for sale!!!

Sunday, 23 June 2013

Lucky Punk Miniatures - Sandbag Defence Line

Long time no post!

Chris from Lucky Punk Miniatures has just re-released some of his resin terrain kits, starting with improved versions of his popular Sandbag/Mealie Bag Barricades and Sandbag & Crate Barricade sets. However, he has also released the brand new 28mm Resin Sandbag Defence Line set, and was good enough to send me a painted one for review - I'm rather chuffed!


The new set includes 8 sections of Sandbag & Crate Barricades, four of these are 5" (13cm) long, and four of them are 2" (5cm) long. Rather conveniently this is the same dimensions as the as sections in Games Workshops Aegis Defence Line Set. Very handy!


The detailing on the new set is lovely, and much improved over the old sets which were already of a high standard. The detailing is excellent, and would lend well to simple or complex paint jobs, and even better the bags actually lie right. They look like filled sandbags and piled in a way that makes sense as opposed to the 'blobs' of some similar sets. The casting quality is also excellent, and again improved on earlier pieces, I hav'nt found a single air bubble on my set - and for that matter I hav'nt spotted any on an any of the unpainted sets I've picked up as stock for Curious Constructs yet either. Chris also went the extra distance and has provided a small sheet of decals with the kit, some of which you can see on the above painted examples.

Suffice to say, given how important fortifications can be in the new edition of 40k my new set is going to be seeing rather alot of use, and will be replacing my GW equivalent whenever I can possibly use it! That started last week when I slipped in a quick(!) 2000pt game against a friends new Eldar force - try shifting that lot with a 2+ cover save when they go to ground!


The set is priced at £14.99 and is available both directly from Lucky Punk Miniatures HERE, and as always from the Curious Constructs webstore HERE, alongside the rest of the Lucky Punk Miniatures line.

Tuesday, 14 May 2013

Praetorian 4th(s) on Parade

Right, I'm going to make some of my own hobby time again, not too much, I'm still sculpting some Artillery Crew for the Kickstarter, but you've heard enough about that for now (huzzah it was bloody successful!), but I've neglected it - and the blog - for a little too long now!

The first bit of catch up I'm going to play is to shout out to Colonel Winterbourne's blog again, last month he and I teamed up for games Workshops Darkfall: Vidar's Fate campaign weekend. I was my usual (useless) self when it comes to taking photo's at these things, but Phil was snap happy!

He has pictures, of our armies mustered together for a little photo shoot, from a game we played against each other, the games we played together and plenty from his own and even some of my individual games (seriously, how did he find time to play games amongst taking all these pictures?)

Here's a quick sample of some of the pictures, but if you want to see them all, go over and take a look at his blog!
 

http://colonel-winterborne.blogspot.co.uk/

 
 
Though the Imperium failed to defend the Vidar system, the Praetorians did the Emperor proud, Phil's 4th Mechanised won all five of its games, while my own 4th Foot won four and drew the fifth. Why don't I play like that at tournament's?!? Of course thats not to speak of our game, which Phil won in no uncertain terms! I think I need some Thudd Guns.... *mutter mutter mutter*.... 

Friday, 10 May 2013

Fantastic Blood Angels Army For Sale

Dodge, one of my local gamer budies, and the chap who very kindly did the base work on my Leviathan... even if I still hav'nt had time to pull my finger out finish the job(!), has decided to sell his beautifully painted Blood Angel army on eBay. I thought I'd share a few pictures and shameless plug HIS AUCTION! ;) Be warned though, it ends on Sunday!

And while your at it, why not go and check out his blog as well, plenty more pictures and shiny stuff to look at over on http://dodgeminiaturepainting.blogspot.co.uk/!

Sunday, 5 May 2013

Kickstarter Ends in 7 Hours!


One last image dump, and then I do promise something other then renders! But the Kickstarter ends today!

Gatling Cannon



Tesla Cannon Work in Progress


Saturday, 4 May 2013

Curious Constructs Kickstarter - LAST DAY!

The final 24 hours has arrived, this is your last chance to get involved on the project and to get your hands on these with kickstarter pricing and early, the kickstarter page is, http://kck.st/XXoCux

Just in time for final day, some more renders!

The almost completed Autocannon,


and a very cool firing animation!


And at last, the finished Gatling Cannon design!




Tuesday, 30 April 2013

Curious Constructs - Kickstarter Updates 30/4


A few more updates on the Curious Constructs Kickstarter, first up a work in progress shot of the Tesla Cannon.

Secondly, the work in progress Autocannon.


Finally, we've added a final stretch goal, one last push to add a final weapon, though to keep it viable this one will be an extra addition pledgers will need to add to their pledge. It is still work in progress, but here is the Multiple Rocket Launcher!



Friday, 26 April 2013

Curious Constructs - Anti-Tank Laser Kickstarter - Update 26/4

This little update should speak for itself really, if you've not seen it already here are the master prints of the Anti-Tank Lasercannon!


If you'd like to get your hands on one or more of these, along with all the extra unlocked weapons for FREE, including a Gatling Gun, Autocannon, Tesla Cannon and Rocket Launcher (pictured below) there are less then 9 days left to do so!


 

Tuesday, 9 April 2013

Curious Constructs - 28mm Anti-Tank Lasercannon Kickstarter Update 2

Just another quick update, we're starting to preview the stretch goals as we fight to catch up with the overwhelming response, having unexpectedly hit over 400% funding in just four days. I've now posted up the concept sketch of our Gatling Cannon, and an early work in progress render of the Autocannon.



The concept for the Autocannon is a double barrelled cannon which is crossed with a piston. As the wheel turns the barrels move in and out loading and ejecting shells as they go, this essentially just shows that mechanism. We'd welcome feedback on this design as its still in the early stages.


As a result of the unexpected demand, we've capped our earlier pledges which have now nearly been entirely filled, and opened up some new ones which are also filling rapidly, so if you'd like to get in on the kickstarter, sooner is probably better then later! We've also made the difficult decision to not add further stretch goals until we're ready to deliver on our existing promisses. We'd rather deliver everything on schedule then keeping adding more! That said though, I'm confident we'll catch up ahead of the campaigns conclusion and we have plans to add what we're calling the 'Gatling Mortar', additional crew, accessories, and hopefully more!

Once again, thankyou to everyone who has supported us so far!

Saturday, 6 April 2013

Curious Constructs - 28mm Anti-Tank Lasercannon Kickstarter Update



I woke up this morning to some amazing news, the Kickstarter has in the space of little over 12 hours surpassed it's funding goal, reaching 116% Funding as I write this. To say I'm chuffed and slightly stunned would be an understatement, but I think it speaks volumes about the quality of the work by Kit Burrows from Zinge Industry.

Of course now we're looking towards the first stretch goal, this stands at £900 to unlock the first alternative weapon, a Gatling Cannon, expect an update on this ASAP. Remember, backing us with complete Anti-Tank Lasercannon kits will also receive one of each of the unlock alternative weapons for their guns.

Thank you to everyone for your support so far, the extent of this project remains in your hands, if you'd like to see even more options for this kit as it heads production, or more to the point, if you'd like to get your hands on any of it, pledge your support on our Kickstarter page.


Any pledge, no matter the size brings us a step closer to putting this into production. However, just as important as before though is getting the word out, so please, share this on your blog, through twitter, forum or just with local gamers how might be interested!

Once again, thank you!

Friday, 5 April 2013

Curious Constructs - 28mm Anti-Tank Lasercannon KICKSTARTER LAUNCHED!


Here we go, the 28mm Anti-Tank Lasercannon Kickstarter has been launched!

We're seeking to raise £600 as our initial funding goal, this will allow us to fund production of both the Anti-Tank Lasercannon kit itself, as well as making the Carriage available separately to use with any popular third party Heavy Weapons.

Designed by Kit Burrows of Zinge Industry, this is a detailed multi-part kit, which will be cast in high quality resin. If we surpass our initial funding aims, and make it to our stretch goals, we'll also add in a number of alternative weapons, starting with a Gatling Cannon. Anyone backing us with complete Anti-Tank Lasercannon kits will also receive one of each of the unlock alternative weapons for their guns.

It's in your hands now, if you'd like to see these go into production, or more to the point, if you'd like to get your hands on one or more of them, or the carriages, pledge your support on our Kickstarter page.


Any pledge, no matter the size brings us a step closer to putting this into production. However, just as important though is getting the word out, so please, share this on your blog, through twitter, forum or just with local gamers how might be interested!

Wednesday, 27 March 2013

Curious Constructs - Iron Horse Bike In Stock!


The Iron Horse Bike, and Iron Horse Bike Squadron Sets are now in stock in the webstore, go take a look, HERE!

IG Leviathan Painting - Basecoated

I took delivery of the Leviathan last night, now with its first bit of paint with the base coating done courtesy of Dodge, a local gamer buddy of mine. Now its back with me I get to start the detailing, and eventually weathering, though I'm not sure how much of that I'll get done ahead of April's Campaign weekend!

The Leviathan will get my usual edge highlighting treatment, the statues will probably be bronze, and there's an awful lot of iconography to pick out, including the massive aquilla on the front of the hull. Hav'nt made a final decision on how to do the windows just yet - I'm thinking some sort of stained glass effect, but as yet unsettled on if I'll do that for definite, and if I do, how! Open to ideas!

Anyway, here's a picture courtesy of Dodge, but if you want to see more, check out his blog, Dodge Miniature Painting - the Blood Angels I've mentioned before and are awesome (and for sale soon!).

 

Monday, 18 March 2013

Curious Constructs - Pre-Orders Available for the Iron Horse Bike and Bike Squadron!


At long last the Iron Horse Bike is up for pre-order either individually, or in a five bike squadron set! 

Take a look at the Curious Constructs webstore for further details.


And of course, I could'nt resist but to quickly paint one up myself...!


Monday, 11 March 2013

Leviathan Build Complete!

Yes! 

Yes!!!

I've finally finished the construction stage of my Imperial Guard Leviathan after all this time, the final rivet is in place, only 200 hundred or so, and nothing on the scale of Rictus' Ork Karrier, but still!


So whats changed?

Well rivets aside, the sponsons and lower flank armour were completely rebuilt as was the main gun, lots of tidying as well with the aid of liquid greenstuff. You might notice it does'nt have twin-linked Lascannon in all six sponsons as used to be the case, there is a reason for that - and I'll elaborate on that later. The truth is I need to assemble another 4 twin-linked Lascannon turrets later on, so I've got two option is using the beast, but not yet. 

Now it's time for some paint though.... drat.



Tuesday, 5 March 2013

Curious Constructs - 28mm Anti-Tank Laser Video Preview

Kit has been busy working away on the Anti-Tank Laser for Curious Constructs, its so close to being finished...! Below you'll find a video preview of the piece, it is still work in progress remember, the carriage and gun shield are not quite finished, but even now it's awesome, even if I do say so myself!

Friday, 22 February 2013

Curious Constructs - 28mm Bike & Rider Preview

It's time for another preview, this time the long awaited Bike with its Rider, this kit is at the casters now... at last!


Monday, 18 February 2013

Updated Praetorian Guardsmen Painted

At last a finished updated Guardsmen, well one of five actually, with another fifteen on the way, still far far too slow though! I need to get a move on!

Old Guardsmen on the left, new Guardsman on the right!



Monday, 11 February 2013

Check This Blog Out!

Just a quick shout out for a mates blog, it's well worth checking out!

Dodge is local to me, and keeps pushing his painting forward again and again, especially with his air brush work. At the moment he's got a Blood Angels army on the table and is working on a lovely looking Landraider...


Go take a look!

Thursday, 7 February 2013

Army Update - Gatling Guns / Progress at Last!

Excuse the not so brilliant picture, but at last I've finished updating one(!) unit of Gatling Guns, rebasing and improving on my highlighting. Just the rest of the army to do.... it should be quicker here on in now I know what I'm doing though! I'll post up some decent photo's when I've got a chance and some daylight!


Compare these to the original unit HERE.

eBay - Dark Eldar For Sale

I've been asked by a friend to post a link to his Dark Eldar army currently for sale on eBay, the auction ends in about 24 hours.



Friday, 1 February 2013

Curious Constructs - Anti-Tank Laser

I've been far too quiet as of late, and theres been a distinct lack of my own hobby posts. I do need to do something about that, and will do over the weekend, but to start off what I hope will be a whole lot of posting I hope you'll forgive me for sharing another work in progress piece for Curious Constructs! You may remember that a little while ago I showed proof of my inability with pen and pencil!

Well, I can't resist posting a quick and very work in progress shot of what is starting to emerge courtasy of Kit. To say I'm very pleased with what he's designing would be a bit of an understatement - and I'm hoping you'll share my sentiments!

Anti-Tank Laser ahoy!

 
Of course if the gun is a little bit too Steampunk for your tastes, switching the weapon, say to a GW Plastic Lascannon, will be a very easy conversion! ;)

Saturday, 12 January 2013

Curious Constructs - 10% Discount Coupon - Last Day!




Just a quick reminded, today is the last day you can take advantage of the 10% discount voucher celebrating the opening of the new Curious Constructs web store. If you want to use it, enter the following coupon code into your shopping basket before check out, and don't delay, the clock is ticking!

The Coupon code is NEWSTORE

http://www.curiousconstructs.co.uk