SHOWCASE: Tyranid Trygon / Mawloc

This Trygon / Mawloc kit was the second monstrous creature I ever painted, and the first I ever painted with an airbrush, and includes some of my first conversion work.

WORKSPACE: Sub $100 airbrush setup

Using an airbrush is essential to bringing your hobby painting to the next level, but many people put it off because they think it's prohibitively expensive, or too difficult to master.

I've included links to the exact setup I use... and it costs less than a new battleforce!

WORKSPACE: Lighting

Hey, look at that - it's my messy workspace!

Despite its sloppy appearance, this image of my workspace illustrates an important point - the necessity of a good light source.

SHOWCASE: Ork Nobz

These Ork Nobz from the Assault on Black Reach starter set were some of the first Warhammer miniatures I painted when I started the hobby in January of 2012.

SHOWCASE: Tyranid Warriors

I painted these warriors as part of my growing Hive Fleet; Unending Maw. They contain numerous, small conversions to modify the poses and add story elements to the bases. (note the ultramarine helmet at the feet of one of the advancing warriors.)

SHOWCASE: Cadre Fireblade

Part of my "Mega Painters" project, I completed this Cadre Fireblade. It's a great model, and I'm happy that GW chose to make it as a plastic kit, and not finecast. The level of detail is fantastic, and the face has much more expression than the heads found in the Fire Team kit.

SHOWCASE: Tau Fire Team

This 12 man Fire Team was the first squad I painted for my "Mega Painter" project. I'm pleased with the way they turned out, and I'm excited about the color scheme I've chosen for this army.

WIP: 2,000pt Tau Army

(Not pictured is a second battleforce & a Skyray gunship)

Thanks to a friend, when the new Tau product launched in May, I was able to get a substantial discount, and I bought DAMN NEAR EVERYTHING. It was the first time I purchased an entire army at once, and even with the discount, I still cringed at the total on the receipt.

The idea that I could return them if they were still wrapped, and the intimidation factor of having an entire army that needed to be painted, kept them untouched in a box in my hobby room for most of the summer. But, inspired by the "mega painters" series on the Tale of Painters blog, I cracked the plastic wrap and started on the largest project I'd tackled since painting my forgeworld terrain tiles.

The Hammer of Wrath is born!

(And so, I stagger, bleary-eyed and clueless into the world of blogging.)

Hello everyone, and welcome to 'The Hammer of Wrath', a Warhammer 40K hobby blog. Here I'll be posting various articles focused on the hobby aspect of 40K, including tutorials, works in progress, showcases of finished miniatures and scenery, and product reviews.

I'm an experienced miniatures painter and hobbyist, having completed several armies and multiple terrain tables, as well as commissioned pieces for friends and clients.

Generally, the blog will be updated every monday, wednesday and friday with the latest projects I'm working on, or showcasing pieces I've completed in the past. I look forward to sharing my hobby progress and knowledge with you, and hope you're inspired as well.

- trip