Necrons And My First Space Marine Miniature

Hey guys! So, I've been super hyped about diving into the world of Warhammer 40,000, and I finally took the plunge by grabbing the Tomb World box for my Necron army. I'm so excited to add these awesome, ancient robots to my collection. But guess what? This purchase also means I get to embark on a new adventure: painting my very first Space Marine miniature! I've always admired the look of the Space Marines, those iconic warriors of the Imperium, and now I have the chance to bring one to life with my own brushstrokes. This is a huge milestone for me in this hobby journey, and I'm eager to share my experience, from unboxing the Tomb World set to tackling the challenge of painting a Space Marine. This whole process is not just about adding miniatures to my army; it's about the joy of the hobby, the creativity it sparks, and the community it connects us to. So, let's get into the details, shall we?

Unboxing the Necron Tomb World Set: A Treasure Trove of Metallic Mayhem

The Necron Tomb World box is an absolute treasure trove for any Necron enthusiast, new or seasoned. The moment I got my hands on it, I knew I was in for a treat. Unboxing it felt like uncovering an ancient tomb filled with metallic warriors ready to rise and conquer. Inside, you're greeted with a fantastic assortment of Necron miniatures, perfect for bolstering your existing forces or starting a brand-new dynasty. The set typically includes a variety of units, offering a great mix of troop types to form the core of your army. You usually get a squad of Necron Warriors, the backbone of any Necron force, along with some fearsome Immortals, their more heavily armored counterparts. But the real stars of the show, in my opinion, are the more specialized units like the Wraiths, those ghostly, serpentine constructs that can phase through terrain, and perhaps a leader unit like a Necron Overlord to command your forces. The models themselves are incredibly detailed, capturing the sleek, robotic aesthetic of the Necrons perfectly. Each miniature is a testament to the intricate design and lore of this ancient race, from the hieroglyphic-like markings on their armor to the menacing energy weapons they wield. The plastic sprues are packed with components, and the assembly process, while requiring some patience and precision, is ultimately very rewarding as you watch these mechanical warriors take shape. Beyond the miniatures, the Tomb World box often includes other goodies like a rulebook or a datacard booklet, providing you with the essential information to field your new Necrons on the tabletop. It's a fantastic way to dive deeper into the game and understand the unique abilities and strategies of the Necron army. For me, unboxing the Tomb World set was more than just opening a box of miniatures; it was like stepping into a new chapter of my Warhammer 40,000 journey, filled with excitement and the promise of epic battles to come. I'm already planning out the paint schemes and imagining these Necrons marching across the battlefield, and it's all thanks to the amazing contents of this box.

The Surprise Space Marine: A New Painting Challenge

Okay, so here's the fun part: while the Tomb World box is all about the Necrons, it also threw me a curveball – a lone Space Marine miniature! I was totally not expecting this, but it's actually super cool. It's like the universe knew I needed a new painting challenge. This Space Marine is not just any miniature; it's a symbol of a whole different faction, a whole different style of warfare, and a whole different painting experience. The Space Marines, with their bulky power armor and iconic heraldry, are a complete contrast to the sleek, metallic Necrons. This means I'm stepping outside my comfort zone and diving into a new set of techniques and color schemes. I've been poring over images of different Space Marine chapters, trying to decide which one to paint. Do I go with the classic Ultramarines, the poster boys of the Imperium? Or maybe I'll try something a bit more unique, like the battle-scarred Space Wolves or the grimdark Death Guard. The possibilities are endless! Painting this Space Marine is also a chance for me to experiment with different methods, like layering and highlighting, to really make the miniature pop. I'm excited to try out new techniques for painting armor, adding weathering effects, and even creating realistic battle damage. It's going to be a learning curve, for sure, but that's part of the fun. This single Space Marine miniature represents a whole new avenue for my hobby journey. It's a chance to expand my skills, explore a different aspect of the Warhammer 40,000 universe, and, who knows, maybe even start a whole new army! I'm already feeling inspired to tackle this challenge, and I can't wait to share my progress with you guys.

Planning the Paint Scheme: Necrons and a Lone Marine

Alright, let's talk paint! Planning the paint scheme for my Necrons and this unexpected Space Marine is a big part of the excitement. For the Necrons, I'm drawn to the classic metallic look, but I want to add my own twist. I'm thinking a base coat of a dark metallic color, like gunmetal or black, to give them a menacing, shadowy appearance. Then, I'll layer on brighter metallic paints, like silver or even a touch of gold, to create highlights and make the details pop. The key is to achieve that balance between the cold, robotic nature of the Necrons and the ancient, regal feel of their dynasty. I'm also considering adding some glowing green effects to their weapons and energy conduits. This would not only tie them to the traditional Necron aesthetic but also provide a striking contrast against the dark metallic armor. I've been looking at various tutorials and paint recipes online, experimenting with different techniques like dry brushing and washes to create a realistic, battle-worn look. For the Space Marine, the paint scheme is a whole different ballgame. As I mentioned before, I'm torn between different chapters. The Ultramarines are a classic choice, but I'm also tempted by the gritty aesthetic of the Space Wolves or the dark, imposing look of the Death Guard. Each chapter has its own unique color scheme and heraldry, and I want to choose one that really resonates with me. I'm leaning towards a chapter with a rich history and a distinctive look, something that will make my Space Marine stand out on the tabletop. Whatever chapter I choose, I want to focus on creating a realistic, battle-hardened look. This means adding weathering effects, like scratches and dents, and using washes to bring out the details in the armor. I also want to pay close attention to the smaller details, like the chapter markings and squad insignias, to really bring the miniature to life. Planning the paint scheme is not just about choosing colors; it's about telling a story. It's about creating a visual representation of the character and history of these warriors, both Necron and Space Marine. I'm excited to embark on this artistic journey and see how these miniatures transform under my brush.

Painting the Necrons: Metallic Magic and Glowing Energy

Time to get down to the nitty-gritty and start painting these metallic marvels! Painting Necrons is a unique experience, different from painting organic creatures or heavily armored humans. The key is to capture their cold, robotic nature while also conveying their ancient power and mystery. I started with a base coat of black primer, which provides a solid foundation for the metallic paints and helps to create those deep shadows. Then, I applied a layer of gunmetal to the main armor panels, using several thin coats to ensure a smooth, even finish. This gives the Necrons that classic, dark metallic look that I was aiming for. Next comes the fun part: adding the highlights! I used a lighter silver paint to pick out the edges of the armor, the sharp corners, and the raised details. This is where dry brushing comes in handy. By lightly brushing the silver paint over the textured surfaces, I can create a subtle, weathered look that adds depth and realism. To really make the Necrons pop, I decided to add some touches of gold to certain areas, like the shoulders, the chest, and the weapon casings. This gives them a regal, ancient feel, hinting at their powerful dynasty and their long history. But the real magic happens when I start painting the energy effects. I used a vibrant green paint for the weapon glows, the eye sockets, and the energy conduits on their bodies. This provides a striking contrast against the dark metallic armor and adds that iconic Necron energy signature. To create a glowing effect, I used a technique called layering, gradually building up the brightness of the green paint towards the center of the glowing areas. This gives the impression of a pulsating, otherworldly energy. Painting the Necrons is a delicate balance between technical precision and artistic expression. It's about creating a cohesive look that reflects their unique nature and their place in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. I'm really enjoying the process, and I can't wait to see these Necrons take shape and march onto the battlefield.

Tackling My First Space Marine: A Chapter Selection

Okay, guys, the moment of truth has arrived: it's time to decide which Space Marine chapter to paint! This is a big decision, as the chapter will determine the color scheme, the heraldry, and even the overall feel of the miniature. I've been doing a ton of research, poring over images and lore, and I've narrowed it down to a few contenders. First up, we have the Ultramarines, the quintessential Space Marines. They're the poster boys of the Imperium, known for their discipline, their strategic prowess, and their striking blue armor. Painting an Ultramarine would be a classic choice, and it would allow me to learn the fundamentals of Space Marine painting. However, I also want something that stands out a bit more. That brings me to the Space Wolves, the fierce warriors from the icy world of Fenris. They're known for their savage fighting style, their wolf-themed aesthetic, and their distinctive grey armor. Painting a Space Wolf would be a fun challenge, as it would involve adding fur pelts, tribal markings, and other unique details. But then there's the Death Guard, the corrupted Chaos Space Marines who worship Nurgle, the god of disease. They're known for their decaying armor, their bloated bodies, and their overall grimdark appearance. Painting a Death Guard marine would be a completely different experience, as it would involve creating a realistic, weathered look, adding rust, grime, and other effects. After much deliberation, I think I'm going to go with... the Dark Angels! I've always been drawn to their mysterious nature, their rich history, and their unique color scheme. The Dark Angels are a chapter with a hidden secret, haunted by the sins of their past. They're known for their dark green armor, their hooded figures, and their iconic winged heraldry. Painting a Dark Angel marine will be a challenge, as it will involve working with dark colors and intricate details. But I'm excited to try it out, and I think the result will be a truly stunning miniature. So, there you have it! I've made my decision, and I'm ready to dive into the world of the Dark Angels. Now it's time to start planning the paint scheme and gathering my supplies. Let the painting begin!

First Steps in Painting a Space Marine Miniature

Alright, so I've chosen the Dark Angels as my chapter, and now it's time to get this Space Marine miniature painted! This is my first time painting a Space Marine, so I'm taking it step by step and learning as I go. The first thing I did was clean the miniature and remove any mold lines or imperfections. This is a crucial step, as it ensures that the paint will adhere properly and the details will stand out. Then, I assembled the miniature, carefully gluing the various parts together. I made sure to use a good quality plastic glue and to hold the pieces firmly in place until the glue had set. Once the miniature was assembled, I applied a base coat of black primer. This provides a solid foundation for the subsequent layers of paint and helps to create those deep shadows. I used a spray primer for this, as it provides a smooth, even finish. Next up is the base coat of green, the signature color of the Dark Angels. I'm using a dark green paint, which I'm applying in thin, even layers. It's important to use multiple thin coats rather than one thick coat, as this prevents the paint from obscuring the details of the miniature. I'm also being careful to avoid pooling the paint in the recesses, as this can create unwanted textures. Once the base coat is dry, I'll start adding the highlights. This is where I'll use a lighter green paint to pick out the edges of the armor, the raised details, and the sharp corners. This will help to create a sense of depth and dimension and make the miniature pop. I'm also planning to add some weathering effects, like scratches and dents, to give the Dark Angel marine a battle-worn look. This will involve using a sponge to apply small amounts of metallic paint to the edges of the armor and using a fine-tipped brush to create realistic scratches. Painting a Space Marine miniature is a process that requires patience, precision, and a little bit of artistic flair. But it's also incredibly rewarding, as you watch the miniature transform from a bare plastic model into a fully painted warrior of the Imperium. I'm excited to see how this Dark Angel marine turns out, and I'm already planning my next Space Marine project!

Conclusion: My Miniature Painting Journey

So, there you have it, guys! My journey into the world of Necrons and Space Marines has officially begun. From unboxing the Tomb World box to tackling my very first Space Marine miniature, it's been an exciting ride so far. I've learned a lot about painting techniques, color schemes, and the lore of Warhammer 40,000, and I'm already looking forward to my next painting project. This experience has been more than just about painting miniatures; it's been about embracing a new hobby, challenging myself creatively, and connecting with a community of like-minded enthusiasts. The satisfaction of seeing a miniature come to life under your brush is truly rewarding, and I encourage anyone who's curious about miniature painting to give it a try. Whether you're a seasoned painter or a complete beginner, there's always something new to learn and explore. I'm excited to continue sharing my painting journey with you, and I can't wait to see what other miniatures I'll be tackling in the future. Stay tuned for more updates, and happy painting!