Well, I finally decided to paint something for the FWL. I've never really been a fan of this faction, but how can you not root for the Regulan Hussars? Crazy leader declaring himself Captain-General and sleeping with a cyborg, he makes amends by way of massive "purge". Multiple attempts to assault Gibson, consequences be damned. Is the son really in charge now, or is the old man still pulling the strings from the shadows? Who knows? Regulus is finally a FWL faction I can get behind!
Anyway, I love this sculpt, and I really wanted to do it justice. It's still a work-in-progress. I need to complete the base, add decals, drop some more clear on the PPC and cockpit (as well as clean up the cockpit a little), and seal. I also haven't quite decided how I want to do the Arrow IV yet. I keep going back and forth between empty tubes and having some missile tips displayed. Was thinking of using toothpick tips for the missiles, any other suggestions? I also plan to add exhaust residue to the inner door of the launcher (already painted exhaust residue behind the arm and shoulder launchers).
The TAG on the right torso was difficult for me to picture. The piece itself is fitted specifically to be in the position shown, with both tips pointed up in the air like an antenna. I was trying to figure out how this worked, as it seemed they shouldn't be painted like 'guns' in that position. I read the description in TW again, and it seemed that antenna-like works just fine:
Targeting acquisition gear designates (or “paints”) an enemy
unit to be struck by another unit’s weapons.
So, I decided it works through triangulation, which is why you've got two antennae instead of just one (D'OH! I just realized the two antennae on the back of the Tessen's head function the same way).
That was my only issue with this sculpt (once I figured out that the Arrow IV was truly modeled as being on both the arm AND the LT), other than the slight issue of the AMS being pointed down. I almost cut those off to reposition them, but decided against it in the end. There were some comments about the sculpt leaning forward too much, but honestly I think it's perfect. Considering the size of those Arrow IV's, you'd think it would need to be canted forward slightly to keep from being knocked over on it's butt. Just imo.
I attempted to do some panel shading and highlighting, seen best from the rear or above, although I doubt the pic captures it too well (just taken hurriedly with my iphone). I went pretty minimal on the off-yellow highlights that the Regulan Hussars use, so let me know if you think it needs more of that.
