Top Tip: Test Models

I'm a big fan of test models, which I'll use to sort out an army's paint scheme as well as just fiddle with a technique.

Yes, you have to be careful when you're fiddlin' - you could go blind.

It's also fun just to paint something different to break the monotony of whatever you're working on.  My rule is I never spend more than an hour on a test model... and I usually spend much less.  I'm a fan of speed-painting techniques; I'd rather have an army that's painted to a decent standard than 10 great models in a primer-tastic army.

I hit a stall when painting my Codex Chapter, the Silver Skulls, so I took one and repurposed it.  I loved the Storm Wardens project a bunch of internet notables were involved in, but frankly I always thought the silver should be on the inside to draw the eye in.  So, as you can see, I reversed it.  This test model is different from most, in that I'll actually be finishing an army based on it...

...but we all have our little failures.  Here I was experimenting with a tartan.  I vomited upon seeing the results.  They can't all be winners - and I quickly painted over this hideous design.

Here I was experimented in earth tones for the base of a Marine's armor.  Since there is green in the tan, I used green in the contrasting color.  I'm fairly happy with the result but I won't do anything with it.

The base was one of my first tests of a rush technique.  I went back and 'finished' the model to see what it would look like.  Again, as with most test models, nothing further will come of this one.

Here's a test model from years back.  How many?  No idea - at least 5, but maybe double that.  I keep everything.  The idea with this was painting Tyranids in a natural tone.  I'm not unhappy with the idea - it makes more sense than most bug schemes.

Another old one.  Alpha Legion.  This model inspired me to quit thinking about Alpha Legion!

I've done way too many Tau test models.  This is the closest I've come to being happy, partly because of how long I took: 20 minutes from start to finish.  That's something to consider what launching an army, because one model is easy but a hundred sucks.

There you have it - test models.  I'm sure we all have extra minis we know we're never going to need in our armies, so it's a way to make them useful.

My current project is Space Marines, and I'll be alternating between my Brotherhood Space Wolves 'Counts-As' and my faux Storm Wardens (I'll have to think of a better name).  The first is a 'dirty' scheme, which are my favorite to paint, while the second is a 'clean' look... something I find harder to do well, since it takes more patience.

Naturally I'll be showing you the results.