Let's get straight to it.
This IS the most difficult model to paint and build that Dreadfleet has to offer, hands down. Save this monster for the end; you're going to need all the practice you can get. I've broken this article up by categories of learning.
Painting:
- The color of the sails that the 'eavy metal team used can be replicated with a base coat of Mechrite Red, a layer of Leviathan Purple, drybrush the corners down with pure black, and do a soft highlight with a 1:1 mix of Blood Red and Warlock Purple.
- The hull is a two-piece core with another two pieces enclosing it. After you assemble the core, double check all the joins and angles to make sure you didn't miss anything.
- Don't be afraid to use those green washes to help push the shadows. It adds a needed dimension and is an accurate translation of the 'eavy metal style.
Assembly:
- Get help for the assembly. Whether that means having a buddy help out or just a few locking pliers is up to you, but it's nearly impossible to get everything in place at the same time to accurately assemble the model.
- Yes, the sails are crooked. I checked the book and they're supposed to be.
- There are a ton of fragile joints on the outer hull. Remember that you can't muscle these pieces together; dry fit everything.
Photography:
- If you want to document this build properly, take a minute to photograph the sails before assembly. As you can see in the above picture, the main sails completely covers up the one immediately behind it. Once those sails are in place, that's it.
This model seems to be where GW stuck the extras that didn't make the final cut. A lot of the other Warhammer races get their nod here. You'll see Empire, Bretonnian, Chaos Warrior, and other little touches that indicate GW didn't forget them.
Only one ship and two islands left. I feel like I've painted an entire army here, and in some ways I have. Next week I'll have the Shadewraith up along with some concluding thoughts. Finish line here I come!
