A Spartan 3 and ODSTs in a 40k Kill Team

There was a Halo tabletop war game that has been released and unfortunately discontinued. It was created by a company that no longer exists called Spartan Games. They produced a Halo game that I did not get into at the time because well I swore off purchasing anymore game systems and miniatures due to the fact that I will most likely be the only on interested into them. I scoured the internet for more information on this failed game system and found that it was 15mm scale combat. I had fun with another 15mm sized game called Flames of War, but that’s another project for me to finish.

Through my research I found groups to discuss the game play and managed to purchase a core set at half MSRP within the bowels of a random brick and mortar gaming shop’s clearance isle. I found the miniatures to be wonderfully cast and I can discern the detail even at that small scale. Then like a lightning bolt striking me without warning I found an article mentioning the late Spartan Games ambition to delve into larger scale combat of 28mm miniatures to 32mm. I was dumb struck to be honest.

As I browsed through the myriad of forum posts and community pages I came to find that there is a community of players who enjoy the lore and the dead game, but I digress. Within these communities a few people have created miniatures at varying scales as a hobby because of their love of the game. They created new rules and erratas, but this isn’t what this project is. I befriended many within those communities and networked as the hobby for table top Halo dwindled from official support with each passing month.

One of those friends happen to create something that made my jaw drop, open my wallet, and be a living meme of here take my money. What this hobbyist accomplished during their free time was sheer amazing. He has upsized the 15mm scale miniatures to heroic 28mm/32mm scale figures that I use for games like Infinity, Warhammer, and Warmachine.

I have been playing Warhammer 40,000 Kill Team for quite some time and enjoyed the fast paced game play it provided. I found a system in which does not require alot of commitment and funding to get into. Mentally I did not want to pay over a thousand dollars to field vast armies of 2,000 point lists. Here I can field upwards of 20 models to as little as 3, if I so wish.

So where does Halo come in? Well after discussing a few things with this guy, we settled on a few designs. He’s been working on the 3D models for quite some time and now has managed to print them out for me and a few days later I got something waiting for me. It was a small package, yet upon opening its contents I discovered the miniatures were packaged safely. They were wrapped in bubble wrap. Needless to say I was amazed and thoroughly satisfied.

I did not take my time with the first miniature, a Spartan III. My emotions got the better of me while removing the sprues. Rather than work my way up to the miniature from the base; I used my clippers closer to the miniature and ruined the barrel of the DMR. Although it was a blessing in disguise later on, at the time I was somewhat frustrated with my self. Lesson learned I suppose.

I purchased some Secret War Miniatures bases and started to base the Halo miniatures. It took some time to remove the Miniatures from the sprues and after my first experience with the Spartan III, I was satisfied with taking my time. Once they have dried, I primed the models in 40 degree weather using Tamyia Grey spray. The can and miniatures were kept at room temperature. I inspected the models to see if any air bubbles were formed. Once satisfied I set the miniatures aside to dry and start planning the painting process.

Now that I got the minis primed I’m ready to paint. So where do I start? What’s the saying? Better bet on black. To be honest I’m basically a lazy painter most of the time and I just want tabletop quality paint job that is eye catching over 12 inches away. I’m no Picasso with a brush, but I get the basics.

I started with paiting thin layers of black using Citadel Abaddon Black. I used thin layers because I was using the grey basecoat as highlights in order for me to expedite painting. I tried to pick out that darkness of simulating shadows on a miniature.

Then I started to paint stripes to give individuality to the models. Slowly as I got inspired by continuously watching reference pictures/videos, I started  to get inspired.  I started to represent Alpha Nine for Halo 3 ODST. Given the nature of how the models were created, painting them became a challenge. I even went as far as trying to plan who is who and why these models are painted that way.

Using various techniques involving dry brushing and using a thing layer of highlights; I started to draw more detail into each figure. However I had to be careful not to loose the details of the figure I used inks to get into the crevices of the miniatures. The visors gave me some trouble due to the placement and angles of each ODST.

The Spartan did not give me such a hard time since here are alot of flat spaces to fit my  fine detail brush through. The hardest part of painting the Spartan was the attempt at a Shark Face design and the lighting effect that can be found through Halo Reach screenshots.

Given that majority of the models have been finished and I’m already getting excited of the look. I’m going to add some flair and some highlights to the miniatures. The ODSTs and and Spartan 3 need some basic color schemes. I even went as far as painting one as the Kill Team’s Medic.

I further wanted to add more effect on the bases for the Halo Kill Team. I put some Secret Weapon Miniatures water effects and some foliage to mirror the terrain at Voi.

One thing I found when I was applying the water effects was I had to be happy with how the areas that will be under water are painted. Also the foliage has soaked a bunch of the water effects which became a blessing in disguise as it added some more realism to them. Unfortunately I ended up apply multiple layers. I found that upon application I had to wait for each layer to dry to get the right thickness that I had wanted.

I know its been awhile, I have been starting one project after another as I look towards making different attempts at my own painting style. However I did finish my ODSTs and Spartan 3 for this project. Overall I am satisfied on how they turned out.  Here they are, Enjoy!