Hello I’m Giovanni Bosio, an Italian painter known online as IL NANO NEFASTO Painting Studio.

I have been offered the chance to paint some of the prototype models from the forthcoming Age of Tyrants 6mm Sci-Fi miniatures game. Featured here, in my step-by-step painting guide, is the “Draco”, one of the Junker artillery platforms.

1st Step - Model Preparation

Using a scalpel, sprue cutter and various files, I began by cleaning up the model, which despite its small size, 45mm long, 30mm wide and 30mm high, is highly detailed and very dynamic.

2nd Step - Building The Base

I then cut a 50 x 50mm base out of plasticard - this is the standard size base for all the models in the game. I roughened the surface with coarse sandpaper to create a good key, added a thin layer of putty and then modelled track marks on it.

I then applied glue and sprinkled varies grades of sand on it before I positioned larger stones to create a rocky desert effect.

3rd Step - Volume Modulation

When it was dry I applied black primer to the base and the model parts. I then airbrushed the base with earth colours and used the same colours on the model as well to create the highlights, making sure to spray down onto the model to leave black in the recesses.

4th Step - The Flaming Red

Then, to reinforce the shadows I airbrushed the model with blue, to contrast well with the warm red with which I subsequently painted the main body.

I did however keep the red very diluted and built it up over several layers in order to let the under painting show through. I added more layers of red to the upper surfaces to create a strong 3D effect.

5th Step - Colour Of The Base

I then applied various washes to the base, paying particular attention to the track marks. I then air brushed up “lighter” areas and then finished off with some dry brushing to really lift them out of the base colours.

6th Step - Painting The Details

Returning to the armoured vehicle I began by painting the base colours of all the components using the colours you see in the image below...

Being very small, the model requires precision at this stage. I took advantage of the broad surface of the blade at the front to paint one of the Junker faction icons in a style reminiscent of a Roman imperial eagle.

To contrast with the red hull, I painted a striped yellow-black pattern inside the missile compartment, applying it on the floors and tanks as well as the “wing” tips.

I deliberately left black in the recesses of the compartment to give the visual illusion of depth.

7th Step -  The Weathering

After assembling the model and attaching it to the base I began the process of ageing and weathering, using oil paints and pigments.

I used a desert hue pigment to create the dust and oil paints on the “steel” parts to simulate soot, oil and fuel leaks.

8th Step - Matt Varnishing

I left the model to air for a long time to ensure that all the parts had properly dried. I then gave the whole model a good coat of matt varnish to remove any shiny areas due to the weathering/ageing process as well as to offer some protection to the model.

I hope you like the end result.

Conclusion

This model is only the tip of the iceberg from the range of fantastic models that Age of Tyrants is preparing for you. Whether you are a passionate modeller or wargamer, or both like I am, then I’d highly recommend you to checkout this project which will be launched on Kickstarter soon.

See the website www.ageoftyrants.com as I’m sure you’ll not regret it.

As for my article if you have any questions or queries I’ll be more then happy to answer them here or on www.ilnanonefasto.it or www.facebook.com/ilnanonefasto.

Ciao for now!

ilnanonefasto

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