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Oriskany’s Old West 40mm Miniatures

Oriskany’s Old West 40mm Miniatures

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Project Blog by oriskany Cult of Games Member

Recommendations: 46

About the Project

As some of you may remember, my Dad has a 1:48 model railroad setup, themed in the old American West. For his birthday coming up, I thought I could buy a few 40mm minis from KnuckleDuster Miniatures and paint them up for his scenes. Just a quick project to get my brushes wet again, so to speak, after a 6-month hiatus from painting and "traditional" hobby.

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Project Complete P1

Tutoring 1
Skill 2
Idea 2
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Okay, project is complete.  These were metal 1:48 / 40mm Knuckleduster Miniatures (saloon girls, cowboys, gunfighters, each with three figures).

These miniatures were being put together for my Dad’s “O” scale model train set.  His birthday was last week (my trip to see him delayed one week due to Hurricane Dorian).  He themed his table on the American Old West, so 1:48 / O scale miniatures seemed the perfect fit.

So I sawed the women off their metal bases and re-based them on new American nickels, covered in hardwood floor pattern I printed on cardstock.  This is because these figures will be on porches, balconies, etc ... on or in saloons rather than standing out in the open prairie.So I sawed the women off their metal bases and re-based them on new American nickels, covered in hardwood floor pattern I printed on cardstock. This is because these figures will be on porches, balconies, etc ... on or in saloons rather than standing out in the open prairie.
The three trios set up.  Saloon Girls front and center, Gunfighters at upper left, Cowboys at upper right.  Note the Gunfighters and Cowboys are on more typical The three trios set up. Saloon Girls front and center, Gunfighters at upper left, Cowboys at upper right. Note the Gunfighters and Cowboys are on more typical "outdoor" bases.
Trying to take better pictures in better light on a curved white surface.Trying to take better pictures in better light on a curved white surface.
White / Blue Interference acrylic paint used in the gunmetal mix to give a White / Blue Interference acrylic paint used in the gunmetal mix to give a "gunmetal blue" on these old style Colts, Derringers, Winchester lever actions, and double-barreled sawed-off shotgun.
Miniature detail was great.  The pistol ammo in the belts was one of my favorite parts. Miniature detail was great. The pistol ammo in the belts was one of my favorite parts.
I hope my Dad likes the present!  I hope my Dad likes the present!

Project Complete P2

Tutoring 1
Skill 2
Idea 2
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The textures and details in the minis were great.  Those bustles on the back of the ladies' dresses practically painted themselves.The textures and details in the minis were great. Those bustles on the back of the ladies' dresses practically painted themselves.
My first try with eyes.  My first try with eyes.
I think the I think the "Lady in Red" is my favorite of the batch. And the cowboy in the green vest.
I TRIED to do fingernails on the ladies, I'm afraid all it did was blend their fingertips into the dresses and the guns.  I TRIED to do fingernails on the ladies, I'm afraid all it did was blend their fingertips into the dresses and the guns.
The whole gang.The whole gang.
I borrowed some of Jenn's I borrowed some of Jenn's "purple glitter" paint to use in the mix for the Madam's dress. Washes weren't working on the color that dark so on that violet skirt and the "Virgil Earp" older gunfighter here, I used manual highlights to get some texture.

So that’s it.  Project complete.  My first try with 40mm (1:48) minis.  Heading out of the office today early to get on the road and head up to my Dad’s, where I’ll given them to him as a birthday gift for his 1:48 Old West model railroad table.  Hopefully he likes it!

Looking back, maybe a few things I might have done a little different.  But it was definitely fun.  Knuckleduster Miniatures definitely recommended.

Works in Progress - P1

Tutoring 2
Skill 6
Idea 6
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Raw miniatures, cleaned up a little and mounted on nickels.Raw miniatures, cleaned up a little and mounted on nickels.
Primed in black, then zenithal satin-whitePrimed in black, then zenithal satin-white

Works in Progress - P2

Tutoring 1
Skill 6
Idea 4
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About half the base colors down.About half the base colors down.
Base colors done, then a wash, SOME highlights and details done.  More to go.Base colors done, then a wash, SOME highlights and details done. More to go.
Base colors done, then a wash, SOME highlights and details done.  More to go.Base colors done, then a wash, SOME highlights and details done. More to go.

Works in Progress - P3

Tutoring 0
Skill 6
Idea 5
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A LITTLE more progress, still not 100% done, photographed in better light.A LITTLE more progress, still not 100% done, photographed in better light.
We're looking at three gunmen, three cowboys, three We're looking at three gunmen, three cowboys, three "saloon gals" ... including one in an evening gown, one in her "working clothes," and a supervisor with a double-barreled sawed off shotgun to keep the customers in line!
I hope to finish these up soon.  The men will be easy to base, usual outdoor earth and grass.  The women (indoor bases) will be tougher.  I don't know what I will do with those yet.I hope to finish these up soon. The men will be easy to base, usual outdoor earth and grass. The women (indoor bases) will be tougher. I don't know what I will do with those yet.

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