BTU EXCLUSIVE: "RONIN'S RAMBLINGS"

Steve Ronin · Post by **Steve Ronin** » Fri Aug 26, 2011 1:44 pm

Hello y'all:

I'm currently engaged in hurricane prep. at work.
Preparations are complete on the home front.
Haven't been feeling too hot recently.
Got home last night, skipped dinner and zonked out.
so yep, I'm not well.
(physically, JEFF; mentally I'm fine. The nice doctor said so...)

Havent touched a brush in days.

Sad, I know.

I am really looking forward to getting my Commission mini from William (Sounguru)
Once it shows up, I will post pix.
I did have a company worth of minis arrive on my doorstep on Thursday.
Picked up a great bargain via eBay: 12 minis (3 plastech) for $49, which included shipping.
The paint jobs on most of these are first rate, but several look like they had a second owner add some numbering.
Currently, they aren't faction specific, so suggestions would be appreciated.
Their paintjob is a dark red/ barn red. No highlights other than weapons.
LISTING HERE
There are a few which I will need to touch up, and the FIREFLY is missing some of those tiny laser bits., as well as having bad knees and weak legs.

oh. BRB yall

Steve Ronin · Post by **Steve Ronin** » Sat Aug 27, 2011 11:01 am

hello all.
Sorry about that.
Boss walked in and announced a conference: right now.
eh, its the workplace... BUT,
It's Saturday, and I'm at home with the kids, the cats and "Irene".

Oh, and a BIG "FU" to the news media and meteorologists in general.
My daughter was absolutely convinced that when "Irene" hit, it would kill us all.
Just what every parent loves to hear: a little girl sobbing & crying "I don't wanna die!"

So yeah: FRAK YOU, MEDIA. We're gonna watch "The Waltons" and Pixar movies all weekend.
I know that the say is: "if it bleeds, it leads", but really; the next time I hear GOOD news from the local news media, it will be the FIRST.

anyway...
it looks like today will be a good day to stay in and do some painting.
Just hope there's a decent game on the TV.
Yep. I paint in front of the TV. Helps to keep me from getting overly stressed.
But I would welcome suggestions for the barn red company of Mechs I got the other day.

Y'all Stay Tuned...
-the RONIN-

Steve Ronin · Post by **Steve Ronin** » Sat Aug 27, 2011 12:16 pm

Hey y'all: Quick Update here....

I've been googling the web and browsing thru a bunch of the BT websites, and I found this podcast.
http://arbitration-studios.squarespace.com/
Good Stuff and Funny to boot.

Also, was checking the comments page - and I got a reminder from SKUMM about his website.
How silly of me to forget one of the best miniature reference sites around!
Please check it out.
http://skumm-battletech.blogspot.com/

Enjoy!

-SR

Steve Ronin · Post by **Steve Ronin** » Mon Aug 29, 2011 5:50 pm

Well, Irene has left, and left a mess to clean up.
I lost power here at the homestead for about 18 hours, and I'm one of the lucky ones.
cable TV and internet have been spotty up until about Noonish today.
It's really hard to paint by candlelight....

the workplace was closed todya because they had no power, but didn't matter much 'cause I had dental work.
Currently, my cheeks feel like basketballs.
ow.

I did receive my BLACKWATCH from Sounguru today.

But I think USPS played football with the box.

both arms are loose, and there's a BUNCH of paint chipped off.
A small cloud of olive green erupted from the box when I opened it.

Sounguru, if you see this, please PM me.

Thoughts for today.
Hurricanes bring fair weather.
and...

muwahahahaha

-Ronin OUT-

Steve Ronin · Post by **Steve Ronin** » Wed Aug 31, 2011 11:59 am

Hello All,
Found some time to browse the blogosphere, found some interesting illustrations.
http://www.softgreenglow.com/wp/?p=12400
http://skippyslist.com/2011/08/28/badly-at-that/
*take note of Comment #3*
*and JEFF, I finally found your posting*
http://skippyslist.com/2008/06/24/why-s ... enlisting/

more later.
gotta run.

Steve Ronin · Post by **Steve Ronin** » Wed Aug 31, 2011 2:08 pm

Back for more, I see....
One of my coworkers pointed me to this site, and I must say: THANKS Cory!
Now I have lots more things to waste money I don't have upon.
1st: CHESS SET
http://uncrate.com/stuff/bullet-chess-set/
2nd: Learn To Dodge
http://uncrate.com/stuff/stressvest/
3rd: Now I Need a JEEP

http://uncrate.com/stuff/mopar-jk-8-jeep-kit/
4th: MOAR DAKKA!!
http://uncrate.com/stuff/xploderz-water-pellet-guns/
5th: Elemental Remover.
http://uncrate.com/stuff/dead-on-annihilator/

And thanks to Kenny for getting me started on Real Estate...
anyone got a spare $600K ?
http://www.privateislandsonline.com/sunsetkey.htm

In the Battletech related front, YES, I did get some painting done last night.
Worked on a couple more of these Dystopian Wars artillery tanks I picked up.
I just love how easily the paint flows onto these models. The detailing is simply superb.
I also put some paint down on a pair of Heavy Tracked APCs and a Morningstar CCV.
Altho the more I think on it, I may end up stripping and repainting the Morningstar with a more Urban Camo look.
Currently, it's just too much OD green for an urban combat vehicle.

Pix? Sorry, not yet.
Catch y'all later!

-the RONIN

Steve Ronin · Post by **Steve Ronin** » Fri Sep 02, 2011 2:55 pm

Real Life is not being gentle with me...

Not really happy with the direction that my current contract is trending

Everything started out SO promising, but is quicky becoming SNAFU.
Team morale is in the basement and not expected to get better.
Plus, I hafta face the dentist on the morrow. I REALLY don't enjoy the dentist.

On top of all that, the cats have brought a plague of fleas into the homestead.
Spray, treat, vacuum, flea bomb, repeat.... 'tis a good thing that Geneva Conventions don't apply to insects and vermin.

and gentle, restorative sleep has been eluding me recently.

Small wonder I can't seem to get anything done...

Ronin OUT-

Steve Ronin · Post by **Steve Ronin** » Fri Sep 02, 2011 2:56 pm

!!!@#$%^&*!!!
and the workplace just got worse.

Steve Ronin · Post by **Steve Ronin** » Sat Sep 03, 2011 7:42 pm

Valuim + valuium + 8 shots of Novocain.

I can't find my head.

3.5 hours in the cahir.

4 hours later...

IT HURTS.

+ 2 of prescription pain meds.

Now just a dull ache adn i'm sleepy/dizzy.

walked outside and narly facepklanted in the yard.

back to bed for me.

RONIN out - way out.

Steve Ronin · Post by **Steve Ronin** » Wed Sep 07, 2011 12:44 am

Hello faithful readers...
it is I, your somewhat lazy blogger.
Now, I think that some of y'all believe I'm just blowin' smoke about the projects I have in the works.
And, I ahve been sparse with my photography recently.
So in this post, I'll give answer to all those questions.

First off, my second largest project, a Word of Blake Level 3 from the Light of Mankind Division
12 Mechs
8 Chevalier Light Tanks
2 Pinto Attack VTOLs
2 Maxim BA Hover Transports
6 Sparrowhawk ASFs
6 Squads of Purifier BA (36 troopers)

First, the Celestials... obviously still in progress

I think that 5 Manei Domini controlled CELESTIALS is a pretty good indication of a Spec Ops group.
But then, not EVERY 'Mech can be a CELESTIAL, its too expensive: to fill in the gaps, we have some 'common' Inner Sphere 'Mechs.
NOTE: RPGSHEETS' gorgeous CRAB leads the way...

To finish out the Double Level 2 of 'Mechs, a pair of INITIATES. One of these isn't put together correctly. Kudos to the first commentor who gets it right!

More 'Mech Portraiture goodness to come. Stay Tuned....

-RONIN OUT

Steve Ronin · Post by **Steve Ronin** » Wed Sep 07, 2011 1:02 am

OK, maybe just one more....

One of several Company sized projects I've got going...

Wolf Dragoons, Epsilon Regiment.
Leading the way, another of RPGSHEETS' beautiful works, an OSPREY....

and yes, I have taken to minor modding of UNSEENS.
The GRIFFIN's original rifle-like PPC looks like a friggin' POPGUN.
I believe this replacement adds a bit more heft and intimidation to this GRIFFIN-6S.
And I had to replace the LL on the Thunderbolt cause it's a PlasTech mold that suffered from NON-EXISTANT quality control.
The 'Mech has been modded to reflect a THUNDERBOLT-5S(x)

Sorry, that's all for now. Maybe more tomorrow.

Stay Tuned My Friends! Every Day is a New Day.

-the RONIN

Steve Ronin · Post by **Steve Ronin** » Wed Sep 07, 2011 3:45 pm

Ta-DA!

I'm posting for 2 days in a row!

Today I'm posting a pic of my 8th Marik Militia Company.

I'm not so impressed with my own work on these, but considering they are all PlasTech,
they're turning out better than expected.
I do have an awesome THUNDERBOLT by RPGsheets to include in this group;
but he was misplaced at the time of picture taking.

I'm thinking of putting on a Dark Blue Ink wash on these after I've affixed decals.
Honestly, given the paint chipping on the AWESOME, I may just strip & redo the paint job.
I think the flaking paint is because of high humidity when I primered the AWESOME.

And yes, my favorite era is 3025/3039.

Keep on painting, y'all.
-Ronin OUT-

Steve Ronin · Post by **Steve Ronin** » Wed Sep 07, 2011 4:13 pm

Ummm, WOW.

Methinks my 2012 vacation site hath selected itself...

Alta Lakes, CO
http://www.coloradogeographic.com/Defau ... hotoID=492

yeah, I'm an outdoor enthusiast, too: Fish Fear Me.

Realistically, considering the co$t...
Smith Mountain Lake is pretty nice, too...

The Fish there should fear me MORE... I've had my VA fishin' license for a loong time.

but considering how much RAIN we've had around here ... I may be able to fish my own front yard pretty soon...

Later, Maters.
-RONIN OUT-

Steve Ronin · Post by **Steve Ronin** » Fri Sep 09, 2011 9:48 am

thunder.

LIGHTNING.

raining.

more rain.

more rain.

flooding.

ROOT CANAL.

ow

my driveway is washing into the back yard.

and my teeth are homicidal.

ow

But here is a pick of my House Hiristu CCAF company I'm working on ... notice that the Warhammer is picture crasher...

Perhaps you see that I'm having problems with a uniform coloring and finish.
Such is the trevails of spilling a wash mixture. It's nigh impossible to replicate.
I'm thinking of stripping and redoing the 8 minis I've already done in the green/silver faded wash.
The second mix (which the Warhammer and Javelin are done in) Just looks better, sorta like a Chinese Jade.

But everything is obviously a WiP.

Keep painting.
I'm counting the hours until I can get home to the REAL painkillers.

-RONIN OUT-

Steve Ronin · Post by **Steve Ronin** » Sat Sep 10, 2011 1:07 am

Hello all.
Looking at my Capellans tonight got me wondering about Chinese military emblems.
Now the modern stuff is rather ... well ... plain.

But the emblems that were worn on the armor of ancient Chinese Imperials; now that is some beautiful stuff.

I'll be the first to admit: I don't have the skill to transfer the above to say, the chest or arm of a VINDICATOR.

Or even something so simple as this symbol for BRAVERY...

Or 'CHARGE' / 'POUNCE'...

anyone got any ideas on how I might accomplish this?
Or better yet, a link to a 'how to' or actual experience in this type of detailing.

I really do want to stretch my talents and skillset.
Nobody ever got better by doing the easy.

Please, post your replies in the comments section.
I look forward to seeing them.

And don't EVEN get me started on Celtic knotwork...

I've migraines enough already: those artists that have the requisite level of talent and skill
-my hat's off to 'em.

Anyway... keep painting. We're keeping hundreds of people in good jobs.

-Ronin OUT-

Steve Ronin · Post by **Steve Ronin** » Tue Sep 13, 2011 11:31 am

Greetings readers.
Sorry about Monday: wasn't feeling even 30%, and what I did have, work drained out of me.

Anyway, my WiPs. My final Company size unit is from the Kuritan 8th SoL: the Jade Dragons.
This particular unit has been WiP for a LONG time.
That hazy your're seeing on the paint... well it ain't cloudy clearcoat.
That there is dust. household dust.
And this is my nearest to completion unit.

My ADHD is really bad for compl -oooh, shiny-

This not-so-little gem is a RONIN from CAV.
Lawgiver sold it to me 3-4? YEARS ago.
The primer is actually starting to yellow.

I've always envisioned it with two Gauss rifles, 4 medium lasers and a LRM15.
But I've never been able to figure out which paint scheme would look best.
Suggestions would be appreciated.

Other projects I have in mind:
a custom dice tower, with SciFi styling...

and a PlexiGlass display cabinet for my minis...

Like I said ADHD ... so many great ideas, but so little time to complete them before I'm off to the newest project.
That, and RL has a tendency to cramp my hobby time.
My current project is for my angelic wife: She needs an office for her scrapbooking...
it started like this:

and when it's done, I hope it will look like this, sans the play kitchen:

Add to all those projects, I've got people pushing me to finish a college degree.
It's a good thing I am so ADH -oh, I'm out of coffee-

Yall keep painting.
The more paint we use, the more paint must be made, and more jobs will be needed to fill our paint orders.
So keep painting: we're preventing a recession.

oh, and find a group to game with.
If you never get out of your house, the paint fumes will drive you to distra -oh, a squirrel! -

Have a great day my friends;
-RONIN OUT-

Steve Ronin · Post by **Steve Ronin** » Thu Sep 15, 2011 4:37 pm

Hello All,
RL and work kept me from the PC yesterday.
anyway, when I say "Painting" and ADHD in the same sentence...
How many of y'all get this image of me in your heads?

As mentioned previously, I'm still seeking a paint scheme for my CAV-RONIN.
One idea is to do a desert tan base coat with an whole body overlay of the RONIN symbol that I used to have as a UserIcon.
but... that may be beyond my ability. Or I may just do a desert camo with the Ronin symbol on the nose.
Either way, I've got alot of cockpit glass to put a shine to.
I just don't know....

My son has picked up on the "Do a uniform company" idea.
He is currently working on a Davion Guards Co. using the old canon paint scheme.
I will say that 5 VICTORs in a single company makes them very "Lyran-ish"

Time to go.
work calls.

-RONIN OUT-

Steve Ronin · Post by **Steve Ronin** » Tue Sep 20, 2011 1:49 pm

Greetings My Friends,

Sorry that posting has slowed down again: still fighting this vague fatigue bodyache.
+ stuff at work/related to work has picked up.

Tomorrow, the 21st, I fully expect to be Down For The Count: I'm having the final work done on these teeth of mine.
So you've been warned.

Found myself a shirt I must simply GET: http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-5086338983 ... 6_92854861
That's the Patriot Day tshirt from RANGER UP apparel.
And since I've had a few minutes today to surf the 'Net; I turned up this FASCINATING exploration of
"The Land that Disney Wants You to Forget"
http://www.darkroastedblend.com/2011/09 ... art-1.html
Some cool stuff there.

And then, while googling Recycling companies and containers, I came across this site:
http://1800recycling.com/2011/09/cold-w ... peninsula/
Aside from the coolness factor, I'm really studying some of these for details on how to paint the rust.

ah... work calls.
catch y'all later

*Ronin Out*

Steve Ronin · Post by **Steve Ronin** » Thu Sep 22, 2011 9:13 am

Hello Gentle Readers...
Good.
Bad.
I'm the Guy with the Chin Up Bar.
http://xkcd.com/954/

and then, hitting the political spectrum...
Proof that Guns Save Lives & Prevent Crime:
http://www.wallsofthecity.net/2011/09/g ... t-two.html

Good News, TYPHOON! They has a government minister for that!
http://www.tokyomango.com/tokyo_mango/2 ... rrence.htm

Ohh... a "How To" for building terrain:
http://www.tripleacegames.com/TerrainBuilding.php
of course, I've a LONG way to go before being anywhere near as good as Ashley.
http://panther6actual.blogspot.com/
I just love the city ruins of Mumerset.

BRB. Work Calls.

Steve Ronin · Post by **Steve Ronin** » Thu Sep 22, 2011 2:39 pm

Ok, back now...
Found this a few minutes ago; what can I say: Florida is screwed.
http://www.allnineyards.com/?p=317
I'm just very glad this law was never brought forward in VA.
I wonder how much prison time I'd get as a unlicensed provider of such EVIL weapons?

what a bunch of mah-roons.

I just got me one of these.
http://www.blackhawk.com/product/3-Day- ... 865,44.htm
I was a bit saddened to find out that "THE Blackhawks" won't get anything from my purchase.

Finally: a public service announcement.
Beware of the Elderly. (Looking at JEFF here)
http://redneckcommand.blogspot.com/2011 ... h-old.html

Take care my friends.
-Ronin OUT-

Steve Ronin · Post by **Steve Ronin** » Sat Sep 24, 2011 12:15 am

Odd things found on the internets...

Steiner has gotten better at disguising their dropships...
http://unusual-architecture.com/berlin- ... n-germany/

While MARIK has found that there just isn't any hiding of Leopard CVs...
http://unusual-architecture.com/ing-hea ... therlands/

And yes, I'm about an hour late in making this Friday post.

But have a heart: today would have been Jim Henson's Birthday.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Henson
(if you MUST hit the Wikipedia link to figure out who Jim Henson was... then you're dead to me, you little whippersnapper)

Oh, by the way; if you have some free time this weekend, I HIGHLY recommend taking the family to go see this movie:
DOLPHIN TALE ~~ http://www.seewinter.com/
It was well worth the $$$, altho I don't think that the 3D version added THAT much to the experience.

But it's late (early?) and I must be off to bed.

Y'all take care out there.
*Ronin OUT*

Steve Ronin · Post by **Steve Ronin** » Sun Sep 25, 2011 10:03 pm

Hello all,
Just a quick informational post...
Watched the movie "PAUL" on DVD this weekend...

I don't think I've laughed this much in months...

I think I've laughed my arse off...
*tries to reattach arse*
-phlot-
*shrug*
Nope, still laughing too hard.

Catch y'all Monday.

*RONIN Out*

Steve Ronin · Post by **Steve Ronin** » Mon Sep 26, 2011 9:31 pm

Hello Readers,

Working hard today & working while sick w/ CrudShtuff.
While you're awaiting a Really Rambling posting from me,
Try this little site to keep you busy for a while.

it IS Safe For Work.
http://www.drawastickman.com/

And for those of y'all that like making stuff with ShapeWays, I will not dare you to try this, but I'd be very interested in your results.
Be Careful!
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:11636

For those of my readers who are voracious in their literary appetites; I offer a FREE LIBRARY of literature....
http://www.gutenberg.org/wiki/Science_F ... okshelf%29

Finally, Just for the Fun of it:
http://www.cracked.com/article_18410_th ... ernet.html

ENJOY!
I'll catch ya later: preferrably when I'm feeling better.

-Ronin OUT-

Steve Ronin · Post by **Steve Ronin** » Thu Sep 29, 2011 3:36 pm

So Yeah...
Please see this:
http://www.reallifecomics.com/archive/110914.html

-Ronin OUT-

Steve Ronin · Post by **Steve Ronin** » Sat Oct 01, 2011 12:41 am

Greetings my Friends.
Just a few things that caught my eye on eBay this week...
RUSSIAN Battletech?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ZOD-1-15mm-sci- ... 3a6aede49c

a whole bunch of FANPRO licensed BT blisters.... sadly alot of these are the large 25mm Elementals.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ral-partha-Batt ... 19c75b1fed

And a heaping lot of Blue and Orange backed Ral Partha blisters ... I wish I had the dough

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lot-77-Ral-Part ... 35b5973fff

and just for JEFF, some Star Grunt...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Star-Grunt-New- ... 35b5664d1d

Been a bit noisy at work recently ... the "Neighbors" have been testing their toys.
"the 57" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrWZ0DhXVHU
and "the 76" *skip to 1:30* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJpqNFkd ... D280B8F989

and NO, they haven't offered ME any trigger time. Selfish bums

Additionally: I;'ve had 0 painting and 0 gaming time.
RL is still screwing up my hobby.

Time for bed.
-Ronin OUT-