Author: Topher

I've always enjoyed writing. I see this as an opportunity to share my love of movies, action figures, comics, music, and just about anything else. As much as I enjoy writing, I also enjoy interacting with other folks online. If any of my stories or articles spark an idea for discussion, let me know. I read every email and comment I get! So look around, make yourself at home, and above all, enjoy your visit to my virtual discussion page!

Happy Orctober

Well, we are now well into my favorite month of the year. October has SO much going for it. First, it’s the beginning of Autumn. The weather gets a little bit cooler, so I can actually wear some of my clothes that have long pants and sleeves. (Although I grew up in a state that had 4 different seasons, I currently reside in the southwest, where any sub – 100 degree day is a treat!) I take the doors off my Jeep at just about every opportunity.

Secondly, it’s football season, so there’s a game to look forward to on Sundays. And Monday nights. And sometimes Wednesdays. And every Thursday night. And occasionally a Tuesday or Friday. And if you like high school or college football, Fridays and Saturdays count, too. Basically, there’s always a football game somewhere.

Halloween is just around the corner – another HUGE perk for October! That means I’ll be catching up with my old movie friends, Boris K, Bela L and Lon C, Jr off and on throughout the month. And I’ll play the “Ballad of the Headless Horseman” from Disney’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (the Thurl Ravenscroft version, of course,) at least 3 or 4 times this month.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mwx3q0gBc70

Samuel Adams releases its best offering of the year – the elixir of the fall gods- Octoberfest! I look forward to it every year. It starts making select appearances in late August or early September, but by now, it’s everywhere. And sometimes, it’s even on sale!

And then, there’s the final thing on my list. (There’s a lot more about October that’s cool, but I’m ending my list with this one.)

ORCTOBERFEST

Yes, you read that correctly. ORC-toberfest. Fantasy and gaming nerds probably know exactly what it is I’m referencing, but for those NOT in the know, it is a celebration of all things ”Greenskin.” Orcs and goblins get their own month. Probably for no better reason than “Orc” sounds like “Oc,” but that’s ok. If we had a month called “Gorvuary” we would celebrate Dwarves. Sorry, Gimli – you win some, and you lose some.

Most sources credit J.R.R.Tolkien with creating the orcs. (Actually, HE gave credit to Morgoth in The Silmarillian, but that’s a story for another day.) Orcs have been adapted and re-imagined in Dungeons and Dragons, Magic the Gathering, World of Warcraft, and Games Workshop’s Fantasy games. (They spell it “Orks” in the sci-fi settings. They’re the same guys, but with crude futuristic weapons instead of crude antique weapons.)

I haven’t played Warhammer Fantasy Battle (or Warhammer 40K, for that matter) in many years. Truth be told, I wasn’t really a big tabletop wargamming guy. I just like painting toy soldiers, and Games Workshop have made a lot of really cool ones over the years. Since then, a lot of creators have designed excellent models. I had my 3D resin printer running on overtime earlier this year, and I have a horde of greenskins just itching for a fight. I have about 90 goblins, and 25 or so boar mounted orcs, printed, and awaiting completion. I’ve made it my goal to complete the army this October..

Now, I said it’s my GOAL to complete them. That’s really not accurate. It’s more of a cool sounding idea that is highly unlikely to come to fruition. I’ll actually do a little bit toward it.  I’ll paint a few, and look at them for a while,  and then re-shelve the project for a few weeks, until I again proclaim that I’ll finish it. But that’s ok. It’s the thought that counts. I thought about it. So that counts.

So, here goes – lift your Sam Adams, and make a toast to the special fantasy guests of the month…

“WAAAAAAAAAGH!”

–Toph

Sheperd Paine

When discussing miniatures, military modeling, and especially dioramas, Sheperd Paine’s name always rises to the top of any list. (The other big name on that list is Francois Verlinden, who deserves his own story, so I’ll save it for another time!) Shep Paine literally wrote the book on it. (Actually, he wrote SEVERAL books on it.) He worked with Monogram, then Tamiya, and eventually Dragon models, increasing kit sales, promoting the hobby, and demonstrating the potential to tell complete, engaging stories with static plastic scenes.

I was first introduced to him through the series of “Tips on Building Dioramas” booklets included with various Monogram plastic tank kits in the 1970s. In those 4 pages were beautiful color photos of the completed kit, displayed in an engaging scene, and brief, but concise text that provided both actual techniques with historical background; in addition to his talent as a modeler and craftsman, Shep was also a learned military historian. He paid close attention to the uniforms, camo patterns, etc.

I still have a few of those mid-70s guides. I’ve heard that they can fetch a nice price on Ebay, but never fear – they can also be found online in PDF form. I came across this amazing resource – I’ll share a link to it at the bottom of the page. Along with ideas about putting together a scene, he gave examples of scratchbuilding techniques for additional detailing, and advice on painting figures. It was a game changer for a young, inexperienced modeler, though, I still find the booklets valuable, 50+ years later.

As inspiring as those free booklets were, even they can’t compare with the wealth of information presented in his books, “How to Build Dioramas,” “Modeling Tanks and Military Vehicles,” and “Building and Painting Scale Figures.” While his “tips sheets” focused entirely on table top style dioramas, his books also feature the use of forced perspective, shadow boxes, mirrors, and lighting effects.

How to build dioramas
The 2nd edition of Shep’s manual (though I’m fortunate enough to have both.) Either is invaluable to the modeler.

how to build dioramas

If you have ever thought about creating a dynamic scene to display your hard work, look into Sheperd Paine’s dioramas. They are truly inspirational. Although Shepard Paine died of a stroke in 2015, at the age of 69, he will be remembered as the All-Time Master of military dioramas.

-Toph

http://sheperdpaine.atspace.com/index.htm