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| 'Road Guards' from Lead Adventure Miniatures. |
Dmitry Glukhovsky's 'Metro 2033' (2005) is a post-apocalyptic novel set within the Moscow subway system about 20 years after a worldwide nuclear/biological war. The story focuses on the adventures of a young man, Artyom, as he struggles to both find his own path and save the people from his home station at VDNKh (a metro station, from what I understand, in the Ostankinsky District of north-east Moscow). His odyssey through the metro system sees him meeting neo-nazis, hard-line communists, cannibalistic cults, religious fanatics and terrifying mutants with psionic powers. Yes, the lad is kept very busy!
Since its release the book has enjoyed substantial success in Russia and Europe, has had many fan-based stories based upon its setting, and has had two XBox videogames released over the past few years (which, as an unrepentant geek, I have played both). Probably the most telling barometer of its success is that in 2012 the movie rights to 'Metro 2033' were purchased by MGM - with a producer already having stepped forward to lead the project.
Hobby-wise, the novel has also inspired several sculptors, probably the most notable being the talented 'Ratnik' from Lead Adventure Miniatures. As soon as I saw this range of figures I knew I had to give them a go. These five lads are from the 'Road Guards' pack.
I had a great time working on these figures as there are really no rules to how they can be painted. I knew it would be relatively easy to keep these guys dark and muted to match the theme, but I decided to buck the trend and go a little punchy with the colours. I chose a relatively high-contrast palette with discordant colours and some crazy camo schemes. In particular, I quite enjoyed painting the blue camo which was apparently worn by Russian infantry during the nasty fighting in Chechnya in the late 90s.
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| Russian blue tone camouflage from the 2nd Chechen War. |
For the bases I was inspired by the wonderful work of Sidney Roundwood who utilizes a high-contrast, colour-saturated approach to his Great War figures. In this vein, I wanted to reinforce the idea of a nuked urban environment by using shattered red bricks, destroyed masonry and broken piping, all of which is contrasted against a background of light grey ash. It's a little over the top but I think I like the overall effect.
I have several more packs from Lead Adventure to do (along with some Copplestone Neo-Soviets) so I'll post them as they come off the hobby desk.
I have the same buggers around here somewhere but yours are fecking nicer!
ReplyDeleteOh, I don't know about that, Fran, your stuff is always excellent. Nonetheless, thanks for the shout out.
DeleteCurt, those look brilliant. I love the pinpricks of light in the eyepieces - I think that looks very realistic considering the urban, underground environment these guys will be moving in. The rubble looks great as well. I know what you mean abut the rubble looking a bit over-the-top, but it'll look fantastic on an ash waste urban tabletop.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I've wondered about downloading a copy of Metro 2033 before - does it come with the Campbell recommendation as a good read?
It's funny as the basework is now the thing I like most about these figures! So, kudos to you Sid.
DeleteYes, the book is a great read. Very... Russian, if you get my meaning. If you can, download the audiobook version read by Rupert Degas as he does a great job with the accents and names.
Fantastic painting work, Curt, fantastic. The mix of colours is great and the bases are perfect for these figures.
ReplyDeleteMetro 2033 is a very nice book, very well written and I agree with you that it is a good read (and a bad idea; mixing it with Curt´s entry you will end looking at the LAM catalogue!!!!).
I have also some of these figures; perhaps in a halftime of THE PROJECT...
Thanks Juan! BTW I'm really enjoying your new project - keep the faith and keep up the steam!
DeleteExcellent work Curt - the color schemes are both unique and very well executed.
ReplyDeleteTop flight stuff
Miles
Cheers Miles!
DeleteF***ing brilliant! The camo is superb and the overall impression is just awesome! Maybe I should give all the Post-Apoc thing a go too... *douhhhh*
ReplyDeleteYou should! I know your efforts would be awesome and it's a nice break from stuff with uniform 'rules'.
DeleteGreat stuff Curt, they have a freaky otherworldly quality to them...
ReplyDeleteThanks Scott! Yes, I wanted something a little more stylized with these guys - like a cell-shaded comic book.
DeleteVery nice as usual Curt, where do you store all the stuff?
ReplyDeleteJohn
Thanks John but I could ask you the very same question! (Thank goodness we have very understanding partners...)
DeleteGreat work!
ReplyDeleteThanks Styx, much appreciated.
DeleteDude - those are real beauties! Great stuff.
ReplyDeleteThanks buddy, I was thinking of your Pig Iron stuff when I was working on these.
DeleteGreat work on these Curt!
ReplyDeleteChristopher
Cheers Christopher!
DeleteWow. Great work. Those look fantastic.
ReplyDeleteThanks Chris!
DeleteThanks very much Andrew!
ReplyDeleteVery nice work Curt, really love the small details like the lenses and electronics (computer terminals, comms devices?). They look great.
ReplyDeleteHey, thanks Byron!
DeleteCurt! These are super awesome! I did some of my own Russian MVD troops in the same blue camouflage - it was fun to get out of the same old palette of tans and browns and greens. You've done a fabulous job of pulling it off! Totally looking forward to seeing more of these!
ReplyDeleteThanks very much Tim! Yes, my thoughts exactly. It was great to get away from 'natural' tones with some of these guys. I've even seen some versions of the tiger-stripe camo in a pinkish tone. Whacky!
DeleteCool minis and I like the color contrast. I think the red brick on the bases adds a lot of interest.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sean! I quite like how the bricks worked on Sidney's WWI stuff and am happy that they 'translated' relatively well to this genre.
DeleteBrilliant painting and basing, Curt! The camo is superb and these figures a treat to look it.
ReplyDeleteHey, thanks very much for your kind words, Monty. Much appreciated!
ReplyDeleteI just rediscovered this post Curt, amazing work! It inspired me to go and order these figures immediately, even though they can't end up as nice as this. You use of high contrast colours really works beautifully.
ReplyDeletePS Love the Russian vehicles you have to go with them too - who makes those?
DeleteThanks for the thumbs up Paul! I look forward to seeing your efforts with these wonderful models - I know you'll do a fabulous job.
DeleteThe Russian vehicles I believe are from Imprint Models. I think Empress Miniatures carries the range now.
Cheers!
DeleteThanks kiddo!
ReplyDelete