I painted up my Separatists Wheel Bikes for Star Wars Legion. The set came with a choice to either mount BX dried or Magna Guard as crew. I went with the BX crew, as I thought there color would add a little more contrast to the models. That left me with six Magna crew. Looking over the models, I thought I could convert them into a resemble standing version to add to my foot troops collection, so I got to work.
The first thing was to straighten the legs. Fortunately, they are already rather straight on the model, just mounted in the wrong direction. No worries, a slight trim on the mounting tab and they fit on the model in a standing position. I did that and glad them in place. I also had to remove the mounting tab and the bottom of their feet with an xacto, so they would stand and mount on the base. I assembled them all together and noted that I had three guys that looked like superman, with their capes blowing straight back… No worries, I pulled out a birthday candle and lit it up. I carefully heated the middle of the capes and bent them into position. This would have. been easier if I had done that before glueing the daps on! However, It worked out fine, I just had to be more careful and settle for a more bulbous look. The other three had no capes, so they were fine with the feet modifications.
I primed them all light gray and got to work. I pulled out one of my existing Magna Guard as a guide, to best match the colors (I do not have a few anymore, so had to make do). I started with a dark silver contrast and then highlighted up with a lighter silver drybrush. I hit a few of the plates with a messy worn blue trim. I then painted the eyes and center light red.
Next came the capes… I hit these with an Iraqi sand base and an agar wash. I then highlighted up with some dark sand and finished with some light sand on the high points. I started with dry brushing and then direct painting. I style ended up with a drybrush look, but this matches my other guys, so will do! With the capes out of the way, I painted the staffs. I hit the shaft with contrast black. I then hit the lit areas with purple. It was not quite dark enough, so I went over them with a back wash (along with the silver tips). With that dry, I went over all the raised areas with light purple and followed with a gloss coat.
I finished up with my normal crackle painting and tufts on the bases. A little work and I have six more Magna Guard to go with my force. Having a few more units helps offset the pain of paying the price of the original bikes! At least that is what I tell myself!
- Manteuffel