Hybrids!

I've been quite busy the past few day. Just completed some hybrids which, combined with my test paint and hybrid leader, complete a five man hybrid squad.

Nothing too fancy really. Simply assembled some plastic hybrids (from Advanced Space Crusade I think...) and added some weapons.

To make it look less like I just kit bashed some Imperial Guard parts, as well as creating a 'rag tag' look to my force (as opposed to a highly organised army) I mixed up some of the combat weapons and tried to use auto-pistols (as opposed to las-pistols) as the 'standard' weapon. Also, as I will likely be using these hybrids for 2nd edition 40k, the las-pistol is slightly better than the auto-pistol, so I've reserved it for my leader.

Flamer Hybrid - I'm quite impressed with the burnt effect at the end of the flamer.

Axe Hybrid

Sword Hybrid

The complete squad

Unfortunately, there's only one pose to the hybrids and limited arms. They're also quite rare / expensive for plastic figures so I'm a little wary about just hacking them apart for conversions. I have quite a few now so I may plan some new / more interesting poses for the future.

Stripping Figures (Part 2)

(For Part 1, see here)

After leaving the figures to soak in the Dettol solution for a day and a half, I decided that they were ready to clean up. Unlike paint stripper or petrol, Dettol does not dissolve the paint but loosen it so it requires some work to get the paint off. Also, this loose paint is a sticky substance that can be rather tough to get off your skin (as I know from previous experience) and the methylated spirit is not nice on your skin so make sure you wear gloves when performing this stage of the stripping process.

Taking off the Paint

 
Remove the figures from the Dettol solution (do not pour the Dettol down a drain, put it in a water tight container and dispose of in a skip or something so it doesn't contaminate the water supply) and place in an old dish or container that you don't mind getting dirty.
Then cover the figures in methylated spirits (whatever you do, don't pour cold water onto the figures as this can cause the paint to harden back up and be even tougher to remove).
Scrub off the paint residue with the toothbrush, making sure to get into all the cracks and groves. Depending on how long the figures have been soaking depends on how long it takes for the paint to come off.
Once done, pour the methylated spirits into the same container you poured the Dettol, do not pour it down the drain.

Cleaning Up

 Once the figures have been sufficiently scrubbed, you must then make sure to clean off any of the methylated spirit that remains on the figures.
Fill the container back up with hot water and a little washing up liquid (with metal figures, you could probably use from a kettle but with plastic, to prevent melting or warping, best use water from the hot tap). Make sure the water is not too hot to cause injury.
Then scrub the figures to remove any remaining spirit and place on some kitchen roll or similar to dry out.

Stripping Figures (Part 1)

So today the post man brought me a recent eBay purchase of some plastic genestealer hybrids with heavy weapons, these models were, however, painted so I needed to strip the paint off them.
In the past, I've used multiple methods of removing paint from figures, most of which were successful but some messier or less convenient than others.
One of the first methods used, when I lived with my parents, was to soak the figures in petrol. The petrol would then dissolve the paint leaving very little residue and were very easily cleaned afterwards by soaking in hot water. The petrol wasn't too nasty a substance and could be re-used providing it wasn't too 'dirty'. On the down side, petrol stank (so needed to be done outside or in a garage) and also ate through plastic.
Another method used is to use paint stripper (bought in metal cans) and whilst also effective, it does leave quite a lot of residue and can only be used the once. It is also horrible stuff that chews through plastic with ease and difficult to dispose of (not very convenient when you live in a top floor flat).
The final method, which I'm going to explain, is to use Dettol - a reasonably cheap and easy product to find that isn't too nasty to use either and doesn't eat through plastic.

What you will need:

1. Your figures - broken down to their components as much as possible.

2. A glass jar that is reasonably clean.

3. Dettol - whilst I can't say that it *must* be Dettol, I have tried doing this with other 'Pine Disinfectants' and it didn't work, so for the extra money you might as well just buy Dettol.

4. Methylated Spirit (used for cleaning the figures afterwards).

5. A cheap or used toothbrush with reasonably stiff bristles (also used for cleaning the figures afterwards).

Stripping the Models

Once you have everything you need, place the figures into the jar (be careful when putting in metal ones so you don't crack the jar or break any of the other figures) and then pour in the Dettol to cover most of the figures.

Next, dilute the Dettol with some water (I filled the jar up to about 3/4 full). This stage isn't necessary when using metal figures, but it helps the Dettol go a bit further and also dilutes it to reduce the risk of it chewing through the plastic).

Finally, put the lid on the jar (ensure the lid is on tight) and give it a shake before putting it somewhere out of the way. Give the jar a shake every now and again to help circulate the fluid and loosen the paint.

When I have done this in the past, I have only had to leave the mixture for about a day or so to get desired results. Metal figures can be left indefinitely but plastic ones you may need to check up on just to make sure.