As a bit of an amateur I'm curious, how did you get that cloudy effect on the engine exhaust?

Skargoth - I did it with dry brushing. When you use your brush to take up some paint, immediatly use it on a paper towel until your brush is making almost no marks on the paper towel Then take the brush to the model. There will still be enough paint in the bristles to transfer to the model, without completely covering the area. I suggest using an older brush that has its bristles starting to frey in order to get the best effect. Dry brushing is great for clouds/hair highlights. It will take some practice to get the hang of how much paint to use. You should use a pattern paper towel and use it to just paint the raised parts while leaving the remaining towel white.

then have fun!

Oh man...I did this same blood stripe scheme as soon as I got mine. It just BEGS for this.

Good. GOOD!

looks right at home!

Though I am curious how you people post those...

I will have to look into the air compressors at Lowes... im there 40 hours a week as it is.

Lowes and Menards are pretty much the same thing. Big box hardware store. I don't know that Mendards normally caries a ton of airbrushes I found mine just kinda sitting on a shelf by it's self. But you may find one for $20 or so at Lowes.

Lowes and Menards are pretty much the same thing. Big box hardware store. I don't know that Mendards normally caries a ton of airbrushes I found mine just kinda sitting on a shelf by it's self. But you may find one for $20 or so at Lowes.

They are, but I have not seen an air brush in there. Granted I have not specifically looked for an air brush, but I havent seen one.

That and the one Menards I have been to did carry more hobbie related stuff that lowes does not. Not sure if it was a fluke to the store or not.

Burninnapalm,
Thanks for the inspiration and how-to! I got into this game because the miniatures are pre-painted, yet here I am with a paint brush. It's my first attempt at anything like this so any critique is very appreciated! I also thought about adding a gloss varnish to make it shine a bit more. Thoughts anyone?

Burninnapalm,

Thanks for the inspiration and how-to! I got into this game because the miniatures are pre-painted, yet here I am with a paint brush. It's my first attempt at anything like this so any critique is very appreciated! I also thought about adding a gloss varnish to make it shine a bit more. Thoughts anyone?

Not a problem! I got into the game for the exact same reasons. Having played 40k before, I knew i did not have the time (or money) to get into a table top war minatures game like that. Quite honestly the raider is the first one that I painted from all of my xwing collection, even though that night I decided to do all of my engines for my ships... because why not?!?

As for critiques, I really dont have one! The only[i/] thing i would have done differently, and did do differently was to paint the thrusters the orangish red glow. You did a phenominal job on the main engines, especially with it being your first time! Im glad I was able to help. I have debated with myself for the past two days of putting a gloss finish as well. I say go for it, but be careful not to let your colours run. If you do it, My wife (who btw says that "More shinny is better! Do it! Do it!") and I would love to see the end results.

Thanks!

I know what you mean about the engines! I just finished the falcon and outrider. I just had to keep going!

I'm going to the store tomorrow to pick up some gloss and I'll post the pics as soon as I'm done! Thanks again for all of your help! I might even try to repaint the Scyk this week!

That is better than my Falcon... Im a little jealous!