Teenage Mutant Ninja Pathfinders

[Rat13]

Awhile ago I came across three Tau Pathfinders in a bits box at my local shop. Seeing as they were only a couple bucks apiece my mind quickly started thinking of all the things I could do. Having made a squad of Tau defectors some time ago I figured I was overdue to do something weird again. 

 

And wouldn't you know it but inspiration hit me before I'd even bought them. Odder still after having them all this time my idea never changed. Having read the title you can already guess where I'm going but there is more to it. Tau painted up as the Ninja Turtles combined just a bit with the Star Wars Republic Commandos (Sev, Boss, Fixer, and Scorch). 

 

I know that may sound odd but hear me out. The Republic commandos all combine a single signature color with their typical white armor. Now I'm no expert on the Tau but I know I've seen more than a few similar color schemes. Why not give it a try and see what happens?

 

So when I first conceived of this idea I didn't do much. All I actually did was remove the figures from their bases, add some greenstuff, stamp the greenstuff, and return the figures to their "new" bases.

This might actually be the first time I used my Happy Seppuku stamp but I can't remember. It came out a little rough I thought but certainly passable.

 

The figures then basically kicked around my desk for a few months until tonight. Jumping right in I started blocking out colors attempting to lock in a scheme.

They ended up skewing closer to TMNT than Republic Commando but this will be remedied. Looking at my reference photos I believe the Republic Commando inspiration will become apparent when I add their signature colors.

[Chaoswolf]

Looking good so far. I'm curious to see where this goes.

[Rat13]

Got a bit of bonus painting time today and I put it to good use. Working steadily I very nearly finished the figures.

I had planned to add their signature color in more places on their armor leaning closer towards Republic Commando than straight TMNT. After a bit of messing around though I decided to keep it simple. I figured by keeping it simple my idea comes across easier even after just a passing glance. The signature colored guns also came with the added benefit of looking like the old Power Ranger weapons.

 

Its not exactly what I had planned but I think it really works. Sometimes color schemes only truly come together as you actually paint and this was definitely one of those times. A much better project title also came together as I painted, "TMNT Tau". I'll be kicking myself over that oversight for awhile.

 

Getting back to them in my usual evening session they really didn't need much aside from a wash. I considered keeping the models "clean" and not using my typical wash method but in the end I decided against it. Pristine armor for sewer dwellers just didn't seem right.

Seeing them after the wash I think I made the right choice.

[Chaoswolf]

9 hours ago, Rat13 said:

Its not exactly what I had planned but I think it really works. Sometimes color schemes only truly come together as you actually paint and this was definitely one of those times.

I agree, I'd know instantly what was going on even if I hadn't read what you've written. 

Good work! 

[chaosscorpion]

Where's Mikey?  Couabunga!

[Evilhalfling]

elder spawn would love this they have been binging Rise of the TMNT  for several weeks now. 
they almost made it through watching 2 of the live action movies before bailing. 

I even got out the 1987 TNMT  RPG game book, so they could check the stats/stories of some of the reoccurring villains.  and enjoy the two comic stories (by the creators )  that are in the book. 

It is a terrible game though. 
Next to D&D it was the game I played the most often in HS. 

 

Edited September 28, 2022 by Evilhalfling

[Rat13]

2 hours ago, chaosscorpion said:

Where's Mikey?  Couabunga!

Sorry no Mikey for now, the game store only had three Pathfinders when I came up with this idea. If I come across another cheap one though I'll certainly add him in later as I've saved the paint recipe just for that purpose. 

 

2 hours ago, Evilhalfling said:

elder spawn would love this they have been binging Rise of the TMNT  for several weeks now. 
they almost made it through watching 2 of the live action movies before bailing. 

My four year old and I have been working through the 2003 show since we found it on Paramount. Though I grew up on the 80's cartoon the 2003 show has always been my favorite.

 

At some point I'll have to show her the old live action show too. It wasn't a great show (even when compared with its contemporaries) but when it came to DVD at a decent price I simply couldn't resist.

[Rat13]

Just a quick update tonight. I gave the figures a true once over and happy with how they looked I went ahead and sealed them. So tomorrow should be final pictures and then its time to start a new project.

[Rat13]

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Tau (TMNT) are finished.

Leonardo

 

Raphael

 

Donatello

 

At some point I'll probably add a Michelangelo just to complete the set. That will have to wait until I come across another cheap Pathfinder though and seeing as I only made it to my local shop once at the beginning of summer it'll probably be awhile. 

 

Aside from sending a few joke pictures to my Tau playing buddy I don't have much use for these guys but I'm glad I painted them. As odd as it may sound this project gave me a better understanding of how I enjoy this hobby. It turns out my "dumb" projects really are important for my hobby motivation. I just thought it was something fun to do to break up the monotony but apparently it is so much more than that. After such a long hobby break its nice to have a couple of fun hobby wins again.

[Dan S]

Haha, that is awesome!

I love it when folk get creative like that with their paint schemes.