You don’t have to be in modeling for very long to run across one of those “Top 5 Best Kits” lists. Some idiots even do a “top two” list… lots of suspense there. I suppose they can be helpful, as it can give us some ideas what different people think about any given kit.

Over time I’ve come to realize that what is more helpful for me is not so much a single kit recommendation, but rather a manufacturer or series of kits that I consistently see ranked highly among modelers of all skill levels.

The armored vehicles for the Warhammer 40K Astra Militarum (Imperial Guard) really scratch that itch for me. They generally have some basis in modern or historical reality, and thus the shapes and general aesthetic can be a draw for non-gamers like me. The addition of the scifi element adds a level of coolness you don’t get from traditional kits. Wants a laser cannon? Add that on. A gazzillion greebles? Check. Ridiculous amounts of metallic bling for rust effects? They have you covered.

And while this Hippogriff kit is tiny, it really packs on the fun. I think the only thing I didn’t like about the kit was actually finishing. I can see how someone who plays the game would want several of these in their army. They’re that fun to build.

For the weathering, I kept it fairly basic but (hopefully) high impact. How dirty can you make a model look in the fewest steps with the shortest drying times?

This video will show a way to do it.