The Painted Thumb

My last big birthday present was an XYZ daVinci 1.0 3D printer. I finally sat down and starting messing around with the thing. And I truly enjoy it! Most of the shapes I've been producing are still mostly 2D "ish". I've tried some models with height and ran into some technical stuff. No worries, the issues will get resolved. it has something to do with the extruder getting clogged.  Most of the items I've seen come out of a 3D printer have been trinkets and baubles. Busts of Yoda or Chewbacca and such. I'm far more interested in generating something useful. So, as a beginning project, I printed up some stocking stuffers for the young people on my Christmas list. Every superhero needs a comb! The 'Comb'caster A pair of Mulan hair accessories For my autistic nephew, some connectible pieces that can produce interesting shapes. Like this thing. So, what would I like to make with this gizmo? War gaming terrain of course! My ...

Things have been very quiet for a very long time on the Painted Thumb blog. Rather than bore everyone with tepid excuses for why I haven't posted, I'll just get started with a new post. I was trying to complete the Glider Rifle Company in time to play it at FOWSA 10, but I couldn't get it done in time. 1800 points is a big army! I underestimated how much time it would take me to paint up the whole thing. My plan for 2016 is to complete a Mid-War US Rifle Company in time for the tournament on July 6th. The standard rifle platoons are already finished and now I have completed a platoon of Shermans. I purchased a box of the 5x M4A3 Wet Stowage Shermans from Plastic Soldier Company. These are essentially 1/100th scale plastic models, but they are designed for 15mm miniature games. The boxes are very affordable at about $25 and they come with a enough pieces for 5 tanks and two different turrets for each. The turrets have a pin that plugs into the top of the hull and fit...