Although I am no master craftsman or painter, I have made a lot of Veterans over the past few weeks. I'd be interested to see what you think.
Backstory: I created 6 companies of these guys for WOTR, so I had to make sure the ideas I used were simple and easy to do. When you're converting 48 figures you have to break it into simple steps.
1) Wear and tear
Take a thin file or something relatively sharp, and score the models with them. Look at the models and think about war. What parts would be affected by continuous fighting and disrepair? On mine, I would dramatise this by gauging shields, notching swords, and dinting armour. It's relatively simple, but quite effective for giving the regimented men of Minas Tirith some distinct character.
Attachment:
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2) Green stuff
I'm not too crazy about green stuff - not only am I not good with it, I find it a pain to use effectively. That said, simple cloth such as little banners and scraps of bandage is quite easy to do. I find that I always use less than I make - so the rule is conservatism when it comes to greening your men.
Attachment:
IMG_20130815_200237.jpg
3) Paint it up, Boss
My traditional paint job for WOMT is relatively bright - but for men who have been trapped in a ruined city, without access to a smithy or even a rag to wipe the sweat from their brow, I would imagine even the brightest of armour would begin to dim and tarnish. I was therefore very heavy handed with Games Workshop's own Nuln Oil wash - this is heavy and dark enough to dim bright silver paintwork convincingly. I also based them slightly differently to my other Gondorians, taking a piece of flint from the garden, breaking it into pieces, and using it for the rubble of Osgiliath.