From SimonM: "Black Tree Design" Sutekh The Destroyer (5 Points)

"It was a deliberate attempt to block my cytronic control."

This 28mm metal model of Sutekh is manufactured by “Black Tree Design” and can be bought as code DW412 from their "Doctor Who" range. An Osiran "who planned to destroy all life in the Universe, this extra-terrestrial was eventually defeated by his brother Horus and, having been imprisoned beneath an Egyptian pyramid was first seen in the October 1975 BBC Television science fiction serial "The Pyramids Of Mars".

Before painting this miniature I decided to invest a little time and money constructing an Egyptian-flavoured base for the figure, and resultantly super-glued Gabriel Woolf's character onto the (hollowed out) metal throne which accompanies him. I then placed the model upon one of the thin 50mm round plastic bases I use for my larger objective markers, and used two 40mm square "Lord Of The Sand" resin bases as an improvised backdrop. Unfortunately, it was only once I had started painting Sutekh that I realised what an unwise decision I had made...

"All life shall perish under the reign of Sutekh the Destroyer!"

To begin with both the immobile Osiran and his basalt chair were painted with two coats of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, whilst the carved wall behind him was primed with "Vallejo" Iraqi Sand. I then dry-brushed Nephthys' husband with "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal and gave him a wash of "Citadel" Nuln Oil. His throne was repeated with more Abaddon Black in order to make it stand out from the seated figure.

The relief sculpture was subsequently washed with "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade and dry-brushed with more "Vallejo" Iraqi Sand. I did consider picking out some of the characters on the wall with blue, red and gold. However, I felt this would detract from the central all-black figure and draw the eye away from where I wanted it to go. I therefore left the sandstone backdrop alone.

Sutekh WIPs - The Osiran was undercoated with "Citadel" Abaddon Black

It was at this point that I encountered my error in super-gluing the Typhonian Beast in place, as it meant I could no longer get my brush-tip behind the miniature and 'pick out' some of his red piping. This led to my colour scheme taking a couple of departures away from the 'official' televised version, as I could only paint the hands, arms and face of Sutekh with a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson; thereby missing out the piping around the waist and on the neck.


For all the issues, he does make an impressive objective piece. I quite know the pain of building before painting. On the one hand I find it easier to paint GW marines and most multi-part kits in sub-assemblies. The con would be losing components in the pile-o-lead before completion. He still looks initimidating although you weren't able to hit a few areas though. I like the addition of the slabs behind his throne. They enhance the stage further!