Ground Zero Games Light-Duty Vacc-Suits

These are from the "Civilians, Colonists, Cops, etc" part of Ground Zero Games 15mm Stargrunt line. I combined the following three sets to create a large survey team equipped for hostile environment exploration and their armed escorts:

SG15-V17 Survey Team Personnel in vacc-suits

SG15-V10 Spacesuited crew in light-duty vacc-suits

SG15-V15 Armed crew figures in light duty vacc-suits

Survey team setting up in a sheltered area.

These figures fit into a variety of sci-fi "space" settings. I purchased them for use in miniature wargame or roleplaying game scenarios that need spacesuited figures, but not figures in power armor or any other environmental protection with a strong military look. The GZG "light-duty vacc-suits" work equally well for an optimistic future of space explorers trekking around the galaxy to a blue collar existence of investigating derelict spacecraft out of fear that the megacorp is going to yank everyone's bonus otherwise.

In keeping with the generic appearance of these figures, I settled on a simple white and grey paint scheme. I did consider a more colorful scheme using something like Starfleet division colors - one color for the armed figures, a different color for the ones carrying survey gear, another for the figures just walking around, etc. Unfortunately, I felt that it would narrow the utility of the figures. White is more straightforward and is the color real world space agencies use for their environmental suits. It reflects solar radiation and helps with temperature regulation. White also contrasts nicely with just about any wash.

Survey team members stuck with the thankless job of hauling the gear while others stand around chatting.

Preparation
The figures were clean out of the package - no flash or noticeable mold lines. I glued the integral round bases to steel washers. This reinforces the soft metal of the integral bases and offers the option of magnetic storage and transport later on.

Priming
Grey spray primer. I didn't feel the need for the two tone approach I sometimes use for 15mm figures.

Base Coat
I painted the suits with Privateer Press Formula P3 Morrow White. It flows well and isn't as chalky as other white paints. I could have applied another coat since some of the grey primer was showing through. On the other hand, I was planning on using a wash later, so I didn't need for the white to be perfectly opaque.

Details
Citadel Colour Codex Grey was used for the helmets, backpacks, equipment, and accessories. The contrast looks better than plain white. Also, I wanted the weapons to be more visible to make distinguishing between the survey team members and armed escort detail as easy as possible during play.

Wash
I had a wash mix left over from a previous project. It did a good enough job at bringing out the details, but I might go over the figures again with something else later.

Basing
The bases were painted brown on top and black around the edges. Texturing was achieved with a little sand sprinkled over a mix of watered down PVA glue and brown craft paint.

Armed security detail returning from perimeter patrol.

Overall, I had a good time with this project. It's always a pleasure working with a quality product. I sometimes find painting an army tedious, but I had a fun time painting up this group. It's been awhile since I've worked on my 15mm collection, but I have plans to do more with it this year.