Adeptus Mechanicus models are some of the most detail-dense in the range, mixing cloth robes with masses of mechanical limbs, cables and weaponry. The classic Forge World Mars scheme - deep red and brass - is rich and surprisingly forgiving thanks to all that metal.
The signature look
Deep red robes and armour, brass and bronze mechanical parts, oily steel weapons and cables, and cream or white cloth. The red should be dark and rich, the metals warm and grimy.
Painting the red and metal
- Red robes/armour - use the ramp above; a red contrast deepens the recesses of the heavily folded cloth automatically.
- Brass - basecoat, brown wash, light highlight; brass is the dominant metal and reads as the priestly, ancient tech.
- Steel - keep weapons and pistons dark and oily with a black/brown wash; bright steel looks wrong here.
Cables, lenses and details
The endless cables can be picked out in muted colours (olive, grey, dull red) so they don't fight the scheme. Green or red lenses on the optical implants add a point of glow on every model.
Forge World variations
Swap the robe colour for other forge worlds: Stygies VIII (teal), Ryza (orange), Graia (white), Lucius (metallic).
Tips and common mistakes
- Don't fear the detail. Wash-heavy techniques do most of the work on these busy models.
- Keep metals warm and dirty. Brass and oily steel suit the grim machine-cult look.
- Mute the cables. Bright cables distract; muted ones read as functional.