Primaris Psyker with Force Axe

The 40k bug has been nibbling at my toes lately. Got in a couple of games yesterday with my Inquisition with allied Guard list. First game was against a straight CSM list - the spiky marines got tabled. Next game against the Sisters of Battle - let's just say the nuns with guns got revenge for their sisters' blood spilt by the Grey Knights!

A direct repercussion of these great games is a fully painted Primaris psyker (missing highlights but done enough). Although not much of a star in these two games he does tend to anchor a twenty man guard platoon pretty effectively. This Primaris is a mix of parts from various kits: legs and torso are Cadian, arms, axe, and head from WFB Empire Militia kit, a Necromunda laspistol, and the haft from the power maul on a Dark Angels upgrade sprue.

Commutatus: Knight Titan gets his Head Shrunk

This will likely be the last blog entry of the unpainted Knight titan conversion. I finally decided to seriously cut down the sentinel cockpit head and recess the head further back into the torso.

I carved out part of the torso using a dremel and removed the entire upper "eye" section of the sentinel cockpit. These pictures don't really do it justice, but the head is much further recessed and doesn't have nearly the same hulking stance that the original model did.

Likewise, I added a green-stuff banner/tabard. My hope is that after doing some free hand paint work it will look like a banner and not a loincloth!

As a comparison, here is the original full cockpit model:

Commutatus: Knight Titan - Conversion Tertia

Another thrilling update in the ongoing saga of the dreadknight titan conversion. I removed the hydraulics on the shoulders and added covering plates. I also bulked out the chainsword arms slightly by adding the ammo boxes from an assault cannon.

Just to break up the monotony of these titan posts, here is a pic of some robed marines sporting parts from the new PAGK kit. The knight on the left has a new storm bolter arm while the other marine has a new psycannon. These guys are part of the core of my GK strike force squads and are meant to be quick to convert and quick to paint. Ultimately, I am targeting four squads of ten, so to keep my attention span from flagging too much I went with the robed marines as being far simpler to paint. These guys will get a little more detail in terms of touch-up and shading but they don't get the same TLC that my metal GKT and PAGK (Purifiers) get.

And finally, a quick size comparison between the marines and the knight titan. As you can see, it is feasible that a grey knight without power armor could be piloting the titan... although he would be a bit cramped!

Commutatus: Knight Titan - Now with Chainsword Arms

First off, thanks for all the great comments yesterday. For today's installment, the model's torso has been lifted a 1/2" and I have roughed in the chainsword arms. The arms have also been re-reversed so they are facing correctly (not that it matter as the fists are no longer an issue). One modeling issue I am on the fence about is whether to greenstuff over the words inscribed on the arms and shoulder pads. Granted they are some of the less goofy words (none of this victor, titan, or terra nonsense) and could be reflective of titan iconography. Any thoughts on this are more than welcome.

As to the head issue, I would definitely entertain any suggestions as to alternate heads. The sentinel cockpit can be popped off the model (even though it was the original inspiration for the piece) and replaced with something more scale to the body. Again, any suggestions would be great.

Next up will be looking at whether and how much to armor the legs. I actually like the exposed struts of the current incarnation, but am considering bulking out the ankles/shins to get it closer to the epic version.

Finally, here is a pic of an unreleased Epicast knight titan. I have been using this guy as a point of reference, as well.

Commutatus: Knight Titan - A Dreadknight Conversion

Here is a very raw version of the mini knight titan I am doing for my dreadknight. The arms are not permanently attached and I still haven't figured out how I want to do the chainsword style arms similar to the knight titans in epic.

Basically, I am trying to build this guy out of the dreadknight kit. Pretty close so far, but I may get rid of the hydraulics that stick out of the DK's shoulders... or maybe not as they look kind of cool. Any thoughts as to how to do chainsword arms would be most appreciated.

Commutatus: Karamazov Battle Dais

So with the inclusion of Karamazov in the new Grey Knights codex, I decided to try my hand at converting a mobile dais for my inquisitor. Originally, I had thought to go with a platform mounted on tracks - a sort of mini-tank - but then I realized, "Hey, this is 40k. Why go with anything resembling reality?!". And thus the above chicken walker was born.

Unlike the Karamazov model, I didn't want my inquisitor permanently mounted. I liked the idea of Inquisitor Josiah Starck being able to pound ground when he needs to but also being able to mount his mobile platform of doom, swinging his sword and screaming, "Walk me closer to the enemy!".

The dais is open and easily fits a 25mm base. I chose this metal inquisitor to be my new Starck (he has been through several iterations) due to the plus-sized sword and the massive =][= symbol on his collar. The dais itself will get a few more bits, including an underslung multimelta, more leg armor, and additional scrollwork.

As a size comparison, the dais stands slightly taller than a rhino. But as an IC infantry model, Karamazov can join with a hench squad for additional protection (leadership and extra wounds) and he can get cover just by being in area terrain.

Commutatus: GK Thunder Hammer Fin

This is the final version of the thunder hammer for my Grey Knights. I added the flamer muzzle tip to the end of the hammer as a finishing touch. Like a good bits hunter, I let no piece of the carcass got to waster.

So far, my list has one ten man Purifier squad and one ten man Grey Knight Strike squad. For the Purifiers, I am using the classic metal power armor Grey Knights and for the Strike Squad I am using robed marines from the Dark Angels sprue. The Purifier squad gets two hammers, one of which is master crafted and the Strike squad Justicar gets a master crafted hammer as well.

I used the etched brass Inquisition symbols from Forge World for a little more detail on the hammer.

Commutatus: GK Thunder Hammer Redux

I came back to my original TH conversion after a day or so and realized I wasn't too pleased with it. So instead, I whipped up these more proper looking hammer heads and pinned them onto the GK halberds.

The conversion is fairly straightforward. Take a Tau flamer and cut the "cartridge" and the body as shown above. Then simply glue the cartridge on the taller end of the body piece (I like the ridges facing front) and add an aquila embellishment from one of the many marine bits sprues you have lying around. Mine came from the Ravenwing sprue as it was a little thicker and I like the rivets.

I also added the tech piece from the power mace that comes with the Dark Angels upgrade sprue to give it some more distance and more closely resemble terminator hammers.

I have yet to trim the halberd handles a little shorter and may add some to the handle itself.

Commutatus: Grey Knight Thunder Hammer

With the advent of 10 point thunder hammers in the Grey Knight codex, I couldn't resist doing a simple conversion to one of my robed knights. At this point, I am unwilling to carve up my classic power armor grey knight models, even though halberds on the strike squad are seemingly not worth the points. My opinion may change after a few games, but for the time being my PAGK on the cheap will serve purpose for some thunder hammer conversions.

This one is basic and largely unadorned with the usual power hammer trappings. In this case, I took one of the search lights from a land speeder sprue (actually this is from the Dark Angels vehicle sprue) and clipped it to fit onto a metal GK halberd. I cut the halberd blade just above the platform base, then trimmed the searchlight back so that it fit square on this platform.

In addition (before mounting the hammer), I trimmed off the search light lens and glued a terminator honors glyph to the front of the hammer. I haven't decided whether and what additional trimmings to add. I may do a power cable just below the hammer head but haven't found a good bit. I also clipped a bit off the end of the halberd to give it a closer feel to the length of a thunder hammer.

Ultimately, this is just a simple conversion using leftover bits. I will likely run 6 to 8 power armor thunder hammers in the list so want an easily replicated conversion. The other requirement is to be able to reuse the existing halberd models on my robed marines. I predict that plastic hammers from the new kits will be in short supply and not readily available from bits outlets.

Feel free to post suggestions for this conversion or any other ideas you might have for crafting a thunder hammer suitable for the grey knights.

Commutatus: Psyker Battle Squad

I've had a box of WFB Flagellants laying around my workspace for a while just waiting to be converted into a psyker battle squad. Unfortunately (for them) I've been using some Ash Waste Nomads as perfectly legitimate stand-ins. However, I have recently had an interest in running a penal legion, so the ash wasters have been upgraded, so to speak, into former occupants of one of the many penitentiaries that are hidden under hive Nercomunda.

These wild psykers have been culled from the masses of humanity that normally exhibit little or no warp taint. They have been herded off into the dreaded black ships that ply the immaterium, relentlessly searching for their psychically attuned prey.

The few that survive the less-than-deft touch of the imperial interrogators are formed into battle squadrons, held in the most loath conditions, until such time as their unique form of warfare is required. Sanctioned by the imperium, these psykers exist only to serve the Emperor.

This servitude will last for only as long as it takes for them to die on the field of battle, killed by the enemy or their overseer for succumbing to the warp. As such, the comfort of these sad creatures is largely disregarded. They are confined to psychically sealed chambers aboard the great dreadnoughts that carry the imperial guard to their next conflict.

Commutatus: IG Manticore

I had posted a while back that the whirlwind turret fit perfectly into the older style leman russ kit. Well, here is the finished project. I have to say that it actually came out better than I thought it would.

I went this route mainly because I have more Russ chassis lying around than I typically use in a game and I had a whirlwind kit for a marine list that never saw the light of day.

Does anyone else find themselves chopping off a hull mounted lascannon and going with the flamer instead? After a few engagements, I am realizing that once the turret is gone, these guys make nice, little mini-hellhounds.

Commutatus: Vostroyan Rough Riders Part 2

The first two mounted Vostroyans are fully modeled and awaiting primer.

The rough rider models are a near perfect fit on these Dee Zee Cave Bears. With the addition of a green stuff saddle, the rough riders are a natural match for these models.

Commutatus: Leman Russ Turret Conversions

Just a couple of quick and dirty turret conversions. I had a couple of the old style Russ turrets lying around and, after recently being stomped by the wolves, decided to convert them to something differently useful from the traditional battlecannon. Notice I did not say 'more' useful, as I consider the LRBT to be a strong option, especially as a backup tank in a squadron. However, having thunderwolf cavalry in my lines by turn two forced me to (re)consider putting some strength 10 big guns in my list.

First up is an Executioner conversion. Although not strength 10, this bad boy adds some much needed high strength, high rate of fire. I have been using a badly converted LRBT turret already as an Executioner, so this simply replaces that model with something a bit more recognizable.

Next up is a Demolisher conversion. This is something that has been lacking in my Vossie list and will add that much desired T5 insta-gib aspect to the game. The muzzle is pvc pipe and the outer ring is the end of a pipe coupler sawed off and filed down. The mount is a standard battlecannon sawed off at the last "knuckle" and two cylindrical sprue pieces added for additional recoil support. I may add more detail to the cannon itself in the form of aquilas, skulls, etc.

Both turrets are from old style Russ tanks, with the addition of three layers of plasti-card to reinforce the bulky look of the guns. Each side of the turret has the same armor plating rather than the hatch box. I also went with inverse rivets (1/8" drill bit). These were both quick conversions that I may add more detail to before painting.

The last one is not a conversion so much as an illustration of the compatibility between older GW kits. In this case, the whirlwind turret happens to fit perfectly in the turret ring on the old-style Leman Russ. I am going to repaint the whirlwind turret to match the tank color scheme and run this as a Manticore. I will remove the lascannon and replace it with a heavy flamer to complete the conversion. That way once the missiles are gone, the tank becomes a hellhound-lite.

From a background perspective, the Vostroyans are well known for their tanks works, and have decided that the Russ chassis would make for a better platform for Storm Eagle rockets than the flimsier Chimera chassis.

Commutatus: Vostroyan Rough Riders

Inspired by Santa Cruz Warhammer, I recently picked up a bunch of Rough Riders off ebay for cheap in order to convert them into Vostroyans. The conversion is fairly straightforward, with the hardest part being trimming off the fuzzy sombreros. I hadn't really liked the Rough Rider models, but without the hats they are actually not terrible models.

But of course they are crazy cossacks in the far flung future so normal mounts would not do. Inspired by Sonobovich over at Dakka, these Vostroyans will be riding cave bears! 'bovich used rough rider legs with Valhallan torsos on cave bears from Trent Miniatures. Unfortunately, these guys are no longer available in the US of A so I have an order for ten of these guys en route.

More to come...

Commutatus: Grey Knight Grandmaster

Here is a simple but effective conversion that adds some additional close combat prowess to the Grey Knight Grandmaster. Per the Daemonhunters codex, the storm shield counts as a single-handed close combat weapon and would thus grant an extra attack to the single-handed nemesis force weapon. Of course, with the next Daemonhunters codex, this oversight will be rectified but likely the storm shield will be upgraded to confer a 3++ invulnerable save.

Commutatus: Modeling Plastic Grey Knights

A simple conversion to create a power armor Grey Knight is to use the robed marines off the Dark Angels upgrade sprue combined with the grey knight halberd bits sold by GW.

Antiquis: OOP Sniper Scouts

A prime example of the old made new. Scout models from Advanced Space Crusade (pre-2nd edition) that have been updated with sniper rifles. These guys fit well into my all "robed" marine Dark Angels army, given the antique carapace armor and the poofy sleeves.

The second picture depicts my limited greenstuff abilities, but I think the straps came out to good effect.

Commutatus: Modeling Plastic Inquisitorial Stormtroopers

Even at the best of times, a Daemonhunters army was always a tough one to run. In 5e, with troops as the only scoring units, a DH list got even that much more difficult to run. However, the hidden gem of the DH is the inquisitorial stormtrooper squad (IST).

Unfortunately, IST models are metal and therefore expensive. How a cheap and effective alternative is to combine a box of Catachan jungle fighters with a box of Warhammer Fantasy Empire militia to get an attractive, simple and most important - multitudinous number of guys (upwards of forty from just two boxes).

Commutatus: Tyranid Gargoyle Conversion

Given the facts that a) tyranid gargoyles only come in metal and b) you need to field a fair number of them to be of any worth to your army, the prospect of adding gargoyles to a list is an expensive one. However, a quick conversion is to print out insect wings (I used dragonfly wings) on transparency sheets, cut out, and glue to standard termagants.

In order to give the appearance of flight, mount your new gargoyles on flying bases. The converted termagant pictured here has also had a rear leg cut off then re-positioned to look like he is launching from the ground.