Salamanders modelling and painting project

[Gothical]

I'd really like to have a totally completed army by Christmas. My Guard are going to take longer (as they're impractical to take to Uni en-masse) so the Marines will be thrust into the limelight for the next few months.

 

This is a project log of my progress - it may be slow, but hopefully the results are worthwhile - I'm not a great painter, but I consider myself an above-average converter so I would really love thoughts, opinions, tips and criticisms that anyone may have.

 

I'll kick this off with a few pictures of some things I've already built albeit in a very WIP stage for the most part, I'm waiting to to a large batch of green-stuffing. Hopefully it'll be enough to attract some attention though :tu:

 

First is a mock-up of what Captain Obatala (Lysander) will look like. This model is entirely held together with blu-tak at the moment as it's made of parts dug out of my bitz-box and I wanted to see how it looks.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a33/Treadhead2005/Space%20Marines%20-%20Salamanders/1%20Headquarters/CaptainObatala.jpg

Yes, that's right, through the lack of available parts (Lysander's weapons having been used in other conversions) I've ended up with a "mirrored" version of Lysander. Hopefully it will make him a bit more distinctive (well, the Salamander Mantle should do when it's finished - that's why there's a Salamander head on his armour, it will eventually make a whole cloak).

 

 

Next up is a pair of Terminators for the squad Obatala will likely be attached to. Eventually this squad will have a Cyclone Missile Launcher and a Chain Fist, as well as a Sergeant - but the parts are still in the bitz-box.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a33/Treadhead2005/Space%20Marines%20-%20Salamanders/2%20Elites/SquadElegguaPowerFists.jpg

Nothing too special here yet, but I've used the FW Salamander Terminator Upgrades to give the unit a little more "zing".

 

 

Here are my two converted Tactical Sergeants. I ended up with a Power Weapon/Close Combat weapon combination because every Sergeant should have a chainsword, I feel. Bolt Pistols will be in holsters, but I don't know if they'll be allowed in-game or not.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a33/Treadhead2005/Space%20Marines%20-%20Salamanders/3%20Troops/sarge1.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a33/Treadhead2005/Space%20Marines%20-%20Salamanders/3%20Troops/sarge2.jpg

These were a lot of fun to build and pose. They'll have scales on the tabards as small Salamander Mantles (to show veterancy over normal Marines).

 

 

Here are some Tactical Marines from the squads. I decided to break with convention, and have the Special Weapon/Sergeant combat squad giving cover-fire to the Heavy Weapon combat squad (as it would move in a battle in reality). I found this approach really broke up the monotony that can develop with lots of bolter-only Marines.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a33/Treadhead2005/Space%20Marines%20-%20Salamanders/3%20Troops/SquadOyaMarine.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a33/Treadhead2005/Space%20Marines%20-%20Salamanders/3%20Troops/SquadShangoMarine.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a33/Treadhead2005/Space%20Marines%20-%20Salamanders/3%20Troops/SquadShangoMarine2.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a33/Treadhead2005/Space%20Marines%20-%20Salamanders/3%20Troops/SquadOyaMulti-Melta.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a33/Treadhead2005/Space%20Marines%20-%20Salamanders/3%20Troops/SquadOyaMulti-Melta2.jpg

Who wouldn't want to shoulder-barge someone with the bulk a Multi-Melta provides?

 

 

Next up is my Devastator Sergeant. He's modelled as an ex-Deathwatch Marine (ie having been rotated back into the chapter). Hence the funky bolter, and because I don't like the new bulk "signum backpack" the Devastator Box comes with I decided to make my own backpack. His pose is supposed to be like he's checking his weapon, but I'm not sure that comes across so well.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a33/Treadhead2005/Space%20Marines%20-%20Salamanders/5%20Heavy%20Support/Sarge3.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a33/Treadhead2005/Space%20Marines%20-%20Salamanders/5%20Heavy%20Support/Sgt3.jpg

Obviously needs lots of work, like adding a small tabard, chainsword, auspex and grenades and stuff. I found the metal torso gave a much better proportion for a Marine than the plastic kits to too.

 

Lastly is a Heavy Bolter marine from the squad, and the squad's personal ride. The Marine will eventually be standing on a rock or an Ork skull depending on what I can find to fit - hence he's "hovering" at the moment. The Razorback looks great, it really sold me on FW kits.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a33/Treadhead2005/Space%20Marines%20-%20Salamanders/5%20Heavy%20Support/SquadAganjuHeavyBolter.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a33/Treadhead2005/Space%20Marines%20-%20Salamanders/5%20Heavy%20Support/SquadAganjuHeavyBolter2.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a33/Treadhead2005/Space%20Marines%20-%20Salamanders/5%20Heavy%20Support/IMG_0472.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a33/Treadhead2005/Space%20Marines%20-%20Salamanders/5%20Heavy%20Support/IMG_0470.jpg

 

A few people have asked if I'm going with a yellow-er green or a blue-er green, and I find the easiest answer is to post a picture. This Marine is far from finished, and still needs the extreme edges highlighted, but it shows the overall tone nicely.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a33/Treadhead2005/Space%20Marines%20-%20Salamanders/5050highlight.jpg

 

I guess that's enough pictures for now :tu:. What does everyone think of my work so far? Is it passable or am I tooting my own horn a bit too much with the "I consider myself an above-average converter" thoughts? Are you looking forwards to more?

 

Many thanks for any comments!

[The_Chaplain]

This is the beginnings of a really great army!

 

The razorback looks great and your choice of bits for "lysander" is great as well (masters of the chapter shield and the terminator chaplain's crozius arm were great picks)

[Rottimus]

Hey,

 

 

So far, pretty good. It's always good to convert lots. Really makes your army stand out.

 

 

The deathwatch marine is ok. To make it better I'd use a different pose. If you angle his torso(body) down slighty and point his face toward his gun it will

look like he's concentrating on fixing/checking his gun.

 

Don't laugh at me but a big mirror is always good to have. You can look at yourself doing the pose and try and copy it on to your model.

 

This may sound silly but it really helps to give your models a more 'human' feel. realistic and all that.

[dood515]

I like the differing poses and i can't stop staring at the converted champ... i'm not quite sure why...

[Tybrus]

2 words .... DRILL BARRELS =)

 

but really nice work, can we get some closer pictures of the capt? would love to see some other angels as well...

[earthen]

great looking conversions

 

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a33/Treadhead2005/Space%20Marines%20-%20Salamanders/5%20Heavy%20Support/SquadAganjuHeavyBolter.jpg

 

 

Got a little captain in you??

[Xavier Targhost]

Nice :) i like the ideas with (Lysander) there.. and the sgt with axe and chainsword looks very cool and interesting... :) love to see more of him :)

 

cheers mate

[EnigmaShadow]

Hey.

 

good start on the army, I really like how the colours are looking so far. Is it just a black undercoat with a whatever that foundation paint is in green with a Dark angels green then Goblin green highlights? Either way looking very good so far. I personally like the Veterans, the one with the axe and Chainsword looks very staunch.

 

-Shadow

[Shortsonfire79]

Wow, so much character in a squad! I love it.

I think the DW guy looks good, his positioning looks like hes cocking a pistol....but his gun has a scope.. =-P Looks good all around though.

[turelhim vampire]

I could have sworn I posted in this thread already...?

 

Ah well, I guess not. Anyways...

 

Really nice conversions, especially the Lysander and the sergeants. Where is that chainsword from on the emperors champion mini?

 

The Dev sgt - I don't think it looks wrong at all - in fact it looks like he's calibrating his scope. Nice work.

 

Looking forward to seeing these painted, that test mini looks promising.

[The Dark Angle]

wheres the salamander's head on the Lysander mini from

[turelhim vampire]

Looks like something from the Warhammer Lizardmen range... no?

[High Marshal Sigfeird]

I wouldnt say you where a bad painter at all i like what im seeing being done here and the lysander conversion is aces in my book keep it up im looking forward to seeing more of these salamanders for sure :)

[Gothical]

This is the beginnings of a really great army!

 

The razorback looks great and your choice of bits for "lysander" is great as well (masters of the chapter shield and the terminator chaplain's crozius arm were great picks)

 

Thanks - I like converting so I hope to carry it across most of the force. The Tacticals are modelled, as are the vehicles - but I need to do my Attack Bikes (I have an idea involving Scout Bikes and dirt ramps - more on that in the future), Sternguard/Devastators (they're Devastators in the fluff but Sternguard in the game), Techmarine, some FW Dreads with heavy sculpting work and finish off these Sergeants/Captain.

 

Hey,

 

 

So far, pretty good. It's always good to convert lots. Really makes your army stand out.

 

 

The deathwatch marine is ok. To make it better I'd use a different pose. If you angle his torso(body) down slighty and point his face toward his gun it will

look like he's concentrating on fixing/checking his gun.

 

Don't laugh at me but a big mirror is always good to have. You can look at yourself doing the pose and try and copy it on to your model.

 

This may sound silly but it really helps to give your models a more 'human' feel. realistic and all that.

 

I hope I have improved on the DW marine slightly here (see end of post), I've added some details to balance out the model a little bit better. I think the biggest issue with the pose is the head, but that's not stuck on yet so I can adjust that as necessary.

 

As for the mirror thing, I do that anyway (or at least see if it's humanly possible to get into the position I'm modelling without a mirror involved). Nerdy? Yes. Worth it? I think so.

 

I like the differing poses and i can't stop staring at the converted champ... i'm not quite sure why...

 

Thanks - I was pondering about how to vary the static nature of "Tactical Marines", and I saw that some people use Assault Squad parts to represent the different Combat Squads in the unit. However, they always had the Special Weapon and Sergeant in the running sections, so I thought I'd shake things up a bit and have the Heavy Weapon section moving as if re-positioning itself or catching up the other half.

 

I hope you can't stop stating in a good way, and not because it's impossibly bad. The Emperor's Champion model is such a great base for a conversion (I've re-used this body in...4 different conversions now I think).

 

2 words .... DRILL BARRELS =)

 

but really nice work, can we get some closer pictures of the capt? would love to see some other angels as well...

 

I've drilled some of them - see the Terminators for proof! The others aren't done because the Bolters are the things I sort out last (so I can paint the torso more easily etc), and the few guys that have Bolters modelled single-handedly and whatnot will have them drilled - I agree that it looks so much better.

 

More pictures of the Captain at the end of the thread. It should look a little better this time, as the Shield is now attached and the Hammer arm is stuck on too (before it was blu-taked and the parts kept sliding around).

 

great looking conversions

 

+image snipped+

 

 

Got a little captain in you??

 

Thanks, I've a few more Infantry conversions to get through yet, so I hope you like them. And I'm sorry but I don't get the reference in the second sentence?

 

Nice ;) i like the ideas with (Lysander) there.. and the sgt with axe and chainsword looks very cool and interesting... :D love to see more of him :P

 

cheers mate

 

There's more pics of Lysander at the end of this post. I'll get some more pics of the Axe/Chainsword guy in a couple of days, I need to do some Green-stuff work on him first though.

 

Hey.

 

good start on the army, I really like how the colours are looking so far. Is it just a black undercoat with a whatever that foundation paint is in green with a Dark angels green then Goblin green highlights? Either way looking very good so far. I personally like the Veterans, the one with the axe and Chainsword looks very staunch.

 

-Shadow

 

Very close - undercoat Black; several thin coats of Orkhide Shade; layer on Snot Green and then add subtle highlights of a 50/50 Snot Green:Scorpion Green mix. I need to add some edge-highlights to this lot to accentuate them, those will probably be done using a mix of Scorpion Green and Bleached Bone, or even Snot Green + Bleached bone, I'm not too sure yet.

 

Wow, so much character in a squad! I love it.

I think the DW guy looks good, his positioning looks like hes cocking a pistol....but his gun has a scope.. =-P Looks good all around though.

 

Yeah, I was hoping to mix the squads up a bit - partly as I dislike looking at squads of 2 or 3 poses repeated throughout, and partly because I am such a slow painter that I need to do everything I can to stay motivated, so a variety of poses should help somewhat when I get around to it!

 

The DW guy is supposed to be switching ammunition types, maybe the new pics (at the end of the post) show it a bit better. Still, adjusting the scope is better than nothing ;)

 

 

I could have sworn I posted in this thread already...?

 

Ah well, I guess not. Anyways...

 

Really nice conversions, especially the Lysander and the sergeants. Where is that chainsword from on the emperors champion mini?

 

The Dev sgt - I don't think it looks wrong at all - in fact it looks like he's calibrating his scope. Nice work.

 

Looking forward to seeing these painted, that test mini looks promising.

 

You did already ask those questions - just not on this forum! I guess that's the danger of both of us inhabiting multiple forums :P

 

How do you think the Devastator Sergeant looks now?

 

wheres the salamander's head on the Lysander mini from

 

turelheim_vampire is correct, it's from a Warhammer Fantasy Salamander, with the lower jaw sawn off. It's eventually going to be worked into the cloak on his back to make it look like he's wearing practically an entire Salamander skin (and I may add a tail if I can work out how to make it look...not so naff).

 

I wouldnt say you where a bad painter at all i like what im seeing being done here and the lysander conversion is aces in my book keep it up im looking forward to seeing more of these salamanders for sure :)

 

Thanks - you'll have to wait and see the finished model though, I have a habit of ballsing them up somewhere along the way. But practice makes perfect, as they say - I hope you stick around to critique the model when I manage to finish it.

 

+++

 

Phew, I think that's everyone replied to now! I've not done much in the last couple of days, having helped to organise, set-up and cater a party for 50-something people at the weekend, but I've made some small additions to Sergeant Aganju (Devastators) and Captain Obatala. Here are some pics for you:

 

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a33/Treadhead2005/Space%20Marines%20-%20Salamanders/1%20Headquarters/IMG_0648.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a33/Treadhead2005/Space%20Marines%20-%20Salamanders/1%20Headquarters/IMG_0649.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a33/Treadhead2005/Space%20Marines%20-%20Salamanders/1%20Headquarters/IMG_0650.jpg

 

The right arm has a temporary shoulder-pad until I can work out a design I like (I don't quite have enough FW plates left over for him), and obviously a lot of GS work needs doing to add icons to the armour. The medallion will eventually become a curled-up Salamander, and he'll have flames on his right-knee where the Imperial Fist logo used to be. A couple of honour-markings on his right leg and transforming the cloak into a mantle and he should be ready for painting.

 

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a33/Treadhead2005/Space%20Marines%20-%20Salamanders/5%20Heavy%20Support/IMG_0652.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a33/Treadhead2005/Space%20Marines%20-%20Salamanders/5%20Heavy%20Support/IMG_0653.jpg

 

Not much has changed here, apart from some small details, like the tabbard and converted FW scabbard. Lots of GS work to do yet - adding cables from the Signum on the backpack, filling in his left arm and scales on the tabard. Need to add grenades and a holstered bolt pistol too.

 

 

As ever, please let me know what you think of them, and many thanks for the kind words so far.

[Dragonkin Arenis]

Where is that chainsword from on the emperors champion mini?

 

Methinks it's a SoB Chainsword from the Canoness model... I think I've got one somewhere... *rummages around in Bitz Box*

 

Great Models, I now know where to get ideas for my WiP's :)

 

I'm particually fond of that commander of yours, can't wait to see how he'll turn out :P

 

Arenis

[Gothical]

Here's my 3rd Tactical Sergeant (Sergeant Oshun) armed with a power fist. In the background for my force he's a Techmarine-in-training, an apprentice to my Master of the Forge - the Servo-Arm is to represent his power-fist (if anyone quibbles that it should only be 1 attack, I'll explain to them he is field-testing a brand new plasma-core driven Servo-Arm that is showing far greater dexterity and nimbleness than the standard ones).

 

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a33/Treadhead2005/Space%20Marines%20-%20Salamanders/3%20Troops/IMG_0654.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a33/Treadhead2005/Space%20Marines%20-%20Salamanders/3%20Troops/IMG_0655.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a33/Treadhead2005/Space%20Marines%20-%20Salamanders/3%20Troops/IMG_0657.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a33/Treadhead2005/Space%20Marines%20-%20Salamanders/3%20Troops/IMG_0658.jpg

 

 

Essentially one giant kit-bash, and I'm quite proud of him! A lot of work needs doing to him still, he'll have a Mk2 helmet, the greaves from the Imperial Fist chapter master shown on the Codex pg 52, extra plating on the arms and squared-off feet. I also need to drill-out the connectors on the servos on his hip; add a small Salamander tabbard to tie in with the rest of the characters and then generally neaten-up with green-stuff by adding rivets, venting to the plasma core and random stuff like that.

 

Paint-wise he will still be mostly Salamander colours (to show he's a Sergeant/apprentice and not a fully-fledged Techmarine) but with Mechanicus accents to a few select armour plates.

 

It's only a small update, I apologise - this guy has taken me all day, it's been a right pain finding all the right bits.

 

Do you think it was worth it though?

[Gothical]

Here's another small update, I thought I'd test out how some of the GS details I had planned work.

 

I'm quite happy with them - I've a small amount of smoothing out to do once it's fully dry (and add rivets to the wrist armour), but I think they should add just enough to give this guy a slight Techmarine look without going too far.

 

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a33/Treadhead2005/Space%20Marines%20-%20Salamanders/3%20Troops/IMG_0659.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a33/Treadhead2005/Space%20Marines%20-%20Salamanders/3%20Troops/IMG_0660.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a33/Treadhead2005/Space%20Marines%20-%20Salamanders/3%20Troops/IMG_0661.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a33/Treadhead2005/Space%20Marines%20-%20Salamanders/3%20Troops/IMG_0664.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a33/Treadhead2005/Space%20Marines%20-%20Salamanders/3%20Troops/IMG_0665.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a33/Treadhead2005/Space%20Marines%20-%20Salamanders/3%20Troops/IMG_0666.jpg

 

The new faceplate and the extra armour on the wrists will be painted a very dark red, whereas the rest of the model will be green (except with the white/black cogwheel instead of a golden skull on the chest). I might do either the feet or the knee pads in red too, along with the sensor-housing on the top of the backpack.

 

The new details on the thigh will, however, remain green so as to not overload the miniature with Adeptus Mechanicus insignia.

 

What do you think?