Modelling sundered foes for basing

[Ovidius Incertus]

I've got a bunch of orks from the AoBR set collecting dust that I'd like to use to add character to some of my marine bases. Obvious problem is, however, that orks are gigantic and fat with massive weapons, so they take up far too much room to use whole on a small base or even a 40mm base. (I'm just using orks as an example because that's what I've got on hand, plus some hellion and gaunt heads, but this discussion can apply to sundry other factions.)

 

So I want to "cut them down to size", as it were, to add bits and pieces to select bases and would like some thoughts on how to model realistic battle damage and wounds to foes.

 

Chopping off arms/legs/heads or even sawing a torso in half is a start, but what's a good way to mangle the edges so that it looks like a chainblade did the damage? I was thinking of trying some different Dremel wheels.

 

For an enemy killed with a powerfist, I was thinking of hogging out the torso, but not the whole way through, to give the appearance of having your chest punched in.

 

Enemy shot with a bolter? Maybe drill a decent sized entrance hole all the way through, then hog out the exit wound to major proportions to make it look like a detonation inside the body?

 

Melta kill? I was thinking of quite literally melting a mini. Maybe drill a hole in the chest and melt from the inside?

 

Also, what's a source for human-sized skeletons, bones 'n skulls? Heck, does anyone make ork or eldar skeletons? Since my GS skills are...lacking...making such a thing myself is out of the question.

 

Ideas? Pics?

 

(In a while...as soon as I get off my duff and take pics...I'll post a WIP thread with pics of the bases and Marines in question for C&C.)

[Pig Of Sparta]

I know you've said that your green stuff skills are lacking but for inflicting chainblade damage to a body part you could try hollowing out the afflicted part with a pin vice an then pressing a ball of green stuff into the hole. Once you'very done that you can use a cocktail stick or paper clip to push/pull/drag the green stuff about until you have a ragged flesh look you're happy with. You can even go so far as to add entrails trailing from torsos by adding 'sausages' of green stuff. It may sound a little daunting at first but with a little practice it'll get easier and you'll get more confidence with working with green stuff. The best part is that since you're tryin to make a mess it doesn't matter if you make a mess :)

 

Hope that might help

 

James

[Solid Zaku]

Also, try some kitbashing. That Orky skull that comes with the basic Commander could be there for a flamer victim, or perhaps a 'rapid burst' of face-Melta'ing