The Neurode Crusade - Still Doing This in 2025

[W.A.Rorie]

Love it keep up the good work!

[Brother Christopher]

On 12/4/2024 at 7:49 PM, WAR said:

Love it keep up the good work!

 

I shall! Especially now, when the finish line is within reach! :)

 

***

Brothers! The following post may be a bit boring. After all, it's an extract from a spreadsheet! However, I'm quite excited to share it with you.

After (too) many years, the final shape and composition of the Neurode Crusade has emerged. While a census of Space Marines isn't as fun as photos thereof, I still consider this an important step. Somehow counting and organising my models -- something that wasn't classified information since for years they were in a glass display cabinet -- gave me a sense of accomplishment.

The number on the left shows the number of models with a given kind of wargear or a given role. Sometimes, mostly for the sake of better cataloguing my collection, there are additional remarks about the models; e.g. metal (which is self explanatory) or OOP (which I'm defining as 'models older than when I started 40k and back then were described as such,' e.g. ancient, 3rd edition super-small Marines). In my naivety, I attempted to 'future proof' my army. Some models have socketed magnets; this is also reflected in the list below: I either socketed the magnets in wrists (for CCW and special weapons) or shoulders (to replace entire arms, mostly because of swapping Power Fists and Lightning Claws).

The tally doesn't include vehicles; however, it includes bikes and centurions which historically were not counted as vehicles.

THE NEURODE CRUSADE

 

 Power Armour Marines - 166 models

Troops

20          Chainsword and Bolt Pistol

20          Bolter (10 magnets)

3            Sergeant w/ Boltgun and CCW weapon

 

Specialist Weapons

3             Melta guns

3             Plasma guns

5             Flamers/Inferno Squad

1             Heavy Flamer

2             Gravguns

5             Combi Weapons; inc. 1 w/ Chainsword, 1 w/ Power Sword + magnet

5             Special Issue Boltgun/Sternguard

5             5 Plasma guns/Hellblasters

 

Exotic weapons

2             Single Lightning Claw

2             Dual Lightning Claws

1             metal Power Mace

6             Power Fist (inc. 1 Web Exclusive Sergeant, 1 OOP Captain)

5             Power Sword (inc. 1 OOP Captain; 1 Castellan Draco)

3             Thunder Hammer (inc. Games Day 2008 Captain and Master of the Fleet)

5             Power Sword (inc. 1 OOP Captain; 1 Castellan Draco)

3             Power Axe (1 OOP Captain; 1 metal Veteran)

 

Elites

7             Veterans w/ wrist magnets

2             Veteran w/ arm magnet

6             Metal Sword Brethren (1 power fist; 1 power sword; 1 dual lightning claws)

5             Metal Sternguard Veterans

4             converted Blade Guards

 

Marshal’s Household

6             Commanders

               AoBR Captain, converted Marshal, Master of the Arsenal, Sicarius, Seraphicus, Heavy Sniper

3             Apothecaries (2 OOP metal models)

3             Standard Bearers (custom, 1 UM Honour Guard)

3             Fancy Sword Marines (‘Judiciar,’ ‘Company Champion,’ ‘Chapter Champion’)

2             Emperor’s Champion metal models

3             Chaplains

1             Grimaldus

3             Cenobyte Servitors

1             Helbrecht

2             Honour Guard with Axe + magnet

1             Librarian [Heresy]

 

Heavy Support

1             Marine w/ Signum

4             Missile Launcher

4             Multi-Melta

4             Plasma Cannon

4             Lascannon

4             Heavy Bolter

4             Grav Cannon and Amp

 

 Fast Attack

Jump Pack Marines - 36 models

11           Chainsword + Pistol (2 plasma)

5             metal Vanguard Veterans

5             Dual Lightning Claws

4             w/ arm magnets

5             w/ wrist magnet

5             miscellaneous (OOP power fist, OOP grenade, axe, hammer, hand flamer)

1             Chaplain w/ Jump Pack and Power Fist

 

Bikes - 14 models

8             regular Bikers

2             Marshal / Castelan

1             Chaplain

1             Standard Bearer

2             Attack Bikes

 

 Terminators - 53 models

Tactical

13          Storm Bolter + Power Fist/Chainfist

3            Storm Bolter + Power Sword (OOP metal Captain)

1            w/ arm magnets

Heavy weapons:

2             Heavy Flamer

2             Assault Cannon

2             Cyclone Missile Launcher

Assault:

10          dual Lightning Claws

10          Thunder Hammer

HQs:

2             Marshal / Castelan w/arm magnets

1             metal IF Captain (TH+SS)

1             dual Power Fists (Calgar)

1             Apothecary

1             Standard Bearer

1             Librarian [Heresy]

3             Chaplains (1 metal, 1 w/ Crozius and Storm Bolter, 1 w/ Storm Shield and Relic Weapon (flail))

 

Centurions - 6 models

 

Initiates/Scouts - 32 models

2             metal sniper

4             plastic sniper

2             metal shotgun

3             plastic shotgun

3             metal bolter

2             plastic bolter

8             metal CCW

4             plastic CCW

2             fancy Sergeant w/ wrist magnet

1             Missile Launcher

1             Heavy Bolter

 

TOTAL: 317

 

As always, I'm very grateful to GW for ruining 40k for me; the introduction of Primaris was painful but sobering and ultimately helpful. Otherwise, this collection... I don't want to think about how much more draining this project would've been had I not stopped buying new stuff.

 

For the record, I think I can safely say that the majority of the models is painted. Currently, I'm doing the final updates/adjustments on around 10 power armour models and will need to revisit 10-15 Terminators. In terms of models that need to be painted from scratch, there are less than 30 of them. Oh, plus I'll need to base and varnish the lot.

 

I really can't wait to have all of these done so I can take proper photos and close this chapter of my life. While the models aren't as hip as Primaris, I definitely prefer the oldschool aesthetic of Space Marines. Sure, I'm a bit tired of painting the same models over and over again but that's the consequence of my youth's foolishness. However, as the Marshal of this Crusade, I can't see myself abandoning my guys. Also, I do intend to get back to playing tabletop games with these guys, even if it means I'll have to use them as proxies.

Edited December 5, 2024 by Brother Christopher

[Brother Christopher]

More updated minis; this time some pewter models - Chaplains and a kitbashed Emperor's Champion/Fancy Sword Marine, as well as a Cheaphammer kitbashed Chaplain that once was a count-as Grimaldus.

 

 

 

 

The helmet is - obviously - a new addition to this ancient conversion; I've attempted to do a smoothish transition from white to black. I'm not really sure what I expected but I'm rather okay with this first attempt. Unfortunately, I messed the photos up and it's not really visible - but believe me: there is something there ;)

 

 

[Brother Christopher]

My AoBR Terminators, an example of some of the first models painted I've ever painted:

 

 

And now after the update:

 

It's a bit of a shame that I haven't taken 'before pics' of the backs of the models since that part was probably the worst. There still is room for improvement but I really want to keep focused on the big picture and I don't wat to obsess about old models too much.

 

I've left the face of the leader unchanged, though. I figured it's not that bad and in a stilly, slightly nostalgic way, I want to preserve my original attempts.

 

Oh boy; this hobby project scheduled for November/December IS TEDIOUS. Revisiting these old models makes me really appreciate the amount of work I put into this army. At the same time, I'm yearning to do something different; however, my goals and priorities are set: I want to push through the pain of tedium and start the new year with a clean slate.

 

I still need to retouch 5 older Termies and do some minor work on even some more. Then, I plan to fix chipped paint on some relatively awesome pewter models (Sword Bros and Sternguards) and I'll be done with this stage.

 

After that, I might take a break from Black Templars and paint some of my purple not-Primaris.

[Brother Christopher]

Welcome back, Brothers! With much regret, I realised that I haven't updated this thread in a long, long time. This does not mean that I've forsaken my Firstborn Templars. As much as I'd like to that and move on with my life, as a Templar, it just doesn't feel right.

 

Between then and now, I managed to finish updating and/or repainting some of the older models:

 

 

 

 

 

 

I also committed something I would have once considered the greatest heresy; I painted a Librarian. To be frank, I'm quite proud of how he turned out. The reason behind is that I don't play the game and I don't really care at this stage - the model is there in case I decide to go back to the game (or OnePageRules) and use my miniatures as 'regular marines.'

 

 

 

But the thing that holds most of my attention at present is a side-project to my Templars, i.e., my plastic Thunderhawk. Since I've been building the model for over a decade, the finish is extremely bumpy - putting the darn thing has been an endless source of problems, frustrations and... joy. If you're interested, I invite you to visit my thread in the WIP section.

 

For a summary, over three months, I painted most of the fuselage:

 

 

 

[Marshal Reinhard]

As someone also looking to paint a Librarian, I'm going to paint mine as a Grey Knight. Did get some bits to that effect, though I underestimated the size differential between GK termies and Nu-termies.

[Brother Christopher]

Oh, I know what you mean about using a Grey Knight Librarian - I've been pondering this for a long time but decided to keep in Templar-only, especially since I think of my Crusade as a renegade-style force, cut off from the main Imperium and going a bit wonky.

 

Despite that the Templar indoctrination in me tells me that this is wrong, painting a second blue model was very fun.

 

In other news, I feel I'm learning this and that. As such, I've decided not to get any more second-hand models that need stripping. Today, I removed paint from - if my resolve is strong enough - the last batch of models ever. Over the years, I've grown to hate the process!

 

The last batch of models comprise a number of Space Hulk Terminators and my last metal model that I'm yet to paint in my collection, an old Terminator Captain.

[TheOneTrueZon]

This thread is my anchor, an unbreakable chain that will forever hold me to the templars. I've watched your work on the Thunderhawk for years now. YEARS. Your commitment to projects is an absolute testament of zeal and loyalty to the hobby. Here's to the next 29 pages, may you reach 100!

[SWORD BROTHER RYAN]

As you continue, so do many of us. Your thread is an inspiration. Keep 'em coming!

[Brother Carpenter]

Yes nice update.

I'va also been looking at the reiver helmets. Good choice.

[Brother Christopher]

Brothers! I finished my DIY Thunderhawk:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now, there's just twenty-odd models to go and my Firstborn Crusade will have been ready. After finishing this thing (that I've started in 2012), I feel like everything is possible! It remains to be seen whether I'll focus on the remaining small marines or try something different, but here we are!

 

It's definitely an end of an era in my hobby life.

[Marshal Reinhard]

By far the most impressive plasticard DIY-anything out there. You beat GW to the plastic thunderhawk. Congrats. 

 

Its in its entirety made out of plasticard?

[Brother Christopher]

25 minutes ago, Marshal Reinhard said:

By far the most impressive plasticard DIY-anything out there. You beat GW to the plastic thunderhawk. Congrats. 

 

Haha, thanks! You're right! 

 

25 minutes ago, Marshal Reinhard said:

Its in its entirety made out of plasticard?

 

Yeah, almost. I used 'officia; GW plastic bits for the heavy bolters, searchlights and crew, some resin casts for the lascannons, used-up pen tips for the rockets, and some green-stuff press-mould casts for some of the vents and some other minor various bits (wires, rods) for some some of the greebling (especially the engines) . The rest is all plasticard following a modified papercraft model template.

[Sir Clausel]

Holy crap that is just plane awesome! Amazingly build and the paintjob is gorgeous. I am very envious ! 

[Urkh]

You started that thing back when I first started the hobby at all! And now it's finished! Good job. It looks fantastic. You should be proud of yourself.

[Terminatorinhell]

That thunderhawk is sublime

[SWORD BROTHER RYAN]

I've been following the progress on this since at least 2014-ish, and to see it done is amazing! Take pride in your achievement Brother! It is well earned. Can't wait to see what you come up with next!

[Brother Christopher]

So, I'm back to painting my small and old Crusaders for the Call to Arms 2025 event. Progress is surprisingly fast, particularly by my standards. I'm mostly done with my first vow, i.e. 6 Jump Pack Marines and an old pewter TDA Captain/Marshal.

 

 

Here's a little teaser on the repairs showing the updates and repairs I did. The old Metal Captain, originally on a small 25 mm base, which I got at an online auction, didn't have an original storm bolter arm and had a paper banner. Initially, I planned on removing the banner pole altogether to get the model done ASAP but... apparently it's not in my nature to 'disrespect' old models. Even if they are quite rubbish by today's standards.

 

Speaking of standards, the standard I made for him couldn't be an era-appropriate print. I also didn't want to 'waste' the original banner pole by replacing it with a more modern plastic substitute. Instead, I decided to do this properly. The banner is made out of an aluminium can.

 

 

 

After properly undercoating it, I decided to steal the idea for the banner from the new Grimaldus' retinue's banner:

 

 

I'm quite happy with how it looks in person. After doing a - pardon my boating - good job on the banner, I decided that I can't leave this model on the old base, especially since he's tiny, even next to more modern power armour models. So I decided to stick his old base on top of a 40mm one and build up a surrounding extension ring from cork.

 

 

All 7 models should be ready soonish. The Jump Marines need a final step of paint job (minor things), and I'll probably have to clean up some of the mess I made when I based the models. By the Emperor, do I hate basing models!!

 

I am many things, but I can't say I'm a quitter. Having said that, I think I'm continuing to paint these models out of a sense of duty. But… I must stress that I've found a lot of satisfaction in how quickly I painted the assault marines to a reasonable standard and - despite my hating to work on pewter models - I found painting the Captain/Marshal actually fun and rewarding. So even if I think I don't find joy in finishing this project, things somehow get out of hand I end up freehanding a banner made out of a coffee can. Clearly, I'm still a zealous Templar at heart, even if members of my army are short.

 

Assuming these models are finished, I still have:

- 3 cenobyte servitors,

- 4 jump pack marines,

- 8 terminators,

- 7 bikes

to paint. As well as some vehicles to finish/update. Even though I'm losing faith in ever using my collection in actual games (hence, making it quite obsolete), this thing is such a huge part of my life that I can't imagine getting rid of it.

 

The next step is to review the replaceable wargear and organise that. I will be curbing down on the number of options (e.g., I've saved a lot of combi weapons, including combi-gravs and a lot of melee weapons to be able to equip Veterans/Sword Brethren with; however, I think I'll scrap some weapon options altogether and limit others to, say, 5 each)