Modeling extra Storm Bolters on SoB vehicles

[tvih]

I was wondering how people do this - if they do it at all. Now that extra storm bolters are only 5 points, they seem like a worthy addition, giving twice the firepower for Rhinos (if you didn't move, at least) and a chance to avoid a destroyed main weapon for Exorcists and Immolators.

 

To me the problem seems to be actually modeling the storm bolters if you use the official models built according to the official instructions. Rather than the two small front hatches the SoB Rhino has the cupola turret, and of course Immolator has the frontal heavy weapon turret and the Exorcist has the "piano player." So unlike a regular Rhino, there's no clear spot for an extra Storm Bolter (and keep it removable as well as reasonable-looking, too).

 

Thing is the Storm Bolters would need to be on the front rotating sections on each of the vehicle to clearly benefit from the usual 360-degree arc of fire. Rhino turret only has a proper notch for a single SB, adding as second one without gluing seems difficult. With blu-tack it's somewhat doable, but the blu-tack remains visible. Same with the Immolator turret and probably Exorcist (which I don't yet have).

 

I suppose there's always the option to use Rhinos without the top plate, but the turret is a nice distinction from my SM vehicles. Similarly I suppose technically you wouldn't have to use the "piano player" on the Exorcist, but it'd look off I reckon... not to mention the vehicle would probably backflip! Of course if one were to use the FW launcher or even a Whirlwind launcher, you could have the launcher as well as the front cupola turret for the SB. But once I get the organ Exo I want to use it, too.

 

So, anyway, any input from others?

[*Furyou Miko]

You could build them into the headlight cowlings, one on each side of the front plate? Use a bit of pin to attach them.

[tvih]

Well, there are spots for "static" mounts on the hull, but I'd prefer proper 360 degree ones.

[Hymirl]

Have the excorcist gunner hold it in her hands... or glue two marine bolt guns together and tuck it in next to her. Its on the model.

 

As regards your rhimos I wouldnt be that bothered about were you put it. In practice you can either rotate to face or if youre immoblised then youre likely to find it going to need more than 2 bolt shots to save you...

[tvih]

As said it's not about just putting it on the model. That part is extremely easy. It's about doing it while making it look nice and preferably still having that 360.

[heron]

Could you do a co-axial mount somehow on the immolator turret?  Since they have to fire at the same target anyway, its not a big stretch.

[Grgobart]

The easiest solution for Rhinos and Immolators, is not glueing on the rear hatch. If you need a second Storm Bolter, just put in an extra Rhino turret there instead of the hatch.

 

If you're still concerned about the front turret blocking the rear turret, a somewhat more challenging solution would be building an 'under-turret' (a sort of ring-segment between socket and actual turret):

 - the bottom can fit into the front-turret-socking of your Rhino/Immolator

 - the top is able to hold a Rhino or Immolator turret

 - it sports a Storm Bolter

 

As for the Exorcist, I can only agree, that the personal Storm Bolter for our virtuous organ player, is probably the easiest solution. 

The next best thing I could think of, is cutting off the middle group of candles cleanly and making them magnetically interchangeable with a Storm Bolter mounted there.

[ValourousHeart]

If you are going to scratch build a storm bolter for the exorcist organ player I would recommend using 2 bolt pistols as opposed to anything else.

 

I built several conversion sisters to get storm bolters superiors. I compared every storm bolter GW made to get one that looked right in scale.

 

The smallest is the wrist mounted SB on the old metal GK, the largest is the SB from the immolator kit (this one is about as big as a SoB on foot). The middle of the road was the one on the SM captain box. The one from the rhino kit was only slightly larger than the captain's.

 

Two bolters fitted together is longer than the immolator SB, but not as wide. BTW it is also longer from muzzle to grip than a sister is tall, and from clip to scope it is as wide as a sister.

 

It looks comical! She should get cover from it.

 

Two bolt pistols is about the same size as the SM captain's SB, maybe just a little larger.

This version is also about the same size as the bolter superior's outstretched bolter, slightly shorter and about half again as wide.

 

It also looked reasonable next too the official SB Dominion SoB.

[Afrikprophet]

you could just sit a sister with a storm bolter on the top. I have five that I never use otherwise :) 

[wpedranti]

I was wondering how people do this - if they do it at all. Now that extra storm bolters are only 5 points, they seem like a worthy addition, giving twice the firepower for Rhinos (if you didn't move, at least) and a chance to avoid a destroyed main weapon for Exorcists and Immolators.

 

To me the problem seems to be actually modeling the storm bolters if you use the official models built according to the official instructions. Rather than the two small front hatches the SoB Rhino has the cupola turret, and of course Immolator has the frontal heavy weapon turret and the Exorcist has the "piano player." So unlike a regular Rhino, there's no clear spot for an extra Storm Bolter (and keep it removable as well as reasonable-looking, too).

 

Thing is the Storm Bolters would need to be on the front rotating sections on each of the vehicle to clearly benefit from the usual 360-degree arc of fire. Rhino turret only has a proper notch for a single SB, adding as second one without gluing seems difficult. With blu-tack it's somewhat doable, but the blu-tack remains visible. Same with the Immolator turret and probably Exorcist (which I don't yet have).

 

I suppose there's always the option to use Rhinos without the top plate, but the turret is a nice distinction from my SM vehicles. Similarly I suppose technically you wouldn't have to use the "piano player" on the Exorcist, but it'd look off I reckon... not to mention the vehicle would probably backflip! Of course if one were to use the FW launcher or even a Whirlwind launcher, you could have the launcher as well as the front cupola turret for the SB. But once I get the organ Exo I want to use it, too.

 

So, anyway, any input from others?

Frater Domus,  I was wondering what you came up with.  I am considering adding storm bolters to mine as well.