True-Scale Deathwatch (24/10 - Guardian of the Covenant)

[Commissar Molotov]

I know the updates in this thread can often seem incremental, so I doubt everyone will be as excited as I am, but I'm excited by how Tarmon is taking shape. 

 

http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd464/INQ28/Tarmon%20Gladius_zpsfdynjmjh.jpg

 

I managed to get a metal Ultramarines standard bearer off eBay, and put the gladius onto Tarmon. There's still stuff to do here: I have to repair the tabard and fill in the gouge in his thigh, to add a Raptors shoulder pad and repair the sword slightly (including shortening the hilt slightly.) Still, he's inching closer! 

Edited June 2, 2015 by Commissar Molotov

[The_Chaplain]

 

 

I know the updates in this thread can often seem incremental, so I doubt everyone will be as excited as I am, but I'm excited by how Tarmon is taking shape.

 

Progress is progress, especially in the eyes of the model's creator, and should be celebrated accordingly.  Tarmon is indeed taking shape, and it is a menacing shape at that.  Excellent job. 

[JackDaw]

That gladius is perfect. Brings everything together wonderfully.

[Commissar Molotov]

One disadvantage of not having regular access to my modelling space is that I never know what I'll find when I return! My parents' cats are proficient thieves, and they managed to snatch Tarmon off the shelf. After a while of searching I managed to find him - clearly I will have to work in some background with Tarmon against some Felid aliens!

 

The downside is that the Raptors shoulderpad I'd secured for him (on the left in this picture) has sprung off and disappeared, never to be seen again. I've tried a different one, though it doesn't fit as well and I'm a bit disappointed.

 

http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd464/INQ28/Tarmon5_zpswrbav4rr.jpg

 

http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd464/INQ28/Tarmon6_zpskjb03moc.jpg

http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd464/INQ28/Tarmon7_zpsskw6xxec.jpg

 

I'm going to need to reposition the lamp on the backpack again to better fit the direction he's looking. He still needs a little greenstuffing to neaten up joins, and a Deathwatch shoulder pad, but he's almost finished. I want to see if I can ebay the shoulderpad I wanted, too. 

 

In other news, I managed to pick up these, which mark the start of the kill-team's ride...

 

http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd464/INQ28/Gladius1_zpskacyxe4q.jpg

 

 

My squad currently numbers eight: my Blackshield Librarian, Lamenter, Space Wolf, Black Templar, Scythe of the Emperor, Iron Talon, White Consul and Crimson Fist. I've been debating whether to make the squad 11 - a Librarian and ten others. That variable decides whether I need two or three more members of the Kill-Team. 

 

The two I've got in mind are a Sword Bearer, bringing this guy up to date:

 

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z121/mnesimache/inq28/Comparison-1.jpg

 

I've been gathering a few Dark Angels bits in an attempt to make a slightly better version of this guy - though I don't know exactly what I'll do with him weapon-wise. 

 

I'd also like to make a Space Shark. I've always been inspired by the work of Cpt Tiberius, an excellent artist and someone I consider my friend. Artwork such as: 

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v650/Cpt_Tiberius/Space_Shark.jpg

 

Now that the Space Sharks are the Carcharadons, my head-canon is saying that Tiberius's Sharks (Void Sharks?) also exist. Part of me also has in mind the character of Tai Kaliso from Gears of War. I thought this model might have an Ork knife to emulate that picture. 

 

Lastly, I need to consider whether to give the squad a Marine with a Heavy Flamer or some other similar weapon. I'll need to decide a suitable Chapter for him to hail from - I don't want to settle for some cliché like the Salamanders or the like, but I'll need to give it some thought. 

[Nomus Sardauk]

How about a Fire Lord for the Heavy Flamer Marine? As their name suggests they definitely love the flame, starting planetary assaults with barrages of incendiary Missles and they were responsible for the creation of the Land Raider Redeemer: http://wh40k.lexicanum.com/wiki/Fire_Lords

[Commissar Molotov]

I was pretty interested in the new assault and devastator squads, because they offer a plethora of bits that could be useful for my truescales. I wasn't going to buy a whole box, but eBay bitz sellers have come to the rescue. 

 

The first bit I'm experimenting with: the Assault Squad's eviscerator. 

 

http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd464/INQ28/Eviscerator3_zpshopxa64p.jpg

 

I was inspired in this regard by the Space Marine game - the Captain had rather a nice Chainsword in that game, and I wondered whether my Space Marines, being so big, could use the Eviscerator as a chainsword. 

 

http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd464/INQ28/Eviscerator4_zpsgagzggbr.jpg

 

While I haven't chopped them up yet, I think there is scope for them to work pretty well. 

 

Using Segesvar as a stand-in, here's two shots that show I think they could be used well. They're only about 5mm longer than normal chainswords - if I use the right-hand side version in the earlier picture, cutting the chainsword closer to the engine, they could well work. 

 

http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd464/INQ28/Eviscerator2_zps4l1gmiml.jpg

 

 

I most likely wouldn't put one on Segesvar, but I am considering refitting my previous Black Templar with one. Alternately, one of my remaining squad members will likely get one! 

Edited June 19, 2015 by Commissar Molotov

[JackDaw]

Looks good to me, makes me think of a duelling chainsword rather than a hacking chainsword like Segesvars.

[Commissar Molotov]

I considered my Lamenter's elegant, rapier-like chainsword to be the sort of one that'd be used for duelling. I imagine that different Chapters have different styles of fighting with chainswords - each suiting different styles of chainsword. Some very cool stuff. 

 

One of the Marines I'm working on for my new Deathwatch is from the Sword Bearers. The Sword Bearers are a DIY Chapter created by my good friend Midian. You can see the Sword Bearers' thread here. 

 

This guy, back in 2009, is a model that a few of you might remember and recognise. He was in many ways inspired by the true-scaled Marines that'd been created by modellers such as Doghouse and Sebastian Stuart.  

 

 

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z121/mnesimache/inq28/Comparison-1.jpg

 

I'm really fond of him, though he hasn't aged incredibly well compared to my newer true-scales: 

 

http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd464/INQ28/Sword%20Bearers%2001_zpsuapeohqk.jpg

 

The use of power armoured arms leads him to look a little like a T-Rex, and at the shoulders he's a little narrow; I came to the realisation that I wanted to create a new version of this warrior. 

 

I've been trying with this kill-team to ensure that each warrior has unique and individual armour - they are veterans, after all, and I've been doing what I can to ensure each is special.

 

http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd464/INQ28/Chestplates_zps9uv573w9.png

 

So, here's the trial version, as he is:

 

http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd464/INQ28/Sword%20Bearers%2003_zpsixeclopv.jpg

 

You can see that I've scraped away the detailing on a Cataphractii torso and I've smoothed it all out with green-stuff. I might well be giving the gorget the same treatment to neaten it up. I'm not sure what details I want to add to the torso - my thoughts are that a veteran should have detailed armour, and I'm disappointed that (because I use a lot of pre-heresy components) there's no real chestplates with the aquila on. 

http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd464/INQ28/Sword%20Bearers%2005_zps7w3ovsnj.jpg

 

 

Some of the conversions I do might seem a little pointless - I was fiddling with components on my desk and decided to replace the back of a pair of tartaros legs with the layered armour from cataphractii. I just need to green-stuff the resultant gaps left by sawing it apart. 

http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd464/INQ28/Sword%20Bearers%2006_zpsrpsuwc1j.jpghttp://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd464/INQ28/Sword%20Bearers%2007_zpsbdqjybqm.jpg

 

You can see here some of the components I've selected and gotten off eBay in order to make a somewhat similar reworking of the original Marine. The same head, pouches and shoulder pad will all be useful.

http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd464/INQ28/Sword%20Bearers%2008_zpsmquu68aa.jpg

 

 

As an afterthought, I've been fiddling with the idea of this Deathwing sword being spliced with the assault marine eviscerator. 

http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd464/INQ28/Sword%20Bearers%2009_zpssvxfctxj.jpg

Edited June 21, 2015 by Commissar Molotov

[Commissar Molotov]

So, varied progress: 

 

http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd464/INQ28/Workbench_zpsyqxzvgqp.jpg

 

Here you can see four of my Deathwatchers in various states of (dis)repair. More news hopefully soon! 

 

http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd464/INQ28/Tarmon5_zpsor0fbg0t.jpg

One of my closest friends has hated this Apothecary every time I've shown him it and he suggested that I turn the head - I've done it here and would appreciate any input into whether it works better. 

 

http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd464/INQ28/Sword%20Bearers%2010_zpsemnn9cjw.jpg

 

I've assembled quite an aggressive pose for the Sword Bearer - the arm is a Blood Angels thunder hammer arm with a Grey Knights sword hand. The sword can probably be replaced. It's still blue-tacked together so I can fiddle with the ultimate pose, but it should make a nice counterpart to the Lamenter. I'm still fiddling with a bolter arm that looks natural. 

[El-Diablo]

With the Apothecary i'd do one of two things - either keep it in the original position as it follows the line of the blade, or drop the sword arm. I'd be interested to see it with a dropped sword arm to be honest, would take a touch of aggression out of him and make him look a little more like a healer. Still a Marine, but a healer none the less. With that blade/head position as it stands it looks like the arm is floating.

 

Thinking about it, I quite like the idea of the Sword Bearer being a mirror to the Lamenter, even if just the sides the weapons are on. Everyone knows a Sword Bearer swings a blade with his right arm ;)

Edited June 30, 2015 by Midian

[JackDaw]

Apothecary wise, if you're having the head in that position, I think the sword arm needs to be a little more upright, so the gladius is more vertical - so it looks like he's using it as an impromptu rallying point. Hope that makes some kind of sense.

[Candleshoes]

My vote would be to drop the sword arm, it keeps the bulk look, powerful and menacing for an apothecary, and it gives a solid overall feel.

[Grizzly_bear]

Looking great brother, looking forward to seeing this scythe of emperor you have planned

[Commissar Molotov]

Hey all; thanks for the comments regarding the Apothecary. I will definitely be having a look at him when I get a chance. 

 

Today, however, we're going back to some of my original five. Between Peter and myself there's quite a bit done, and I hope you'll like where they are: 

 

http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd464/INQ28/DWpdh01_zpsyrhpnvwn.jpg

My Black Templar has had his chest resculpted, particularly in the armpit area, which has helped him look a lot more bulky and intimidating. 

 

http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd464/INQ28/DWpdh02_zps3mjaprxl.jpg

Lots of little changes here, all of which help them look a little more realistic. Still some more to do, but I'm quite pleased with them. 

Edited July 12, 2015 by Commissar Molotov

[Commissar Molotov]

The sword I went for with the Sword Bearer was from the Assault on Black Reach Captain. I know that Steve really likes the sword, and it's about the same size as the Grey Knights swords.

 

http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd464/INQ28/SwordBearers-15-02_zpsiwqmomls.jpg

 

So, we have something that looks like this - it turns out the Blood Angels terminators have quite chunky shoulders - other shoulder pads don't fit perfectly on them, and this pose does make the shoulders look a little awkward. I'm hoping that once both shoulders are on, and I've put a gun in his other hand, that he looks a little more natural. 

 

http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd464/INQ28/Segesvar-15-01_zps9zgewqku.jpg

This has also led me to reposing Segesvar - I wasn't completely satisfied with the original pose, and I always envisioned him blasting away with his storm bolter/grenade launcher into the Orkoid ranks. This is the first step - I'm waiting for the poly cement to dry so I can finish re-working it. I want to break off the chainsword arm and pin it slightly further away from the arm to give him a bit more bulk. I have high hopes, however! 

 

http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd464/INQ28/WP_20150718_16_10_55_Pro_zpskzisilcd.jpg

 

Here you can see the three of my most recent together - I've been reworking the Apothecary's arm slightly, but it might end up with me having to use a different sword arm if I want it more down by his side. 

 

http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd464/INQ28/SpaceWolf15-01_zps9usswoug.jpg

The Space Wolf is being re-worked to be equally intimidating.

 

http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd464/INQ28/SpaceWolf15-02_zpsyvzl7gqu.jpg

 

I'm really pleased with this picture, where the wolf finally looks lithe and sinister, wrapped around its master and dangerous, which is what I've always wanted. 

[Commissar Molotov]

My two most interesting updates in months, and no posts? Shame! 

 

Okay, so here's the next stage of work with the Space Wolf. I've ordered (and received) the Blood Angels Captain Karlaen to provide the outstretched bolt pistol arm. I've been heavily inspired by the old Codex: Space Wolves cover art here. 

 

http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd464/INQ28/556d85e1-3d0a-4077-90b9-40286859140e_zpsl2oj86qd.jpg

 

The chest has been widened here, using wolf pelts to disguise it somewhat. This should make him look a bit more broad and imposing. 

 

I've been looking at the new Heresy leak - I don't think the Praetor will be much use to me - it's chopped up into some very odd directions. That said, I am interested in the rumours of a cataphractii boxed set - that could be useful, but again it depends on how the bits are arranged. 

[JackDaw]

New additions are looking lovely as ever mate. In regards to Segesvar, I would say that if you are wanting his bolter across his body like that, I think the chainsword arm needs to be moving in the other direction, away from the chest instead of across it as well. I think more parallel to the leg or even slightly behind and off to the side would work a little better visually. 

 

The Sword Brother is looking pretty damn sweet, as are the tweaks to the completed guys - that Templar is lovely. 

 

Looking forward to seeing more :)

[Candleshoes]

Beautiful work Mol, great image to draw inspiration from, and the pelts really work well.

 

Fantastic choice of bits and bringing them all together.

[BLOODSAINT]

So much cool in this thread. Loving your truescale Marines brother. Keep it up

[Alpha PTP]

One of the few familiar faces I see on the forums still. Beautiful stuff as always, man. 

[Bob Hunk]

Excellent work all around, but I must say that Segesvar is my favourite. :D His gun is so badass!  

[Daemon2027]

Awesome. Love how much character each model has,

[muggs]

Looking really good - the SW is sick and that Templar has some serious heft on him.

[Commissar Molotov]

New additions are looking lovely as ever mate. In regards to Segesvar, I would say that if you are wanting his bolter across his body like that, I think the chainsword arm needs to be moving in the other direction, away from the chest instead of across it as well. I think more parallel to the leg or even slightly behind and off to the side would work a little better visually. 

 

The Sword Brother is looking pretty damn sweet, as are the tweaks to the completed guys - that Templar is lovely. 

 

Looking forward to seeing more

 

Thanks for the reply - always appreciated. I like how the chainsword was - I liked the idea that he was almost blocking or defending with his chainsword, whilst firing with his storm bolter. Still, I've set up this pose: what do you think? 

 

http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd464/INQ28/WP_20150801_12_55_55_Pro_zpsncvbn5jd.jpg

 

(Slightly blurry picture, I know, but it should get across an idea.) 

I've been thinking about putting a topknot on the helmet (or actually the backpack) for a while, but with the new White Scars helmets I've thought of using one of them - I think the movement of the topknot helps to sell the model a little more. 

 

Opening up the pose a little does help, there's a cute little skull on a chain that I put at his waist that you can see now. 

 

Feedback is welcome! 

 

 

Beautiful work Mol, great image to draw inspiration from, and the pelts really work well.

 

Fantastic choice of bits and bringing them all together.

 

Thanks! I'm glad to see you replying again. 

 

So much cool in this thread. Loving your truescale Marines brother. Keep it up

 

Thanks for the response! I'm heading to Warhammer World next Saturday for an INQ28 day, so I'll try to get some shots on decent terrain of the squad as they stand. I should have seven (possibly eight) at a decent level of completion. 

 

One of the few familiar faces I see on the forums still. Beautiful stuff as always, man. 

 

Hi! Nice to see you back. I hope you continue to stop by. 

 

Excellent work all around, but I must say that Segesvar is my favourite. His gun is so badass!  

 

The gun is ridiculously over-the-top, but has gotten quite a few good comments. Seems to fit with the role of the Deathwatch - to ensure nothing is left standing! 

 

Awesome. Love how much character each model has,

 

Thanks! 

 

Looking really good - the SW is sick and that Templar has some serious heft on him.

 

Yeah, I've been moving more and more towards the idea of the Astartes as very bulky, very intimidating. Part of that silhouette. It has influenced the next marine I've worked on, the Sword Bearer: 

 

http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd464/INQ28/WP_20150801_12_34_26_Pro_zpsoynesdrx.jpg

 

Made this tilt shield on a whim from the Tempestus Scions banner pole topper - I liked the idea of a roaring lion. 

 

http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd464/INQ28/Sword%20Bearer_zpslgnssoag.jpg

 

A bit of a difficult pose to capture, so I've taken a few shots to try to convey where I'm going... 

 

http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd464/INQ28/WP_20150801_12_55_30_Pro_zpsnjioqjrf.jpg

 

Here are the four that I'm working on at the moment - which'll take me up to nine. My plan is a Librarian plus ten Marines - and the team's transport vehicle. 

[Candleshoes]

The sharp lines and rivets on the Sword Bearer's chestpiece, plus the armour addition from the centurion were just meant for that model.

 

You couldn't of picked a better helm for it, the laurel is perfect.