Dark Angels Grand Master Belial: Plastic WIP

[Stoic Raptor]

Since picking up Dark Vengeance and the Dark Angels expansion box recently, I've wanted to add Belial to my army.  The idea of an HQ that lets me use Terminators as troops is something I liked from my Loganwing days, and an HQ in Terminator armor that can deep strike with the Deathwing is much more appealing to me than Azrael.   I haven't been able to find a Belial model in my local stores or on eBay.  I know I could order the model direct from GW (and it's a nice model) but the more I thought about it, the more I realized I could probably kit-bash one from the Deathwing Command set.

 

The added benefit of this is: I can magnetize the arms to accommodate the three different weapons loadouts he can use in the list (and any future changes that may happen when the next codex releases).  

 

I used the GW model for reference and tried to remain faithful to its appearance where possible.  Aside from the legs, I think I did pretty well.  The ones I wanted just weren't positioned right for the body with tabard to fit over it, so I went with the default knight sergeant legs.  After a little bit of selection and test-fitting, here's what I've got blu-tacked together:

 

Lightning Claws:

 

Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield

 

I like the resting sword better than the default power sword.  It looks more like a relic weapon.

 

I am deciding between that version, or this alternate basic loadout with a sword that looks like the "official" model - authenticity is nice.

 

After taking these pictures, I rummaged through the Space Marine Commander and Command Squad boxes and found some nice bits to add.  I can use the Commander's storm bolter (with the strap) and the right arm from the 3rd picture to make a version that looks a lot like the official model, and then I won't have to use the ugly (IMO) bolter with the bayonet.  It also saves me from having to magnetize another arm.

 

I also found a little shrine that can go on top between the two targeters (or whatever they are) - though it's engraved with an "IV" that will need removed, and a couple pairs of oath-scrolls that can go on either side of the banner crosspiece.  I probably will not magnetize the shoulder pads (that's a major pain), so I'll just need to find some more of the same shoulders I'm using.  

 

Looks like I can finish this project with 8 magnets and 2 extra pairs of shoulder pads.

[Stoic Raptor]

Day one progress:

 

I have cleaned up all the parts and installed 3mm magnets in the sides of the torso, inside the shoulder of each of the 5 weapons arms, and in the wrist of the right arm to which the storm bolter or thunder hammer is mounted.  I will need to pick up some 2mm magnets for the hands.  Mounted the legs on a slate base and attached the cape to the back of the torso.

Ordered some more shoulder pad bits to keep the icons the same on all variants.

 

Legs and torso are still separate, as is the head.  The plan is to paint the torso, legs, and head separately, as well as the back banner.  Once these assemblies are painted, they will be glued together.

[Stoic Raptor]

So, since I put that little shrine in the middle to make it look more like the "real thing", I noticed that the back banner is kind of obstructed.  I don't want to leave it off, but I'm wondering what I should do to raise it up a bit.

[codyrstuart]

Ive found that an old coat hanger works pretty well as a banner pole if you plan on putting it higher than the shrine.

[Stoic Raptor]

I'm thinking of a square chunk of sprue, perhaps  The pole is already assembled with the oath-scrolls on the side, so I can't replace the entire upright.

[codyrstuart]

How much clearance are you looking for? What does the back of the banner look like? You might could get away with a little piece of wire or styrene rod.

[Marshal_Roujakis]

I'd go for the reesting Relic Blade in the OP... the other "official" looking one seems too bland for such a famous character.

[Stoic Raptor]

How much clearance are you looking for? What does the back of the banner look like? You might could get away with a little piece of wire or styrene rod.

 

It's the banner that's shown in the OP.  I want to get it up at least high enough to be visible behind the shrine.  I'm thinking I need to either put a small "block" on the top of the backplate, or maybe as you said a styrene rod or tube (which I will most likely pin).  I'm just being very cautious and considering all alternatives because I only have one chance not to screw this up.  And because the banner will need some freehand painting work, I have to mount it after the rest is painted.

[Marshal_Roujakis]

It might actually look a little bit too cluttered if you add the banner and the shrine, and he still has that Iron Halo... I would suggest that you use the shrine part, and attach it either to the center or the top of your Banner... unless it's properly glued already... 

[codyrstuart]

Yeah if you want the banner without replacing the upright pole, styrene rod will be best bet.

[Stoic Raptor]

I went out and got a 1/8" hollow styrene rod.  With a little sanding and filing, I got the bottom part of the banner upright to the same diameter.  So the small piece of styrene rod is glued to the top of the body (over the 1mm hole for the banner pin), and the pin in the banner pole will fit neatly inside, glued into the torso for additional strength and shear resistance.

 

 

It might actually look a little bit too cluttered if you add the banner and the shrine, and he still has that Iron Halo.

 

It may be a little hard to tell from the picture in my second post, but the Iron Halo was clipped away and the shrine was put in its place.  Once the glue is dried, I'll have some more pics up later showing what it all looks like now that the banner is elevated properly.  I am considering magnetizing another set of arms to do the pose in the 3rd picture - I agree with you that the relic sword looks more impressive.  In which case, I'll need to get another pair of shoulder pads to match the set that's on the other arms. :\

[Stoic Raptor]

Status update:

 

All components have been assembled individually.  The legs and base were completed separately from the torso and cape, and when both assemblies were shaded, highlighted and detailed, the top was glued on to the bottom.

 

The arms are all basecoated and shaded, the head is done but it will not be glued in place until the banner pole is inserted into the top of the model.  This is because I will be applying a drop of glue into the bottom of the hole, which enters the cavity behind the head.  The pin is a snug fit and I am concerned that applying superglue to it or inside the tube will prevent me from putting it fully into place.

 

Here's what I've got at the end of Day Four:

 

 

This is the tube into which the rest of the banner pole will be inserted once the banner is painted.

 

Overall, I'm pretty pleased with the results so far - not my best work but it hasn't taken me weeks or months to complete, either.  The only annoyance is the chest emblem - for some reason, the detail on the molding is not very crisp and it was hard to really bring it out.  I literally spent longer on it than I did on the entire leg assembly.  Finally I declared it "good enough" and finished the rest of the body.

[Stoic Raptor]

Today I did the freehand work on the back banner.  Thanks to a micron pen, I was able to do the lettering pretty well (and outline the sword more easily).  It seemed to smudge a little when I applied the varnish, so I guess I'll give the ink more time to dry in the future.

 

Affixed the banner and was thus finally able to attach the head.  After the glue dries, I'll work on the join between the banner and the mounting tube.  I think I managed to elevate it just right - not so low that it's blocked by the shrine, but not so high as to be ridiculous or unbalancing.

 

 

Apologies for the overly bright image - I just wanted to give an idea of how it looks and show off the freehand work.  It's not great freehand but it's an improvement over most of what I've done in the past.

 

Basically, all that's left is to finish the arms!  I am going to add the pair as shown in the 3rd pic in the OP, and I predict I'll have this project done by Wednesday if all goes well.  One week for an HQ character isn't bad, is it?

[Stoic Raptor]

Very nearly done, and right on schedule!

 

I finished the Thunder Hammer/Storm Shield arms and the storm bolter arm.  I just need to highlight the armor on the lightning claws, and paint the effects on the claws and the power sword blade - something I've never really done before, so I may watch some tutorials and see what I can do that doesn't involve an airbrush or crazy wet-blending techniques.

 

I'll have some pics up when it's all done - but for now I'm off to bed!  Maybe this weekend I'll set up the light box and see if I can get some really good shots.

[Stoic Raptor]

OK, Belial is finally done! (At least, as far as any of my work is "done", meaning I'll tinker with it from time to time as I learn new techniques).

 

Here's the detail on the storm shield:

 

Belial with Sword of Silence and Storm Bolter:

 

Belial with Thunder Hammer and Storm Shield:

 

Belial with Lightning Claws:

 

This was my first time trying wet-blending and lightning effects on power weapons and claws.  They're not as psectacular as I hoped they'd be, but I guess it's an OK result for a first try.  I look forward to using him on the table to lead my Deathwing to victory!  Thank you for following the progress of my project.

 

[vampyrerodent]

You may not like your results with the lightning up close, but from across the table, everybody will know what it is and be impressed. I think it looks good, may need a dot or two of white. I commend you on the results. Keep up the great work!