Stu's Wolves and Nids- BUGS! BUGS EVERYWHERE!

[codyrstuart]

Hello everyone. Little backstory, I started the hobby in 2013, and chose to start with the Space Wolves, and Bran Redmaw's Great Company. Fast forward 2 years, I have roughly 8000 points, and a plan to expand to roughly 11000 points. Problem is, like everyone else, most of it lies unpainted. During the Space Wolves forum's Solstice Advance, I did find the motivation to paint a fairly decent amount. I figure that, between the major life events happening, if I am able to keep track of my progress here, I'll be motivated to get my army complete, and begin on a new one.

I'll post what I already have done in the next couple weeks, but figured I would start off with the Vindicare Assassin I just finished converting tonight.

Mainly based off a Eldar Guardian base, I used a Tempestus head with the details filed down, a bolter with a scratchbuilt barrel, lasgun buttstock and barrel modified into a scope, and just a handful of bits to help doctor it up. Hope you all enjoy, and promise to have some more posted within the coming weeks.

[Fangbanger]

Hey stu!

 

Challenges and hobby blogs are a great way to stay motivated! Looking forward to seeing more of your work buddy

[Rev. Tiberius Jackhammer]

Nice conversion, gives the impression of a rougher, more pragmatic killer than the stock model.

[codyrstuart]

Update time. First up is a kitbash Arjac for my Shield Brothers formation. First off, the legs I used were horrible. I broke the soles of the feet off trying to pry them off the base. Quick thinking and some application of cardboard later, the feet were fixed. Second, I decided to try something to make him a little bit taller, as Arjac is a mountain of a man compared to even Space Marines. I essentially took the torso off the legs, and made my own out of plasticard to give him a little more height and a thickness. I also tried to stay true to his original pose, as it is badass, but added a couple things to differentiate him  from my other TH/SS guys.

 

 

Also began work on an Eversor Assassin. My thought process on these guys are that since they are hulked out on basically a 40k meth and steroid cocktail, a scout marine body would work perfectly to show the unnatural body growth compared to other assassins. The neuro-gauntlet will need a little work, since all I did was hack up a Space Marine bolter fist and put lightning claw blades on it. Only issue I have now is finding a head I like. I have even contemplated taking the lone eldar head I have, reshaping it, and paint a skull on the face plate instead of wearing a skull.

 

 

Now to the replies.

 

@ Fangbanger: Thanks man, that's kind of my thought process, though it seems like you've taken a break yourself, lol. I'm a fan of your work so far. Really like the paint you did on Murderfang.

 

@ Rev. Thanks for the compliment. I feel that some of the assassin models are silly, even given the sci-fi environment of 40k. I feel like a sniper would have more gear than a rifle, a pistol, a boot knife, and a latex suit. Hopefully I am doing the same justice with the Eversor, if I can find a head I like.

 

[codyrstuart]

Evening, everyone.

 

I find myself needing some help. Still trying to figure out the head for my Eversor conversion, and have found myself at a crossroads. As my primary focus has been Space Wolves, I do not have a large selection of heads, and I have already sacrificed one servo skull to the Omnissiah experimenting with heads. Last night, I said I would try a spare Eldar head left over from the Vindicare conversion that I might would try. So I trimmed the back of the head down and tried it.

 

 

Not too bad. I may play with painting a skull face on the face plate in place of a skull helmet. While digging through my bits for something else, I came across a bare head with respirator and thought "Hmm, that would be different."

 

 

What do you think? To me, both have their merits, and, if done correctly, could help pull off the super-menacing look that an Eversor needs. I just can't make up my mind. Thanks in advance.

[codyrstuart]

So the decision has been made on the Eversor head. Decided to go with the modified Eldar helmet on it. The marine head lookeda little big on the model, and I think the Eldar head will give it a little Bane-esque look (squinty eyes, head a little smaller than the drug-fueled body).

 

 

My plan is to get the Eversor and Vindicare primed to where I can paint them some time next week. Other than bits purchases and parts swaps, I won't be active with my Wolves until ETL kicks off. I'm still trying to game plan that, and do my part to help bring the victory and glory to the Rout.

[codyrstuart]

Wow, what a week. I recommend not planning the birth of a child and a move during the same month. Anyways, things have slowed down a little bit, and can post a bit. I decided to post a base line of where my army stands (which is far, far from finished). Warning: it is a lot of photos, so sit back, grab a beer, and enjoy the show.

 

The HQs

 

Bjorn the Fell-Handed

 

 

Wolf Lord on Mount with Krakenbone Sword/Storm Shield

 

 

Bran Redmaw

 

 

Njal Stormcaller

 

 

Runic Stave Rune Priest

 

 

Ragnar Conversion (sword broke off)

 

 

Wolf Lord with Armor of Russ and Svellbrandr (Fangsword)

 

 

Runic Axe Rune Priest

 

 

Counts-As Ulrik

 

 

Wolf Priest with Jump Pack

 

 

 

Part 2, The Elites

 

Magnetized Dreadnought #1 (Helfrost Cannon/ Power Fist w/ Flamer)

 

 

Magnetized Dreadnought #2 (Same as above)

 

 

Iron Priest with Cyberwolves

 

 

Wolf Guard Bikers (2x Chainswords, 2x Power Swords, 2x Power Mauls, Power Axe, Power Lance, Power Axe/ Storm Shield, Wolf Claw/ Storm Shield)

 

 

Arjac Rockfist Conversion

 

 

Wolf Guard Terminators #1 (5x Thunderhammer/ Storm Shield, Assault Cannon/ Chainfist)

 

 

Wolf Guard Terminators #2 (4x Storm Bolter/ Wolf Claw, Heavy Flamer/ Chainfist)

 

 

Wolf Guard #1 (2x Combi Melta/ Wolf Claw, Combi Flamer/ Wolf Claw, 3x Combi Plasma/ Wolf Claw)

 

 

Wolf Guard #2 (Combi Plasma/ Power Sword, Combi Plasma, 3x Combi Melta, magnetized Jump Packs)

 

 

Wolf Scout #1 (5x Sniper Rifle, Heavy Bolter)

 

 

Wolf Scout #2 (Soon to be 7x Bolter, Plasma Gun, Missile Launcher)

 

 

Wolf Scout #3 (same as above)

 

[codyrstuart]

Part 3, the Troops

 

Grey Hunter #1 (CCWs, Bolt Pistol/ Power Axe, 2x Melta Gun, Wolf Standard) and Rhino

 

 

Grey Hunter #2 (CCWs, Bolt Pistol/ Power Axe, 2x Plasma Gun) and Rhino

 

 

Grey Hunter #3 (same as above) and Rhino

 

 

Extra Hunters for more choices (3x Gunslinging Plasma Pistol, 2x Plasma Gun, 2x Melta Gun)

 

 

Blood Claws #1 (2x Melta Gun, Power Sword)

 

 

Blood Claws #2 (2x Flamer, Power Fist) +1 extra guy for Blood Claws #1. They're fresh from the Super Clean bath.

 

 

The Fast Attack

 

Landspeeder Typhoons

 

 

Landspeeder Tornados (Multimelta/ Heavy Flamer)

 

 

Thunderwolf Cavalry (6x Bolt Pistol/ Storm Shield, Wolf Claw/ Storm Shield, Power Fist/ Storm Shield)

 

 

Fenrisian Wolves

 

 

Drop Pods

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[codyrstuart]

Part 4, the Heavy Support

 

Land Raider Crusader

 

 

Deimos Predator Executioner Conversion. Typically take the Battle of Keylek Legacy of Glory, depicted with the gold Cold One heads on the turret.

 

 

Vindicator #1

 

 

Vindicator #2

 

 

Storm Eagle Conversion (still very, very rough)

 

 

Whirlwind Conversion

 

 

Long Fangs #1 (2x Lascannon/ 2x Missile Launcher)

 

 

Long Fangs #2 (same as above +1 Missile Launcher)

 

 

Long Fangs #3 (2x Heavy Bolter, 2x Plasma Cannon)

 

 

the Extras

 

Aegis Defense Line

 

 

Vindicare Assassin Conversion

 

 

Eversor Assassin Conversion

 

 

 

 

 

 

[jeremy1391]

Holy cow that's a lot of wolves!

[codyrstuart]

Yeah, and I'm not quite done yet. Looking to add a Culexus, a Callidus, and a Sicaran and Typhon further in the future. Mostly only looking into swapping some bolters and CCWs for variety for now. Can't go too crazy, though. Gotta game plan and prepare for ETL.

[Vel'Cona]

Impressive collection!  Here's to seeing that paint start to fly for ETL!

[codyrstuart]

Thanks. I kinda got carried away when I first started collecting. And the whole collection wont be completed for ETL, but God willing, Ill at least put a dent in it.

[codyrstuart]

Wow, been a couple weeks. Now that I am done dealing with life issues, the game is on! Unless you have been hiding under a rock, or new, you know that ETL has kicked off. I have decided to throw my hat into the ring with the Wolves, and have quite a first vow to complete for an ETL rookie.

Rune Priest with Runic Armor, Runic Axe, Helm of Durfast (105 pts)

Ulrik the Slayer, High Wolf Priest ( Counts as-145 pts)

Wolf Priest with Runic Armor, Plasma Pistol (145 pts)

Wolf Lord with Armor of Russ, Svellbrandr, and Bolt Pistol (165 pts)

Wolf Guard Terminator Pack, 5x Thunder Hammer/Storm Shield, 1x Assault Cannon/Chainfist, Arjac Rockfist, Grimnar's Champion (423 pts)

Wolf Guard Terminator Pack, 4x Storm Bolter/Wolf Claw, 1x Heavy Flamer/Chainfist (230 pts)

Land Raider Crusader, Multi Melta, Storm Bolter (265 pts)

With a grand total of 1,478 points. Most is ready to go, but still need to do a little work on the rune priest, Arjac, another terminator, and the Crusader (grand total of 10 minutes of work maybe). I will try to add photos of the before work here and on the Space Wolves Strategium before the end of the weekend.

On top of ETL, and may roll into ETL itself, is a new little project. After reading the rules for the new laser destroyer variant of the Vindicator, I figured, "How hard could it be to build a lascannon cap to fit the demolisher cannons?" Knowing my luck, those may be my fateful last words. Either way, I have 8 lascannons (for fairly cheap from eBay, for once), and will give it the old college try. My main challenge will be finding the right part to basically act as a plug into the demolisher cannon to not only swap between the two, but to securely hold the lascannons into place during gameplay. Stay tuned, because its fixing to get wild.

[codyrstuart]

Little update on my vow. Began painting on my TH/SS unit. Im trying something a little different with this unit. My method has been basecoating, then going in with the details, hoping I didnt have to do too much touch up. This time, Im trying to paint the details first, then painting the basecoat. Does anyone else paint this way? Any tips I need to know, other than have a steady hand?

 

Also, if you, or any friends you have, have ANY Space Wolves models that need painting, pledge Space Wolves for ETL! DO IT!

[codyrstuart]

Hope to be the first of 2 updates today. As I said last time, I was working out a way to easily convert my Vindicators to the laser destroyer version, and still be able to use the demolisher versions. My original idea was to take the cannon barrel out and build a magnetized insert for the lascannons. The previous owners of my Vindicators made sure that was not an option. My second idea was to build a sleeve to slip over the barrel, but inside the barrel housing (reference picture for visual, top left).

 

http://www.letthedicedecide.co.uk/ekmps/shops/letthedice/images/space-marine-vindicator-demolisher-cannon-4608-p%5Bekm%5D288x288%5Bekm%5D.jpg

 

That proved too difficult for my amateur scratch-building skills. Through trial and error, though, I found a way to do it within my abilities that doesn't look half-bad.

 

 

 

 

Essentially using a garage sale sign, some Cadian lascannons, and threaded metal rod, I was able to make this contraption that fits over the whole barrel assembly. And while it does not meet up exactly perfect, it works for use in games until my plasticard abilities improve to where I can streamline the design.

 

Don't think I've forgotten about ETL, though. Painting Terminators has to be my least favorite thing right now, and I have another squad to paint, but I am almost finished with my TH/SS squad. Should have them up tonight. Think I may start on the LRC next to break up the monotony of Termies. 

 

Also, if you are reading this, have Space Wolves models that need paint, or have a friend that has them, join us for ETL! Help us kick the dress-wearers back to their floating rock!

[deathspectersgt7]

Looking Good. Good luck on your vow.

[codyrstuart]

Wow, think I maybe making some headway with this WIP thing with garnering deathspecter's attention. And thank you for the luck, I will certainly need it.

[codyrstuart]

Well, I promised a second update earlier, and was just able to finish work before I said screw it for the day. I can now proudly proclaim that my ETL vow is 1/4 finished. Here is my TH/SS Terminator Squad with AC/CF and Arjac. Nothing too extraordinary compared to some of the major talents here on the B&C, but best attention to detail I have done in awhile. I am holding off on washing them until I make decals to go on the right shoulder pads, after ETL.

 

Arjac Rockfist

 

 

Pack Leader

 

 

Hammers 1-4

 

 

 

 

My favorite (the "I'm done with this " pose)

 

Assault Cannon/Chainfist

 

 

And a Group Shot

 

 

If you're interested in seeing 360* pics, go to my album at http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/gallery/album/10683-stus-wip-blog/

 

Thanks for viewing.

[evildrcheese]

Not nearly enough love in this thread.

 

You have a great collection, I'll be keeping an eye on your progress.

 

My only other comment is don't forget to base your models once you've painted them up, it really helps to give the army a consistent feel and theme.

 

D

[codyrstuart]

Wow, thanks doc! And I do plan on basing, just have to figure out what I want to do. I don't want to do dirt and grass, or snow like every other SW army. I want something that will stand out a little bit, like a stone road with rubble or something.

[Thousand Eyes]

I noly wish the pictures were bigger so I could soak it all in. Well done man.

 

Keep up the good work.

[codyrstuart]

@ Thousand Eyes- I'm still working on that issue. Like many others, I only have my camera to take photos, while my wife has the professional grade stuff. But, I may have found the most optimal setting on my phone. 

 

So, does anyone else here have a love/hate relationship with ebay? Sometimes you get diamonds, and sometimes you get turds. Well, while prepping this LRC for ETL, I realized that I can add another tally mark to the turd column. But, I am making it work for now. I figure, with the Space Wolves' reputation for balls-to-the-wall action, the crappy condition could be the chapter's failure in preventative maintenance. Either way, after a few more purchases (a Knight, a Sicaran, and a Typhon for now), I feel that this one may be retired with a new kit. Enough blabbering about ebay and contempt for machine spirits. Pictures!

 

 

 

With yellow, I finally caved in and began layering my colors to have a more solid yellow. It still needs a couple coats of yellow before I am happy with it. Hoping to have the LRC complete by Friday, and then take a couple days break for my licensing studies for my new job.

[codyrstuart]

Small update on the LRC. Got all of the colors minus the clean up of the grey and silver. Even added a little detail by trying hazard stripes on the front ramp and highlights on lenses. I think it's safe to say that Iron Warriors will not be a future army choice for me. Anyway, pictures!

 

 

[codyrstuart]

So, yeah... Life's kicking me in the teeth trying to get certified for this job. I have not been idle during my free time, I just haven't documented anything yet. Theres been no progress on ETL yet, but will begin after my last exam next week. My biggest project has been diversifying weapons amongst my hunters/claws. Got tired of repetitive bolters and chainswords in the same units, so I ordered some regular bolters and some WFB dwarves weapons for a little more variety. Pictures will come soon.

 

I also participated in my 2nd tournament. I had to cut it short due to life calling (literally), but I fared pretty well against seasoned tournament players. My last pairing even came in 2nd place without us playing, so I might have even placed if I played. Oh well. I have to say, though, the new vindicator variant is ridonkulous. It single handedly killed more units/ vehicles than even my thunderwolves. Its insane. I will never play without at least one in my list again.