A. Mechanicus... Darkly

[Subtle Discord]

Ok, time for a shameless bump, because, why not?

 

∙ I literally ran out of AdMech models to assemble but have so many bits at my disposal I was able to create this chap (and others) with some Electro-priest legs and nothing but spare bits.

 

I have too many images for the proper update I’m working on (won't be as much text for this thread, but still lots of images), so here’s a better look at one of the kit-bashed counts-as Daedalosus I came up with recently. It's a shame that his current rules limit him to one in an army because I had so much fun making the first one that I could help but make this second one.

 

Eradication Pistol ∙ Check. Servo-arc Claw ∙ Check. Omniscanner ∙ Check. Looks like a Daedalosus to me.

 

I’m particularly pleased with how the Eradication Pistol turned out but I need to tweak the wrist since its drooping ever-so-slightly and aiming a bit low for my taste. I’m not completely sure I’m sold on the small ‘reactor’ backpack solution I came up with but it does accommodate the servo-skull really well, which I like, and I guess it’s a bit of a contrast to so many Tech-priests that are bulky and strapped with all manner of gubbins. Maybe once I add a few pouches and other bits it’ll fill him in a way that works for me. It’s fine if I can’t come up with something better, but he’s still a work-in-progress that has room to evolve because he’s not the only experiment in bits-bashing that I’ve been having fun with.

 

Ok, back to smashing the keyboard with my brain in hopes of finding the right words to finish my full update.

[Subtle Discord]

Ok, I’ve got no choice but to trim more out of the large post I’m working on for Legion Rising. I’m stuck at a certain point and these images/projects simply take the post off in another direction just when I’m explaining my thinking and then I need to pull it back to what I’m trying to get across. So here you go, some more of what I've been up to.

 

∙ With no AdMech kits left to assemble but a mound of bits to work with I found myself compelled to create this counts-as Daedalosus and it turned out better than I expected.

 

Like with the other Daedalosus I showed previously everything except the Electro-priest legs is spare bits bashed together, even the outer robe from the Infiltrator kit, that I’m so amazed it fits as seamlessly as it does; I kept looking at the spare Infiltrator robe and the E-priest legs and it seemed like they would fit together very easily but I had to chop them up to find out. Given that the robe adds a lot of motion I fiddled around with the arms quite a bit to try and get a pose that compliments the happy accident I had created. It’s very dramatic combined with the rather static legs so I tried to give a sense that he’s spinning around to take a shot with the pistol at a target the servo-skull as picked out. This was my first try at making an Eradication Pistol and it wasn’t bad, but the solution I came up with for the other Daedalosus above was so good I’ve replaced the one pictured here with the improved version.

 

∙ I’m not that fond of the official Manipulus model and I still had another set of Electro-priest legs kicking around (*Groan* Dad joke? *Nod* Dad joke.) so I picked over the pile-o’-bits again to see what I could come up with.

 

Ok, so I need an Omnissian Staff and some kind of shooty gizmo that can counts-as two obscure weapons. Yeah, I’ve got enough odds-and-ends that I can come up with that. I’m happy with the staff, but while the rule of 40k is that over-the-top is usually a good thing I think the shooter might be a bit too, err, over-the-top-heavy. It’s not the worst solution but I think I’ll keep looking for another opportunity to bash something together that’s more suitable for the role. I’ve also just noticed that I overlooked that the Manipulus has Mechadendrites (Considering the official miniature, of course he does, until you break them all off one-by-one) so I’ll have to see what I can come up with to evolve this idea just a bit more. But, not bad for a start of just bashing spare bits together to see what comes out the other side.

 

Adeptus Mechanicus is comfortably settling in alongside Chaos as a favorite for converting, bashing, and scratch building, with so many opportunities to mix things up. I can’t wait to get back to my Chaos to explore some darker ideas, and then blend the two factions as I start to contemplate my proper Dark Mechanicus and how they’ll be made real. I still suspect that GW will make them a proper faction someday, but who knows how far out that is, so until then I’ll keep working towards my own Darker goals…

[Subtle Discord]

Head up to Legion Rising if you want a much more longwinded post and update, but here’s some images for this thread of my AdMech force coming together.


∙ I had plans of showing more in-progress images as the Onagers received their paint but that kinda’ got lost along the way as I became absorbed and distracted.



∙ Despite the Onager competing for space in AdMech lists these days, I’m still very pleased to have a ‘unit’ of them ready for the tabletop.


∙ As the Onagers were finished it started to dawn on me that, hold on a moment, *Checks his to-do list* I’ve… got a… painted army… ? ... I’ve got a painted army. I’ve got a painted army!!

 

Now, the points have changed over the many months of painting and building, my understanding of 8th game mechanics and tactics changed (and now 9th is here), along with the AdMech faction getting some new toys, so I know already that my 2,000 point list is going to change. I’ve also still got to do the decals on all of the troops, and some final little touch-ups and overlooked details, so there’s still a bit more work but the end of this phase is in actual sight at this point; I’m finally at the tipping point that going forward all I need to do is paint units to add to the greater whole and that’s always a lot less daunting.



∙ Umm, what else needs some paint? Some Breachers and another Dominus? That works for me! Because of my procrastination, these are actually finished at this point but that’s another image for another post...

[MajorNese]

Wow, looks great to see it all come together. Especially with that vibrant color scheme.

 

Despite the Onager competing for space in AdMech lists these days, I’m still very pleased to have a ‘unit’ of them ready for the tabletop.

Nah, they're good again. Their boaty competitor got a hefty points increase in 9th that makes it a harder choice again.

And from personal experience - the Icarus even profits from the cap on hit roll modifiers when shooting at ground targets, and is quite good at that job.

[Gaz1858]

That army is so sweet looking!!

 

Regarding use of Onagers this is why i run a spearhead   4 Dakka Bots, 3 Belleros Skorpius, 2 Icarus Onagers. Fun times

Edited July 24, 2020 by Gaz1858

[BolterZorro]

WoW, just WoW! Superb. Since the beggining of my admech project I wanted them to be silver+blue and it is a coïncidence that I found the magic and electric blues from vallejo. I just read the thread from the first page and bang! you're using those very same colors. 

I have to assemble my admech now that I have enough boxes to have an army. During the past 2 years, with the buying/resell game of big boxes (battleforces, dual army boxes etc...), I'm almost here.

 

I have a question about the 3D prints. It seems that you're using some pieces that are 3D printed. Where did you find the models? Are they availlable somewhere? I have ordered a little 3D resin printer for another project and now is the perfect time to try to print those tiny pieces of admech.

Thank you in advance and keep up the FA-BU-LOUS job you're doing for the omnisiah!

[Magos Takatus]

I have a question about the 3D prints. It seems that you're using some pieces that are 3D printed. Where did you find the models? Are they availlable somewhere? I have ordered a little 3D resin printer for another project and now is the perfect time to try to print those tiny pieces of admech.

Thank you in advance and keep up the FA-BU-LOUS job you're doing for the omnisiah!

That's the thing, the 3d printed parts are all of Subtle Discord's devising. They are for his personal collection but he does own a store that I believe he is in the process of expanding. Suffice to say I am impressed enough that I keep an eye on this store every now and then to see what's changed.

[Subtle Discord]

Thanks for the kind words. Takatus is correct, all of the unique bits you might see are my own designs and created in-house. I keep getting such a good response to the AdMech bits I've created that I will be producing them in the near future, starting with a crowdfunding drive of some sort that will include any bits that have already been shown and some new kits that are in-the-works. Plans were to get things going before now but lots of things on lots of levels came up and that delayed everything.

 

I as still not sure if I'll be selling the STL files for 3D models I create but it is something I'll consider in the future. For now, I have the entire process, from the idea, to the final cast kit, all worked out so that's what I'm working to get going; a complete model design, printing, moulding, and casting studio.

[Subtle Discord]

Oh yeah, I forgot to toss this down here...

 

*Subtle clenches his eyes shut and blocks his ears with his hands in a futile attempt to stop the endless ideas that lurk in the dark corners of his brain*
 
No no no! I have things to do! Please stop temping me with distracting ideas! *Binaric screeching* Lo, the Omnissiah offers inspiration so that I might find my way in these dark times.
 

∙ Yes! I know! I am to take the concept of the Forge World Ordinatus and blend it with this glorious AdMech mega kit-bash.

∙ Look! Can you see?! I have begun gathering the required components and have contemplated my plan. Can you see it?! I can see it!
 
It will happen, and it’s sooo tempting to get started on it because it’s begging to come into existence, but I’ll settle for this much progress as a proof-of-concept and put it aside. For now…

[Magos Takatus]

I wonder if an army can reflect the personality of the owner? I think there's a little bit of mad scientist in some of the people that collect Admech or their more sinister cousins. This is a prime example. I'm really curious to see where this one goes.

[Focslain]

Oh yeah, I forgot to toss this down here...

 

*Subtle clenches his eyes shut and blocks his ears with his hands in a futile attempt to stop the endless ideas that lurk in the dark corners of his brain*

 

No no no! I have things to do! Please stop temping me with distracting ideas! *Binaric screeching* Lo, the Omnissiah offers inspiration so that I might find my way in these dark times.

 

∙ Yes! I know! I am to take the concept of the Forge World Ordinatus and blend it with this glorious AdMech mega kit-bash.

∙ Look! Can you see?! I have begun gathering the required components and have contemplated my plan. Can you see it?! I can see it!

 

It will happen, and it’s sooo tempting to get started on it because it’s begging to come into existence, but I’ll settle for this much progress as a proof-of-concept and put it aside. For now…

 

I know how and might have all the pieces to copy this design. Good luck on your project.

[Magos Takatus]

I recently won some Kastellan robots on Ebay for a discount I am pretty happy with. As I've said before, I think your Kastellan upgrades are awesome. I can keep mine on the backburner for a while but consider me officially upgraded from "Those look nice" to "Intending to purchase once available". Those ammo feeds are necessary considering how much firepower they put down range in your average turn. Either that or Datasmiths are actually just ammo caddies carrying dozens of magazines around. 

[Smoke Frog]

Wow those dunestalkers are inspiring! 

 

And that ordinatus is going to be a big one when its done 

[Subtle Discord]

∙ Well well, aren’t you a fine looking little cyborg. What’s that, I should obey the Omnissiah’s will and… innovate... your ride? OK!

 

It’s been quite some time since I’ve had to paint a pilot and cockpit before assembling a model. It’s bringing back memories of some of my earliest model building and I’m already dreading working with the clear canopy bits, just like I did way back when. Fun fun?

 

Naturally, now that I’ve got one of these models in my grubby little digits and can see how it assembles I’ve got a solid idea of what I want to do to alter it. I actually don’t mine the ornithopter inspired design of the stock model, but I’m me after all, and when a kit inspires me like this one I’ve got no choice but to have some fun with it.

 

*In an old-timey radio voice*

 

This and much more, in our next episode featuring the eccentric Dr. Mechanicus and his ever-faithful (because it’s programmed to be that way) servitor Solus, coming soon!

[Subtle Discord]

Come for the shiny pictures of my newest creation, but please stay for the important information down below.

 

Another shorter post carved from the larger blob of text I’m working on. With several things that I want to talk about, but those things are also pulling me in several directions, I wanted to get this part out sooner rather than later so I can solicit some ideas, input, and feedback. But first, a distraction to lure people in...

 

In my humble opinion, the new Scorpius model is so on-the-nose as a transport, taking so many cues from 20th-century landing craft, that it simply falls flat when it's assembled as the Disintegrator; it really seems like something that was excellent as the primary Dunerider version and then ham-fisted and forced into the Disintegrator version. It's that damn side profile silhouette that simply doesn't go away when you build it as the Disintegrator, even with the turret. Nope, I wanted to come up with a different solution.

 

∙ I had a Goliath Truck for several years that I wanted to change into an artillery vehicle, and this was the perfect opportunity.

 

More on the Duneriders and other stuff related to them later, but for now, this is what I came up with; the Disintegrator artillery and support truck. I'm quite pleased with the eclectic mix of weapons that create what I think is a very AdMech look to the model. A forward operating unit with nutrient paste, ammunition, spare parts, lubricants, fluids, and batteries of all sizes, in a pinch for frontline troops, while also proving close artillery support. Yep, I think that'll work just fine.

 

I did use my casting skills for a tiny bit of mischief, making a mould of the Servitor bits for the turret, but I'm still paying the full price of admission by using it on a complete Goliath model, and it'll never be used for profit, so that's my story and I'm sticking to it. Besides, the Omnissiah compelled me to do it! *Chatters in binary*

 

∙ It seemed like coming up with a counts-as for the Disruptor Missiles was going to be a challenge; doubling the Heavy Stubber barrels on the other hand was straightforward.

 

At first, I was considering how I could create/add a missile weapon system of some sort and I just wasn't finding any inspiration. Then I noticed that the standard profile of Eradication Beamer (36", Hvy.D6, S8, AP-2, D-D3) is so close to the Disruptor Missiles (36", Hvy.D6, S7, AP-2, D-D3) that I quickly came up with this solution; meet the Atrum Laboris pattern Disruptor Beam. Note: Originally a subcomponent of a larger device, the actual purpose that this beam was intended for is lost to time, but it does horrible things to whatever it's pointed at when activated, so now, it's a weapon.

 

With three Heavy Stubbers on the Disintegrator, I needed to do something to help convey them so I doubled the barrels on the turret as the most straightforward solution; I was considering a three-barrel rotary-style weapon but it was just too bulky for my taste when I mocked it up. I'm tempted to build another Servitor to ride on the back equipped with a Hvy. Stubber to represent the third but that’s easy to add at any point if I decide to do it. As much as I like enhancing many of my builds with 3D modeled/printed components I also really enjoy the times where I can create something like this, with just bashing together the parts that are in the existing kits with a bit of styrene.

 

∙ More coming soon from the depths of Atrum Laboris, but now that I have your attention please find your way to the information below.

 

I finally got the opportunity to apply to a small business assistance program that’s been offered by my city that I’ve been trying to get in to for a few years, and in the time since I was last able to write I’ve been accepted and I’ll be doing it over the next four months or so. Business plans, market research, taxes, permits, insurance, bookkeeping, etc., and writing, writing, writing, so much writing, and all the wonderful bureaucratic stuff that I’ve gotta’ figure out for the next steps of expansion. Even if this is something that can be delegated in the future to someone more suited I simply can’t do that yet, and even when I can, I still need to have a general understanding of which way is up with all of the paperwork, permits, projections, plans, and such.

 

As always, I’m happy to be making progress but it’s going to be an interesting several months as I do this and get comfortable teaching (more on that in a future post). However, I also see it as just the kick in the pants I need to sort this stuff out and know I’m doing everything by-the-book going forward. What’s that thing they say? You need to get out of your comfort zone if you’re going to improve and discover opportunities to take advantage of, and you’ll know you’re out of our comfort zone when you start suffering minor panic attacks?! Something like that, right?

 

So, looking at some of the things I’ll need to do it will obviously include market research and I think I can already see an opportunity to tap a few communities online for some ideas, input, and feedback. While online forums have been fading for quite some time with the rise of social media I think the modest community that read what I post is a real asset and a valuable collective opinion directly from a selective group of hobbyists I want to hear from. By now, with the number of times I've been given valuable input, perspective, or support, that has been completely unexpected but very welcome, encouraging, and/or insightful, I knew I should see if anyone who's following here has any suggestions.

 

I know I can look to the strength of Games Workshop and the successful growth of other tabletop games like X-Wing for something of a cornerstone to how the tabletop gaming industry is healthy with lots of money involved. But it’s also an obscure industry that kinda’ straddles several markets/products/industries that makes me think it’ll be a bit harder to find other compelling information, data, trends, etc., in typical locations. Can anyone who's reading offer some ideas that I’m not coming up with, where I might consider looking for information about the tabletop gaming industry in broader business terms?

 

I also know I can also find many other similar producers that I can use as an example of the potential market and to compare and contract my studio to the competition and how I plan to differentiate my studio from them. But I’m wondering if there are other ways I can showcase the potential of what my studio will do that I’m not thinking about. So yeah, does anyone have any ideas in this vein; industry outlook, growth potential, industry/market trends, promotion ideas, other random input, or thoughts you think would be useful?

 

As I said, this will be ongoing for several months so there should be some updates over the coming weeks and there’s a good chance I’ll be coming back to ask more questions and/or to look for input on something I’m nothing thinking about right now. If you have something you’d like to contribute please feel free to add it here or send it to me in a PM if you’d rather be more direct. I have no idea if this will pay off but it doesn’t hurt to try, and as I said before, I’ve been so pleasantly surprised by unexpected and useful input over the years I’ve got a good feeling a few people out there might have a few words of wisdom they can spare.

 

I know I keep saying it, and up to this point it feels like the steps have been so very slow-and-steady, but now I think all the pieces are settling into place that will let the momentum start taking hold… as long as the rest of the world would like to co-operate and not fall apart.

[Magos Takatus]

I have literally no experience that would be relevant to the steps you are currently taking unfortunately but I have to offer feedback on the Goliath truck that the proxy for the missile launcher is pretty creative. I have been eyeing up the vehicle for a while as the Big Mek in me was looking for an excuse to loot it. Sadly I've not taken the plunge yet. I made a donation to your cause a couple of weeks ago but it looks like there is a considerable journey to go. I haven't seen a product you've made that I have disliked, the missile launchers for the Rhino chassis being another part that I like. 

[Subtle Discord]

Naturally, that's absolutely fine and thanks for the kind and encouraging words regardless. I know that the vast majority of people won't be able to help on the business side I'm starting to deal with but I also know that there's a surprising amount of information and knowledge lurking under the surface with people who take the time to read my posts. Someone might have a very direct and useful suggestion based on first hand knowledge, while someone might just offer an off-the-cuff idea that hits home. Doesn't hurt to cast the net and see if I can catch anything.

 

Thanks for reminding me. I keep meaning to update the GoFundMe drive but it keeps getting lost in the shuffle. I plan to leave it in place but also start several specific crowdfunding drives for specific kits and selected ranges and anyone interested in one of those offers will be able to shift support. One of the first crowdfunding drives will be the AdMech range seen throughout this thread, up to and including Armigers and Knights which are still on the drawing board.

[Focslain]

When you add the knight parts I'll definitely take a look as I'm always looking for new parts. 

[RolandTHTG]

Subtle, love seeing all your conversions and everything that burbles out of your mad mind.

 

For business info, have you messaged N1SB? He seems very business knowledgeable, and is very good about making his explanations legible to laymen. He's the guy that does the annual write up for B&C of the GW stock report, and he's got a very good explanation post in the thread of that investor thing going on in the News & Rumors section.

[Subtle Discord]

Thanks! Yes, I was reading that thread and remembered that N1SB is exactly the type of person who's brain I should attempt to pick. I've been pondering how to word my request for his input/perspective.

[Subtle Discord]

∙ So I picked up a box of Armigers for future plans, and then a warp storm hit making time meaningless.

∙ Damn, they’re a fun little kit to put together, downright easy to magnetize, and positively begging for some customization. 

∙ So who am I to ignore inspiration granted to me by what I am sure can only be the will of the Omnissiah? More coming soon...

[Subtle Discord]

Oh yeah, I figure this should also be down here as well. More on Armiger weapons and the like in the near future, but now it’s time for something not quite so completely different…

 

∙ Remember this little biological component? Well, I tried to ignore the idea for later but then this happened…

∙ Forgive me Omnissiah, for I have innovated! I beg your forgiveness as I commit these acts in your honour and glory.

 

Having a deep understanding of gravity manipulating technologies the Archaeopters of the Atrum Laboris forge world employ exotic anti-gravity arrays to provide lift and remarkable maneuverability to the craft.

 

My plan is to create nose mounted Las-cannons (which makes more sense to me than mounting them in the rear) and combined with the pictured Phosphor Blasters and under-wing bombs, the builder can make the kit with more options on where to mount the weapon systems; strafing gunboat with forward facing main weapons, the bomber with under-wing bombs plus front and rear facing Heavy Stubbers, and the Transport just needs to lose the bombs. Despite me using a backdrop image with them pictured the Heavy Stubbers sticking out of the doors just seemed like a crude solution to me and this setup removes their need. Also, a replacement tail component is in the works but it’s still quite rough. I’m keeping the vertical fin/flap but replacing the bottom fins/flaps with a smaller anti-gravity array.

 

I probably should have worked on something else and saved this for later but this idea got in my head and I couldn't let it go until I could see it properly. I have no idea when it will translate from digital concept to physical reality, but expect to see more about this contraption in the reasonably near future.

[Magos Takatus]

*Insert fanboy gushing here* That modification for the Archaeopter is amazing. I'm into it and I love the wings on the stock kit. The only criticism is that grav plates that shape read to me as as landing skids at first but the detail is impressive.

 

I like the idea of altering the location of the weapons on the model since the bomb carousel on the Fusilave looks really wimpy for a dedicated bomber. I don't mind the rear lascannon turret since it reminds me of the Liberator from Planetside 2. I think a front-facing belly gun would make the most sense but at that point the undercarriage would need to be redesigned and... I'm starting to understand why we don't see you for months on end now... 

[Prot]

Wow this looks amazing! I actually like the original Archeopter wings, but this not only looks great, but is a viable alternative for packing/transporting the model! 

 

I don't know what it is about GW lately but they have made some excrutiatingly difficult models to transport and this takes care of that issue. I have two of these copters and they are always in danger of of the wing tips bending/pinching off. This is something I would have been really interested in about 6 month ago! 

 

Great job. Love the techie look of the anti grav/wing sponsons.

[MajorNese]

That modification for the Archaeopter is amazing. [...] The only criticism is that grav plates that shape read to me as as landing skids at first but the detail is impressive.

I'd second that. The plates have the same shape as the Onager feet plates, putting them at a steeper angle (like 45°) would probably remind more of a fancy-tech turbine, "anchoring" the craft vertically as well as being usable to change direction quickly (which is even reflected in the rules).

 

 

My plan is to create nose mounted Las-cannons (which makes more sense to me than mounting them in the rear) and combined with the pictured Phosphor Blasters and under-wing bombs, the builder can make the kit with more options on where to mount the weapon systems; strafing gunboat with forward facing main weapons, the bomber with under-wing bombs plus front and rear facing Heavy Stubbers, and the Transport just needs to lose the bombs.

Sure the Heavy Phosphor should go into the wings? Only the fighter version uses phosphor, the other two only have stubbers. And 2 stubbers are on absolutely all versions.

 

Another idea for the lascannons would be under-wing where the bombs are usually mounted. I tried some variants that looked good, but were hard to convert.