Hover Land Raider

[CaptainKael]

Since reading Angels of Caliban, I have been thinking of how to convert up Galatine, Holguin's (voted lieutenant of the Deathwing) personal hover Land Raider for my Dark Angels.It was described as being a Calibanite design to deliver Holguin to the fighting quicker than a normal Land Raider while losing none of its resiliency.

 

The previewed 40k Repulser tank looks to be an excellent start for the conversion. If my gaming group is fine with editing the firing arcs to match the model, it is even easier. I figure 1 hull mounted and 1 360° turret TLLC is pretty close to 2 190° side sponsons. It is almost the same number of expected shots on each side except on the rear, where the side sponson configuration would win (2-1-2 vs 2-1-1 front-side-rear). Advantage my opponent, so I would not expect much argument there.

 

There are two real issues I see remaining. One is the TL heavy Bolter. The easiest option would be to replace the stubber on the turret. Problem is, that would improve it's firing arc, not to mention the weird logical situation where it wants to shoot at a different target than where the turret TLLC wants to aim (turret can't spin left and right at the same time). For simplicity, I could just say it had to aim in the same vicinity as the turret TLLC. Not that the heavy bolter would ever be shot much beyond snap firing, but it could matter. Occassionally, I have gotten lucky and killed the last marine in a squad or stripped a Rhino's last HP with a heavy bolter, so it is something to consider.

 

The other issue is the access points. The model has 2 side and 1 rear doors.

 

Is it better to keep the hatches WYSIWYG, especially in lieu of the heavy bolter problem? Or should I try and convert this to match a standard Land Raider exactly (side sponsons and front hatch)? Either way, I would keep the points and rules the same as a base LR. Not a skimmer, so no jink. I figure what I gain with the heavy bolter I lose with the rear door.

 

Considering this is only a one-off model in my army to go along with my planned Holguin model, I would prefer to keep more of the original model intact. It would also make a nice stand out model in a Legion list, especially since Dark Angels have not received any special models yet and Angelus may be pushed out due to 8th edition.

 

Thoughts and opinions?

[Grotsmasha]

I'd be buying normal LR Chassis bitz from eBay and attaching the Repulsar sides to them.

[Race Bannon]

Pics or it didn't happen!!

 

^_^

[Caillum]

Awesome project! I like Grotsmasha's idea of using Repulsor parts on a normal Phobos - I haven't seen photos of them side by side yet, but the Repulsor looks smaller.

 

I think, with both kits, you could make it look truly unique. :)