Firstborn Templars

[Smoke Frog]

That is a glorious horde of templars! 

 

I love the WIP nature of this shot too. You have a very high standard of painted models... when this entire horde of templars is completely painted I can only imagine how that is going to feel!

[Brother Christopher]

Hmm.

I might have tot do something similar with An annular overview.

 

If you have the time to do it, go for it - such an overview really helps in getting things into perspective and allows for a better evaluation of where you are in terms of progress with your entire army.

 

That is a glorious horde of templars! 

 

I love the WIP nature of this shot too. You have a very high standard of painted models... when this entire horde of templars is completely painted I can only imagine how that is going to feel!

 

You are very kind! Apparently, I tend to undervalue my painting style. I do it probably because I consciously avoid progress in terms of skills and techniques - with my 40K Black Templars, I want to stick to a certain aesthetic that is largely inspired by and rooted in the 3rd/4th edition painting guides. Apart from me wanting to keep the looks of the entire force uniform, I also figured that I must compromise since I still have too many models to paint and I'd like to be done with painting 40k in the next 12 months. I must admit that over the years, I refined the process and ended up with a pretty distinct style, but it's not up to a higher standard and falls short of 'professional painting', whatever that might be.

 

Love it, especially the unofficial Emperor model!

Thank you! The design was pretty neat, too. It was a fun side-project. I don't particularly like the head and the slight squat, but overall a great miniature!

 

***

And special general thanks for the feedback! I must confess that I mostly lost all interest in the current goings-on in 40K.

 

In terms of lore, the amount of content is too much to follow, especially since the quality of the stories isn't particularly good. I mean, they are fun, but become quite repetitive and unrewarding in the long run. Also, I have always enjoyed 40K lore from a more encyclopedic point of view and enjoyed the mysticism which, to me, has been lost in order to make 40K more like a character-driven space opera.

 

In terms of new miniatures for my army, I'm still upset about the whole Primaris thing. Sure, some of the models are nice, but what am I supposed to do with my OG stuff? I can't really imagine myself selling what I collected so I must stick to processing my backlog and adding to it would be unreasonable, even more so since I'm not happy with GW's corporate practices and don't feel like endorsing or supporting the company.

 

In terms of gaming, most regrettably, I became pretty much disinterested in 40K as a game. It can be fun, but there's just too much going on with the various levels of rules, mechanisms and variables, plus there's the overabundance of publications that's pretty tough to track when one is interested in the occasional game. I prefer board games which are usually more balanced, more rewarding and generally more fun to play. Plus there's the uncertainty about the future viability of my models (the points for Primaris and non-Primaris Crusader Squads is a disgrace!).

 

All things considered, I'm losing interest in 40K and sometimes find it difficult to stay positive and motivated about working on models that are firstborn in nature and will have been stillborn on arrival. That is why I greatly appreciate any and all feedback from the community - it's a nice feeling that there are people out there who take the time to look at my work and appreciate it enough to post a comment!

[Smoke Frog]

If not for 40k, maybe you can use some of them in a game like Stargrave that is minatures agnostic? They are so beautifully painted, I can't help but think they would be lots of fun to play in other games too.

 

Very much depends on what your local gaming scene is like though...

[Brother Christopher]

Maybe once I have a still more complete force in terms of painted models, my eagerness for gaming will grow. Or editions change and the game will become more streamlined, who knows ;) The couple of games I have had this edition were definitely fun, but very mentally draining. Apart from the pre-game stages which involve excessive planning and list-building, there are so many things to keep track of during the match itself that it takes away some of the fun, especially when you forget about a particular sub-rule or special ability that one time that makes a difference. I'm sure that the game becomes more accessible after more games when one becomes more familiar with the different mechanics, though.

 

I'll also make sure to take a look at the Stargrave thing, too!

[Brother Christopher]

With my collection coming to a close, at least in terms of purchases and organisation of my forces, especially infantry, I'm starting to wonder what to do with my Land Raiders. I have 2 Crusaders that are already painted, one scratch-built Land Raider that I intend to modify and/or update (I cut some corners when rushing to finish it and in retrospect, I'm not happy with some of my design choices, as well as the quality of execution) and one unplanned-for original Land Raider that I got for my bachelor's party. After a couple of months, it is still in it's original box and I wondering what to do with it. Initially, I intended to scratch build another Land Raider, but I don't think I'm going to do it, considering the "original" that was gifted to me.

 

The simplest solution is to just assemble and paint it, but I'm feeling frisky and want to do something with it. I think that I'll use some of the original parts (sponsons) for my other projects, while the rest will serve as two vehicles with magnetised options: a tracked Repulsor and a Land Raider 'Achilles' with a hull-mounted TFC and Flamestorm Cannons for sponsons.

 

In terms of modifications, I'm considering the following:

- a plasticard turret inspired by the larger of the Repulsor turrets, but downscaled by around 30%;

- a plasticard alteration of the front armour and hull-mounted weapon 'socket', inspired by the Repulsor and LR Achilles designs;

- a major overhaul of the rear, including the removal of the power unit and replacing it with a Repulsor-like hatch;

- a major overhaul of the rear-top part, mainly replacing the grille with the power unit and exhausts, similarly to the Repulsor;

- magnetised side panels; smooth, additional armour for the Repulsor or original recesses and sponsons for the LR variant;

- I'm pretty sure I'll get rid of the front access point / assault ramp; for the Achilles variant, I'll go with the design of the original Achilles; for the turret version of my vehicles, I'm not sure - I'll either leave the Achilles front (I really like the design!) or cover it up with the top part of the original ramp to recreate the design of the front of the Repulsor; what do you think?

 

As a side note, do you think that - from a lore perspective - 4 Land Raiders are enough for a Crusade of around 300 marines? I mean, in the old lore, LRs were supposed to be rare - I don't know if that changed. In terms of model representation, I will have 3 drop pods, ~15 Rhino-sized vehicles, 2 Storm Ravens and 4 ~Land Raiders. Oh, and one Thunderhawk, when it's done.

[Brother Christopher]

I started the project whose outline/details are listed in the post above. Since I'm not a fan of the anti-grav Primaris tanks as a concept (sure, anti-grav makes a lot of sense, but I much prefer the backwardness and brutishness of Imperial tracked vehicles), I decided to try and do a tracked version of the larger transport and/or main battle tank of the Primaris.

 

While everything goes as planned, my enthusiasm for the project quickly feigned. I feel I might have made a mistake. While from a technical point of view, most of my ideas are or will be successful, I'm not sure about the look of a turret on a Land Raider. I'm extremely happy that I downscaled the Repulsor Executioner turret; it's a bit on the large side as it is and a larger one would've been off.

Please note that what you see in the photos below is initial WIP stuff held together by gravity and blu tack. What I managed to do so far:

- split the top track armour from and build the 'sides' as separate pieces (not held together by the 'roof' as in the original);

- remove parts of the power-plant mount in the back to reduce the thickness of the thing;

- extend the power plant which will be placed somewhere on top of the vehicle, like the exhaust of the original Repulsor;

- build the base shape of the turret and add some detailing.

 

For the turret, I'm planning to introduce additional changes:

- I will be removing the rear-facing storm bolters and moving them... somewhere else; I don't know yet where exactly, but I'm considering making small SB-turrets and placing them on the top armour panels, right behind the lights (provided that the barrel of the main gun won't know on them when aiming at a downward angle);

- I will make a centre-mounted main gun with a co-axial heavy stubber; the onslaught cannon will probably be a separate, small turret on top of the main turret or a pintle-mounted.

 

For posterity, an early photo showing the reinforced interior of the turret to make it super-sturdy:

Details on the front of the turret:

Alterations of the back of the LR:

Power plant installed on top of the tank:

Turret roughly placed on top of the tank; please not that the front will also be extensively nodified and ultimately the turret will be mounted on slightly elevated additional armour, like in the original Repulsor.

Any words of encouragement are most welcome! I mean, I'm having immense fun doing conversion work and scratch building and I'm sure that I will continue with this project, but I feel that there's something fundamentally wrong with this turret on top of a LR chassis. Regardless, in the worst-case scenario, I will use the modified model as a LR Achilles.

[Naryn]

Personally I think it looks delightful. Reminds me of an old Golden Demon entry I saw that used a Land Raider as the basis for a scaled-up Leman Russ. With that in mind, have you considered treating the back of the LR as the front? I wonder if that might make the placement of the turret feel better for you. I also wonder if placing it further back from the front might help?

 

Love your work on this and excited to see what you come up with.

[Brother Christopher]

Thank you, mate!

 

With that in mind, have you considered treating the back of the LR as the front? I wonder if that might make the placement of the turret feel better for you. I also wonder if placing it further back from the front might help?

I did consider it; I've seen some great conversions based on this design idea. However, I eventually decided to retain the distinct profile of the Land Raider, especially since I intend to make the turret removable and use the hull of the vehicle as a LR Achilles or modified Redeemer.

[Brother Christopher]

After my holiday, I figured that I need to accomplish something fast and tangible before I proceed with other, more ambitious time-consuming projects. This realisation coincided with the Knightfall event in the Black Templars subforum. That is why I'm taking a break from conversions and back to painting models. For the competition, I decided to go with three metal models - two guys sold in the "Master of the Chapter" kit and a Techmarine/Master of the Forge. I started with the latter and... I must admit that painting him was everything, but it wasn't fast ;) Here are some pictures of the painted miniature:

 

 

 

 

 

Close-ups of some details:

 

- top/back of his head:

 

- plasma-cutter:

 

- remote control thingy:

[Brother Christopher]

Wow, so it's it took me the better part of the month to have something with Warhammer done. Between work, other forms of procrastination (books, tv series and a brief episode of video gaming) and the need to do some physical exercise, I struggled to find the motivation and time necessary to finish the metal models that I've started working on. Fast forward to today, they're basically done! Before I take properer photos, here's a quick update. My plan for the remainder of the week is to finish 4 more models (I rally need to finish the last batch of devastators, models that have been in the "almost done" limbo for - I think - two years).

[Naryn]

Two of my favorite Space Marine sculpts ever, given new life in a lovely paintjob? It must be Christmas! ;)

[Brother Christopher]

Thanks mate! In the past, I didn't like models that much but I guess that these guys are a case of "you need to see them in person" - they're great, very characterful and pretty unique!

 

Here's a quick update with finished heavy weapon specialists:

 

[BadgersinHills]

Looking great. 

[LameBeard]

I especially like the head swap on the chapter master.

[The_Stray_Idea]

Just love the appreciation of the mini marines in this thread. Some wicked conversions and a wonderful take on the BT’s. Top work can’t wait to see more.

[Brother Christopher]

Looking great. 

 

Thank you!

 

I especially like the head swap on the chapter master.

 

This wasn't something I planned; I got the model second-hand with a metal Dark Angels helmet (with the wings!) so, not having the original head, I had to go for a swap. Actually, I spent too much time deciding which head to choose ;)

 

Just love the appreciation of the mini marines in this thread. Some wicked conversions and a wonderful take on the BT’s. Top work can’t wait to see more.

Thank you very much! Your comment means a lot, it truly does! Not playing the game and loosing interest in the current releases, I sometimes find it hard to keep myself as motivated as I'd like to continue painting my collection. Getting older doesn't help either ;) I hope not to disappoint in the future and to one day properly showcase my entire painted army!

 

The next models I am and will be working on are some Terminators

 

and the classic, metal Helbrecht

 

I got Helbrecht's model around 2013 and I've been 'saving him' until I learn how to paint properly. Since, in a way, I reached the peak of my skills (in the sense that still having ~100 models to paint, I don't feel like I can afford to devote more time to increase the quality of my work), I figured it's about time to get him painted... It's a bit ironic - I've never got to use him in a game and now the model got replaced ;) Still, with the pleasant surprises the old Masters of the Chapter, as well as metal veterans had (apparently, I'm kinda blind and realise that models have layers upon layers of extra small details only after I start to carefully apply paint!), I'm genuinely excited to work on Helbrecht and discover what the model's designer(s) squeezed onto the miniature.

[Brother Carpenter]

I'm in the same spot with Hellbrecht and Grimaldus. Painted Them last year never used them in a game...

[Smoke Frog]

Great looking terminators! 

 

I also like the work you did on the commander's helmet (the guy with the giant thunder hammer on his shoulder). 

[Slave to Darkness]

Lovely army, I do admire a good looking Templars force, back in 4th ed up to 7th about 80% of my games were against Templars. Couldnt ask for a better opponent. :) 

 

Just wondering though, what company does the not Emperor, I have seen it before but cant for the life of me remember who made it, I was thinking Scibor but from what I remember their sculpts feel a bit too cartoony and look like they were sculpted with playdough. :/ 

[Brother Christopher]

I'm in the same spot with Hellbrecht and Grimaldus. Painted Them last year never used them in a game...

 

It kind of sucks, where GW brought us with the range refreshes. I must admit that I intend to disregard the new models and - if I ever get to playing the game - use the old sculpts on appropriate bases to account for both the different base diameter and the model's height.

 

Great looking terminators! 

 

I also like the work you did on the commander's helmet (the guy with the giant thunder hammer on his shoulder). 

 

Thanks! I'm quite proud with how it turned out - I'm very glad to receive such feedback on the helmet!

 

Lovely army, I do admire a good looking Templars force, back in 4th ed up to 7th about 80% of my games were against Templars. Couldnt ask for a better opponent.

 

Just wondering though, what company does the not Emperor, I have seen it before but cant for the life of me remember who made it, I was thinking Scibor but from what I remember their sculpts feel a bit too cartoony and look like they were sculpted with playdough. :/ 

 

Thank you for the compliment - it is one of the highest praises that can come from a traitor! Incidentally, I feel that my army is very much 4th/5th edition... I just am a bit late with it, that's all ;)

 

As for the Emperor, my research showed that he was sold and marketed as the Celestial Knight from Kabuki (Models). However, I bought him as a no-name "Emperor of mankind" at an online auction. I'm also not a huge fan of Scibor or some other third-party models - they are often fine-detailed, but don't match the aesthetic of 40k. Kabuki, if they're still even out there, fared much better with their line of Primarchs and other stuff.

Progress update:

 

The High Marshal is painted! I'm a bit tired, so just a quick update. As always, please try to disregard the excessive shine on some parts of the model - this is due to harsh lighting and a fresh coat of satin varnish.

I must also confess that this models is probably painted as best as I can. It took me three days of quite extensive painting, between 6 and 10 hours and two bottles of wine to get him ready. The model has a lot of detail. A LOT, maybe even too much. I know that I messed up the halo thing on his right knee and I wanted to make the Maltese crosses on the inside of his cape smaller/finer; apart from that and maybe minor mishaps with the face and free hand cross on his chest, I am surprised and extremely happy with how well he turned out and how cool (though, a bit cluttered) the finished model is.

Front and back:

And some close-ups on details:

I'm surprised that I managed to - barely but actually - squeeze "TEMPLAR" on this small ribbon!

A kind-of aquila on the back of the cape:

Free hand twin-colour cross and his smug face:

Ribbons, seals, lanterns and keys, as well as free hand half-crosses on the lining of the cape:

[Brother Christopher]

Two new TDA Sword Brothers join the ranks of fully-painted forces of the Neurode Crusade!

 

 

 

 

Edited January 14, 2022 by Brother Cristopher

[Brother Christopher]

In the process of completing more models, I added sand to the bases of some of the more recent models. As I've remarked in the Knightfall thread, these bases aren't properly finished yet - in the future, after sealing them with a spray-on varnish, I intend to add some static grass, turfs and maybe bigger rocks.

So, here's Helbrecht:

The Games Day Thunder Hammer Captain (now with a backpack!):

As well as a bonus, an updated paint job on my Emperor's Champion. I couldn't bear to strip my original paint job (I probably finished the model around 2012) - after all, he took part in many a battle and was a very important part of the process of forming my army.

And since I photographed the models and had them on my desk, I figured I'd take a group shot of the commanders:

[Brother Christopher]

A quick photo update of my most recent progress:

1999 Games Day Captain with a slightly customised backpack and some kind of Primaris Bolter:

And a Metal Sergeant with Power Mace:

Better photos to come in the future!

[Brother Carpenter]

Ah that sergeant is one of my favorites too. He looks so cool with the pm.

You painted him up nicely. Mine has been halfway ready for about 10 years.

[Brother Christopher]

I know the feeling ;) I'm quite happy with the progress I'm currently making - at least I'm not adding (too much) to my backlog and painting things actually gives me a sense of moving forward with the project.

 

I'm also very glad that I managed to find the Sergeant with a power maul - just like you, I remember that I've always liked him, but back when he was more readily available, I couldn't justify the price. Luckily someone was selling him; just a shame I couldn't get one with an original metal arm and combi-weapon, but a plastic bolt pistol is just as good.

 

As for the power first guy, since the model is so old, I figured I'd go with an old-school paint scheme, too. Someone claimed that the model in the picture below was the first reference to Black Templars - that's why I went with a blue gun and green chest eagle - it does feel out of place in a modern BT army, but I think that we should also have some fun and pay homage to the more colourful and less serious past iterations of 40K