Frankendoodle's Sons of Horus - Maloghurst the Twisted Finished at last!

[KrautScientist]

I'm really happy that you pointed me towards this thread when I recently commented on your Word Bearers, as this project is really just as cool as the - dormant - Word Bearers thread. You are doing a fantastic job exploring the Sons of Horus, and I love how vicious and brutal these are! As for the prospect of an accompanying World Eaters detachment, YES PLEASE!

 

EDIT: Oh, almost forgot: The painting on that (Warmaster?!) face is sublime!

Edited March 10, 2023 by KrautScientist

[frankendoodle65]

@Pearson73thanks a lot! That red glow is such a distinctive element of so much classic artwork, I really want to try and make it work! 

 

@KrautScientist thanks! It's been a lot of fun working on these guys, the Sons have a lot of distinctive design elements that are really interesting to play with, the challenge is not going too far with the outright corruption and chaos, it's a fun balance! I imagine the Worldeaters will be just as enjoyable and I've always liked painting battle worn white armour so watch this space. 

 

 

 

I haven't decided what to do with my Horus yet and I'm waiting on some bits to arrive before I can really work on my Justaerin, so I've been tinkering with another character.

I've always liked the character of Maloghurst as the dark priest of the SoH but can't say I'm a huge fan of the official model. I did a bit of googling and came across a fantastic conversion based off one of Zardu Layak's blade slaves so absolutely had to try my hand at doing something similar. 

 

So here we are a couple of hours in: 

 

 

basically he's a blade slave with the arm and head hacked off, replaced with CSM parts. I've also trimmed off any obvious Word Bearer symbols and sculpted an eye of Horus on the knee and added a vent to the chest. There's quite a wide expanse of nothing behind the head - the conversion I found on Google filled that space in with cables, but I honestly don't get on well with the cable maker so I may have to come up with something different! (Here, from Lil Legend Studio)

 

I'm thinking it would be nice to add an actual banner to his standard, and I'm not sure if I'll sculpt or just paint some scarring on his face. Otherwise there's not a great deal else to do, the blade slave has a lot of great details that I don't want to risk distracting from too much. 

[KrautScientist]

Already loving your work on Maloghurst! Where's that head from? The monopose CSM from the Shadowspear starter box?
What are your problems with the tentacle maker? That one cable you already have on there certainly looks cool (and clean) enough.

Oh, and if it's an empty banner you're looking for, I still have a blank extra banner from the old Space Marine Company Command that I migt be able to chuck your way -- would that help?

[Pearson73]

Already off to a very solid start. The bulk and pose of the Blade Slaves really fits his twisted nature and all the extra systems his armour presumably includes. 

[frankendoodle65]

Tha KS for the encouragement guys! 

 

@KrautScientistthe head is just from the generic CSM kit, I never got around to picking up shadowspear! This head had a horn that I removed, might by why you don't recognise it?

Regarding the cable maker, I just struggle to get it rolling... If I use it too dry the putty sticks and makes a mess, too much lubricant and the putty just slides around and makes a strange flat cable! I'm sure there's a happy medium but I struggle to get it right, then when I eventually do get a decent cable it's not easy to position it without wrecking the detail. Probably just need more practise to be honest. 

And that's a very generous offer of the banner, thanks! I think I've already come up with something I like though so it's not needed, but thanks again for the thought.

 

 

@Pearson73 thanks, I can't take credit for the idea as I've borrowed it from lil legend studios, just trying to put my own spin on it! As you say though, the blade slave has a real twisted hunched posture that works nicely for the character, I wouldn't steal the idea if it wasn't good! 

 

Quick update tonight, Maloghurst is getting close to being paint ready, mainly just the back of the neck and a few other small details to finish off now.

 

 

I'm really pleased with the banner, it's just a couple of strips of card soaked in super glue, combined with the hanging skulls I think it does the job nicely. 

 

Also put together two more marines;

 

 

Guy on the left is mostly mkv with mkiv arms and an old CSM backpack with the funky vent stalks cut out. 

Guy on the right is mostly a CSM with some trim removed, mkv head and mkiv arms. I can see a nasty mould line on the arm so I'll get to that! 

For anyone keeping track that's now 4 new marines, I like painting them in batches of 5 so I still need to come up with one more.

The Shapeways heads don't show well in photos, sorry about that!

Edited March 13, 2023 by frankendoodle65

[Pearson73]

The papers/cloth on the banner look excellent, really nice addition. Can't wait to see some paint on these troopers!

[KrautScientist]

The banner on Maloghurst is looking brilliant -- and much better than that stock bit would have, so that's alright then. Loving the coins! If I have one suggestion, it would be to maybe add another piece of parchment (or chain) that goes further down and ends up being draped over at least a small part of the hand -- that way, you would really integrate the banner pole with the hand and mask that particular seam. Apart from that, the model is coming along swimmingly!

 

Loving the next two models in line as well! Those Mk V-ish (?!) helmets are looking brutal!

[Pearson73]

I second this idea about having something that drapes and covers the hand join. Perhaps this would be a bit difficult, but he could also look really cool with the gloves that occasionally pop up in the artwork. I know your other legionnaires don't have this, so maybe it could be something signifying his senior role in the Lodges?

[frankendoodle65]

Thanks a lot guys! 

 

@Pearson73sorry to say but the gloves are one of the things that put me off the official model! Why would you wear leather gloves over armoured gauntlets? Seems strange... 

 

@KrautScientist great idea, I'll get on it. thanks! 

 

There's a lot going on at the hobby desk right now and my mind is all over the place getting distracted with so many different things. I've even been tempted to dig out some Tyranids and they've been laying dormant for at least 6 years now! 

 

Nothing's in any fit state to show off just yet apart from one guy, let's just say I might be painting a bit of white and blue soon ...

 

[KrautScientist]

Instantly reads as a World Eater (possibly even Khârn?!), even before I read your post. Very intriguing!

[frankendoodle65]

Now Khârn's an interesting thought, definitely not what I was going for. He's probably just a squad sergeant, though truth be told I don't play the game so it doesn't really matter what he is!

It's a relief to hear the World Eater vibe is coming across, I can't say it's a legion I have much experience with but I've always fancied having a go. 

[KrautScientist]

I thought of Khârn because he does have the exact same equipment -- and the crested Sarum pattern helmet

 

That being said, he does maybe look a bit too subdued for Khârn. But he definitely works as a WE segeant!

[Pearson73]

Oh aye, I see the Khârn vibes too. Love the chained weapon, that and the helm really sell this guy as a member of the XIIth. Gonna be cool to see some of these guys with your XVIth!

 

I was initially of the same opinion re. the gloves, but over time that classic art has worked its magic on me. 

Edited March 19, 2023 by Pearson73

[TheWarmaster]

19 hours ago, frankendoodle65 said:

Thanks a lot guys! 

 

@Pearson73sorry to say but the gloves are one of the things that put me off the official model! Why would you wear leather gloves over armoured gauntlets? Seems strange... 

 

@KrautScientist great idea, I'll get on it. thanks! 

 

There's a lot going on at the hobby desk right now and my mind is all over the place getting distracted with so many different things. I've even been tempted to dig out some Tyranids and they've been laying dormant for at least 6 years now! 

 

Nothing's in any fit state to show off just yet apart from one guy, let's just say I might be painting a bit of white and blue soon ...

 

Love that! Great mini! 

[TheWarmaster]

On 3/13/2023 at 11:24 PM, frankendoodle65 said:

Tha KS for the encouragement guys! 

 

@KrautScientistthe head is just from the generic CSM kit, I never got around to picking up shadowspear! This head had a horn that I removed, might by why you don't recognise it?

Regarding the cable maker, I just struggle to get it rolling... If I use it too dry the putty sticks and makes a mess, too much lubricant and the putty just slides around and makes a strange flat cable! I'm sure there's a happy medium but I struggle to get it right, then when I eventually do get a decent cable it's not easy to position it without wrecking the detail. Probably just need more practise to be honest. 

And that's a very generous offer of the banner, thanks! I think I've already come up with something I like though so it's not needed, but thanks again for the thought.

 

 

@Pearson73 thanks, I can't take credit for the idea as I've borrowed it from lil legend studios, just trying to put my own spin on it! As you say though, the blade slave has a real twisted hunched posture that works nicely for the character, I wouldn't steal the idea if it wasn't good! 

 

Quick update tonight, Maloghurst is getting close to being paint ready, mainly just the back of the neck and a few other small details to finish off now.

 

 

I'm really pleased with the banner, it's just a couple of strips of card soaked in super glue, combined with the hanging skulls I think it does the job nicely. 

 

Also put together two more marines;

 

 

Guy on the left is mostly mkv with mkiv arms and an old CSM backpack with the funky vent stalks cut out. 

Guy on the right is mostly a CSM with some trim removed, mkv head and mkiv arms. I can see a nasty mould line on the arm so I'll get to that! 

For anyone keeping track that's now 4 new marines, I like painting them in batches of 5 so I still need to come up with one more.

The Shapeways heads don't show well in photos, sorry about that!

More awesome work! Loving all the different parts you use to make them look way less uniformed, which suits the Sons so much! 10/10! :D

[frankendoodle65]

Thanks a lot for the comments guys, really appreciated! 

 

It's been a couple of weeks, work's been a bit hectic so hobby time is limited and I've not had the mental energy to think about posting here. I've not been completely dormant though, but this is an incredibly erratic update! 

 

First off, not much to show on Maloghurst. Sculpted some rough mottled textures on his head to hopefully look like scarring once painted, also added a long draping parchment to the banner to hopefully tie in the hand/arm a little better as suggested by Kraut and Pearson.

 

All I really want to add now is a power sword to match his rules and he's good to paint. Just need to find a suitably evil looking sword and figure out how/where to put it on him.

 

Been playing with another Justaerin. Found some 3d printed arms and axes, though the pose feels a little awkward at the moment. Head is from a 3D printed Reaver squad I found online (more on them later). 

 

The world eater has been painted, he still needs a base but I'll get to that sooner or later. 

 

I'm not normally one for blood effects, but it's sort of unavoidable with world eaters. I tried to tell a story with the splatter, hopefully it works. Thinking he's not seen much combat yet in this engagement, but he cut down one soldier effortlessly in a single swing, splattering blood across his left shin and breastplate as he lowered the axe, teeth still spinning. There's also a bloody handprint in there, the victim reached out with his last ounce of strength. 

Anyway, I'm not a writer, but there's some thought in the splatter anyway! 

 

 

I mentioned 3D printed Reavers earlier, I found them on Etsy and it's a great kit. (Search for Horusian Reavers). However, I still couldn't resist the call to kitbash, so the squad's chieftain has an OOP forgeworld torso and shoulder pad, forgeworld head and the usual other assortment of bits. 

 

 

Really pleased with this guy and I'm really looking forward to getting the rest of his squad put together and painted. 

 

 

 

 

Finally and completely out of place here, I've spent some time playing with a test mini for Tyranids. They were my first 40k love but I always found them a faff to paint and gradually lost interest, but the prospect of new releases has got me excited again. I wanted a scheme that's quick, easy and fun to paint while portraying the true alien horror of the Tyranids. After flicking through old codex's I realised it was right there staring me in the face on the front cover of the third edition codex! (Beautiful artwork, I highly recommend looking it up if you don't know it already).

 

So 45 minute test model, I had a blast painting this guy and I think the scheme should scale up nicely to the bigger guys too. 

 

 

I've ordered a few new paints to hopefully make the scheme even better and easier, but for a quick test I'm absolutely chuffed with this. Once I really get to work on the Tyranids I'll start a new thread for them so keep an eye out if you like this guy!

[Pearson73]

The Reaver kit is really nice, and as ever I'm struck by how you've painted the eyes of Horus. I like how you've painted the World Eater too, the blood splatter on the legs is rather well done.

[frankendoodle65]

Thanks @Pearson73 I'm an exceptionally lazy painter but I've always been of the opinion you can get away with a lot if you take the time to paint a few key details nicely, good to know the Eyes of Horus (Eye of Horus's?) are working for you!

And the World Eater was a lot of fun, glad you like him. No doubt there'll be more to come and I really want to experiment more with the blood splatter - I like the 40k fluff that their armour is stained red from blood, so I want to try and portray the in between stages of that with a couple of guys. Might be tricky to pull it off without looking a complete mess but it should be a fun challenge.

 

[KrautScientist]

Loving the final build on the Maloghurst model and the paintjob on the World Eater! The Terminator also works well, with a very well considered use of bitz!

 

I confess I am feeling weirdly conflicted about the 3D printed stuff in general: It makes complete sense that this should become a valuable resource, and offer access to an exciting plethora of new bitz, but I find the over-reliance on it somehow...takes the art out of it all, if that makes sense -- or maybe I am just getting old? In any case, good thing you added some personal touches to the Reaver!

[frankendoodle65]

Thanks @KrautScientist I'm still a bit iffy about how the terminator's holding his axe so I might play with that, but otherwise I'm pretty pleased with him too. I'm glad the World Eater gets your seal of approval too! 

 

Re. The 3D printing, I've got no intention of ever buying a 3D printer or "sculpting" minis on a computer, for me that's where it stops being fun and turns into a science project. But in terms of purchasing 3D printed parts from elsewhere, I don't see how it's any different from buying any other third party parts (or GW/FW for that matter) - doesn't really matter how it's produced it's all the same on the hobby desk. I've never been one for assembling a kit as intended anyway, everything is kitbashed and converted regardless of where it comes from! 

 

I can totally understand the potential ethical implications around things like IP theft, and that's such a grey area that I don't really fancy debating here... But if FW Reavers were scaled to match the new mkvi I would buy them in a heart beat!

 

Anyway, I hope this doesn't come across as defensive, I know you're not making any personal judgements on me for buying 3D printed parts but it's still an interesting discussion to have. So much has changed in the last few years and it's definitely a discussion that'll come up again and again.

[KrautScientist]

Oh, just to clarify: Neither was this intended as a takedown of your models OR of 3D printing in general -- in fact, I struggle with putting my iffy feeling into words because it maybe doesn't even make any sense. The ethical implications are always a concern, of course, but I don't think it's my place to defend the interests of a massively successful corporation here, so I'll let that slide. I'm also way more interested in 3D sculpting than I used to be, having taken up videogame-design as another hobby during my hobby hiatus, so that isn't the problem either. Which makes my reluctance all the weirder.

 

Maybe the fact is that for my personal conversion and kitbashing part of the hobby has been - and continues to be - mostly focused on working with "original" GW parts and tweaking them - rather massively, in some cases - so that relying too much on third party bitz and/or 3D-printed stuff almost seems like an "easy" alternative. But I am VERY aware of the idiosyncrasies and inner contradictions in that train of thought, so this maybe just clashes with my little, hidebound way of hobbying

 

Anyway, sorry for the wall of text! TL;DR: Your models are great. It's just my silly little sense of taste that prefers your older, "traditional" conversions over the 3D-printed stuff.

[frankendoodle65]

Don't worry I know it wasn't intended as anything critical or negative, that's why I added the last paragraph to my previous post! It is however an interesting conversation and we're all entitled to our opinions. 

 

I honestly don't differentiate between parts from different sources, if I find something cool that suits the theme I'm happy to use it. If I can't find something I'll do my best to work around it with cutting, filing, sculpting... It's all part of the fun for me, but it starts to get less fun when you've got to sculpt the same icon on every single mini for an army so 3D printed bits really help there!

 

I think potentially where I've done myself a disservice here is that I didn't show any WIP shots of that reaver

He's just as "traditionally" converted as anything else in this thread, in fact only the legs and arms came from the 3D printed Reaver kit and everything else is FW or other bits with green stuff to tie it all together. 

 

I get how you feel though, the hobby is changing around us and it's not always to our personal tastes.

[frankendoodle65]

I've been a little distracted with some filthy Xenos recently, I've started another thread over in the Tyranid subforum for that now (link in my signature). 

However, I've made a start on painting Maloghurst today, I've kept the armour a little cleaner than usual because I don't see him as getting into the thick of the fighting much. I'm also aiming for quite a pale skin tone as he probably spends most of his time aboard the Vengeful Spirit.

 

Let me know what you think!

[Pearson73]

Off to a solid start, liking the gradient on the skin.

[TheWarmaster]

I keep coming back to this blog. The quality of work is phenomenal. Your kit bashing and customising work is top notch. 10/10.