Starting 40k with custom samurai marines?

[hd3]

Gday, I hope this is the right place, I couldn't find it i tutorials. 

 

Anyway! I've decided to start 40k after settling on building a samurai theme'd marines chapter, officially inspired by imperial japan but really inspired by tge rising sun from command conquer red alert. 

https://www.greenstuffworld.com/en/resin-items/2413-samurai-helmets.html

I found this site that offers a bunch of resin samurai parts etc. you can add and it says its GW compatible, but I was wondering whats the best way to go about it?  

 

My current plan is to buy a dark angels combat patrol and convert it using the resin parts and some ww2 model decals. But im unclear if that would break game rules or not be the optimal way to get started. Im not making any big changes, just making te power sword a power katana, samurai helmets etc. And I was going to use the defaukt space marines rules etc. Would I be better off gettibg individual units and startung from there?

 

If anyone has any advice or suggestions, id be very grateful! Cheers.

 

Edited August 18, 2022 by hd3

[Grotsmasha]

Any of the Combat Patrols are a good starting point, and all of them although themed to a specific chapter, contain units usable to Space Marines at large, the only difference being which extra Chapter upgrade sprue you get in that box.

On top of that, there's a decent cash saving, more if you can find an online retailer with the standard 15-20% odd RRP. On top of that you could make some extra cash back by selling the upgrade sprue online.

So in summary, your plan is solid, go for it, and be sure to start a project log here in the Forge or Astartes forum when you get going

 

Edited August 18, 2022 by Grotsmasha

[Gamiel]

Maybe you know this but Kromleck also have some samurai parts, if you want a bigger variarity. 

[Gamiel]

Also, the samurai inspiered Spirit Dragon Space Marine, by Kelly Kim, that was feutered in WD, was created by using a Tau shoulder pads instead of standard Marine ones, a helmet crest from the High Elf regiment boxed set, and replacing his chainsword with the blade and handle of an Eldar Howling Banshee. And the use of a Japanese style "Sashimono", instead of the standard back banner. 

 

You don't allways need to do that much for an alternative feel

 

[Halandaar]

There's a lot of Japanese-inspired bits out there. Pop Goes the Moneky on Shapeways has a big selection of weapons, shoulders helmets and accessories that you might find useful.