Brother Christopher's Purple Marines Project

[Valkia the Bloody]

Wow, now I am curious about this crazy project, too!!!

And I know the feeling....

I have crazy ideas popping up in my head all the time also. 

Opposite to me, however, you do have the skill. 

[Dr_Ruminahui]

As much as I would love to see what wonders you would create, I have to echo @Firedrake Cordova on that you need to weigh the opportunity cost in doing so.

 

While I have no regrets in my sidetracking to kitbash those two (now) chaos knights - I did get a couple of cool models out of it - it did delay my working on my emperor's children by a month.  Fortunately for me, it wasn't at a time I needed to get EC done, so that delay wasn't really an issue other than stretching out the eventual date that project will (hopefully) be completed.  And, more importantly, it didn't put me in a place mentally where it was hard to return to them, which can be a real risk.

 

Given that your side track is going to be an order of magnitude more complicated than mine, much more time consuming, and involving a lot more choices and risk (both of which we know can be a real sap of hobby motivation for both of us), I think consideration as to what negative impact it may have on your main project is worthwhile.  It may be a case where the right answer for you is to push on and finish what you have in the pipe for your purple marines - or one where a sidetrack will put you in place where you can hobby with passion and return reinvigorated to your current project.

 

So regardless, make the choice that works for you, and I'll be here to cheer you on.  And I imagine I won't be alone in doing so.

Edited March 4 by Dr_Ruminahui

[Brother Christopher]

Well, now I'm not only interested in what I can come up with but also motivated. 

 

Juggling between projects may be tough and while I probably should focus on painting more vanilla stuff... something clicked in my head and rekindled the youthful passion. I guess the idea shattered my defences due to being slightly overworked. In this state of mind, during breaks, I usually seek refuge in looking at or thinking about hobby-stuff.

  

8 hours ago, W.A.Rorie said:

This can not be unseen. It is now forever seen on the intrawebs, so it must be done in the name of the Primarch- Progenitor Rogal Dorn, For the Founding Father Sigsmund and for the honour of the Black Templars Chapter, you, Techmarine @Brother Christopher of the Hallowed Forges of the Black Templars Aeronauctica Divisio must complete this.....or face the wraith of the =][=

 

I love this comment. And it comes from a place of authority so I can't disregard it. Thanks, it made my day!

 

***

After a long week (or is it only Wednesday?!), I finally hit some calmer waters at work — and I did a thing. Feeling slightly ridiculous and very much like my 12‑year‑old self, I dug out my Caestus bits, grabbed a piece of cardboard, my trusty knife, and… well, I went for it. Since I lack both spatial imagination and any real Photoshop skills, I resorted to good old caveman methods to help me visualise what I had in mind.

Here are some quick, rough photos. Let’s call them photographic design notes.

 

Preliminary assumptions for the project:

• I want the top section of the model to be bulkier.
• I want the cockpit moved closer to the front.

The biggest design decision right now is the wing placement.

The first version I considered puts the wings toward the front, similar to the Corvus Blackstar or the Dark Angels’ flyers:

 

Variant I:

 

 

 

And the other possibility I'm considering is something more 'traditional' when it comes to the SM Flyer design ethos: a brick with some wings towards the back (Storm Speeder, original Caestus, to a degree, the Stormraven variants):

 

Variant II:

(Please disregard the larger wing on the right side of the photo; the go-to design is the smaller wing on the right; the strip of cardboard on the wing is supposed to be an engine.)

 

 

 

By the way, I'm probably too tired to function properly - I'm getting ideas :D For the first time, I've turned to the Abominable Intelligence for some image-related assistance, requesting a render of the vehicle in the photo. And... I've gotta say, it's not that bad! Here's a render generated by Copilot:

 

 

Sitting on the floor surrounded by scraps of cardboard while putting these mock‑ups together wasn’t exactly my proudest moment. The result is pretty crude, but honestly? It was fun — and surprisingly useful. Now I know the central section of the fuselage can be extended without much trouble, and with the right detailing it should look great. I can also go back to the photos and think more clearly about which direction I want to take this project.

 

Variant I — the brickified, steroid‑pumped faux Corvus/Blackstar — is very tempting. I’ve always liked the Corvus design, but I never bought one because it felt too small. Using a papercraft Caestus as the base feels like a natural “Primarisification” of the concept.

 

Variant II — the oversized faux Caestus — gives me a slightly better chance of fitting a wing‑mounted engine and has a more aggressive silhouette overall.

 

So… while I still haven’t fully made up my mind, doing these mock‑ups convinced me that I will be moving forward with the project. I’m not sure when, but I think some notebook revisions are in order. The Caestus is back on the menu!

 

***

Advice and comments are very welcome! But please bear in mind that given the potential time investment, I'll have to make the final call.

Edited March 4 by Brother Christopher

[Firedrake Cordova]

I think both will work well, and it really depends on what you want out of it. I think if you want something visually unique, then variant 1.

[Dr_Ruminahui]

I see one major problem with your AI model - it seems to be made of MDF, not cardboard. 

[W.A.Rorie]

16 hours ago, Brother Christopher said:

Well, now I'm not only interested in what I can come up with but also motivated. 

 

Juggling between projects may be tough and while I probably should focus on painting more vanilla stuff... something clicked in my head and rekindled the youthful passion. I guess the idea shattered my defences due to being slightly overworked. In this state of mind, during breaks, I usually seek refuge in looking at or thinking about hobby-stuff.

  

 

I love this comment. And it comes from a place of authority so I can't disregard it. Thanks, it made my day!

 

***

After a long week (or is it only Wednesday?!), I finally hit some calmer waters at work — and I did a thing. Feeling slightly ridiculous and very much like my 12‑year‑old self, I dug out my Caestus bits, grabbed a piece of cardboard, my trusty knife, and… well, I went for it. Since I lack both spatial imagination and any real Photoshop skills, I resorted to good old caveman methods to help me visualise what I had in mind.

Here are some quick, rough photos. Let’s call them photographic design notes.

 

Preliminary assumptions for the project:

• I want the top section of the model to be bulkier.
• I want the cockpit moved closer to the front.

The biggest design decision right now is the wing placement.

The first version I considered puts the wings toward the front, similar to the Corvus Blackstar or the Dark Angels’ flyers:

 

Variant I:

 

 

 

And the other possibility I'm considering is something more 'traditional' when it comes to the SM Flyer design ethos: a brick with some wings towards the back (Storm Speeder, original Caestus, to a degree, the Stormraven variants):

 

Variant II:

(Please disregard the larger wing on the right side of the photo; the go-to design is the smaller wing on the right; the strip of cardboard on the wing is supposed to be an engine.)

 

 

 

By the way, I'm probably too tired to function properly - I'm getting ideas :D For the first time, I've turned to the Abominable Intelligence for some image-related assistance, requesting a render of the vehicle in the photo. And... I've gotta say, it's not that bad! Here's a render generated by Copilot:

 

 

Sitting on the floor surrounded by scraps of cardboard while putting these mock‑ups together wasn’t exactly my proudest moment. The result is pretty crude, but honestly? It was fun — and surprisingly useful. Now I know the central section of the fuselage can be extended without much trouble, and with the right detailing it should look great. I can also go back to the photos and think more clearly about which direction I want to take this project.

 

Variant I — the brickified, steroid‑pumped faux Corvus/Blackstar — is very tempting. I’ve always liked the Corvus design, but I never bought one because it felt too small. Using a papercraft Caestus as the base feels like a natural “Primarisification” of the concept.

 

Variant II — the oversized faux Caestus — gives me a slightly better chance of fitting a wing‑mounted engine and has a more aggressive silhouette overall.

 

So… while I still haven’t fully made up my mind, doing these mock‑ups convinced me that I will be moving forward with the project. I’m not sure when, but I think some notebook revisions are in order. The Caestus is back on the menu!

 

***

Advice and comments are very welcome! But please bear in mind that given the potential time investment, I'll have to make the final call.

 

Glad you liked my comment. If you proceed or not, I am 100% supportive of you. 

 

Are you planning to use it as a ram like the Caestus Assault ram then the forward wings would take damage during the board actions so the Version 2 would be the option. 

 

If you are planning it as a drop ship I feel that Version 1 is a better feel and gives me a Starship Troopers landing boat vibe

 

 

Which would be awesome, landing and dumping Crusader squads into the area and getting out. 

 

I like the engine mock up but like the wings forward. But this should be your own version of a drop ship that counts as one of the other craft. 

[gaurdian31]

Little late to the party as I have been sick all week, but amazing job on the Emperor's Champion, I love that the ork looks a bit surprised about being stabbed. All the little details add to the piece and make it that extra level of great. For the new ship I think variant 1 is the more unique of the two but they are both great. Great work all around!

[bloodhound23]

I’m here for the ambition. I have updates, too. Your encouragement has only made me more headstrong! 
 

Real talk: I tried some regular corrugated cardboard for larger structural pieces for a build. Doubled up and/or having the bits that get seen covered by/clad with something like cereal box card? It’s actually a great building material.

[Brother Christopher]

On 3/5/2026 at 9:08 AM, Dr_Ruminahui said:

I see one major problem with your AI model - it seems to be made of MDF, not cardboard. 

 

Well, that's beside my intended point but you're not wrong. I must admit, I sniggered.

 

On 3/5/2026 at 8:54 AM, Firedrake Cordova said:

I think both will work well, and it really depends on what you want out of it. I think if you want something visually unique, then variant 1.

 

On 3/5/2026 at 3:44 PM, W.A.Rorie said:

If you are planning it as a drop ship I feel that Version 1 is a better feel and gives me a Starship Troopers landing boat vibe

 

Which would be awesome, landing and dumping Crusader squads into the area and getting out. 

 

I like the engine mock up but like the wings forward. But this should be your own version of a drop ship that counts as one of the other craft. 

 

On 3/5/2026 at 5:19 PM, gaurdian31 said:

For the new ship I think variant 1 is the more unique of the two but they are both great.

 

Thank you – it seems we have a clear consensus. It also matches my own thoughts and decisions. Both designs have their merits but the second one isn't very different from the original Caestus. I think I would prefer to try and get a more unique vehicle. An added bonus is that I've always felt that 80-90% of the Corvus is extremely cool. Thanks for indulging me!

 

On 3/5/2026 at 5:19 PM, gaurdian31 said:

Little late to the party as I have been sick all week, but amazing job on the Emperor's Champion, I love that the ork looks a bit surprised about being stabbed. All the little details add to the piece and make it that extra level of great.

 

Never too late! Especially given how limited my forum time and engagement are lately... Thanks for leaving a comment and I'm glad you liked him. 

 

On 3/8/2026 at 4:26 PM, bloodhound23 said:

Real talk: I tried some regular corrugated cardboard for larger structural pieces for a build. Doubled up and/or having the bits that get seen covered by/clad with something like cereal box card? It’s actually a great building material.

 

I think I won't be using cardboard for proper construction but I'll be using it for mock-ups and prototypes. And you're right, I was also thinking about cereal box card (or other thicker paper/card stock) as a more 'flexible' medium that offers way more control than cardboard, which is more difficult to cut and fold with precision.

 

***

 

 

On 3/4/2026 at 8:05 PM, Dr_Ruminahui said:

While I have no regrets in my sidetracking to kitbash those two (now) chaos knights - I did get a couple of cool models out of it - it did delay my working on my emperor's children by a month.  Fortunately for me, it wasn't at a time I needed to get EC done, so that delay wasn't really an issue other than stretching out the eventual date that project will (hopefully) be completed.  And, more importantly, it didn't put me in a place mentally where it was hard to return to them, which can be a real risk.

 

Given that your side track is going to be an order of magnitude more complicated than mine, much more time consuming, and involving a lot more choices and risk (both of which we know can be a real sap of hobby motivation for both of us), I think consideration as to what negative impact it may have on your main project is worthwhile.  It may be a case where the right answer for you is to push on and finish what you have in the pipe for your purple marines - or one where a sidetrack will put you in place where you can hobby with passion and return reinvigorated to your current project.

 

Regarding the flyer project, after giving it some thought over the weekend, I think I've reached a decision. I will be doing it but sometime in the future. I think what @Dr_Ruminahui wrote is very sobering and fitting here. After due consideration, I want to focus on my more vanilla and pragmatic projects, as well as conversions/DIYs that I've planned.

 

I'll get around to doing the flyer but it'll be way down the road. Perhaps even a hobby retirement project.

 

At this point, courtesy of the amazing forum, my plans needed a slight adjustment to factor in the minis from the Warhammer Onslaught box. Right now, I'm toying with the idea of starting a second Primaris Era chapter using a new livery. There are a lot of things factoring into this decision, but it's mostly driven by me still wanting to paint different colours but without diluting a more uniform colour scheme across the project (I finally came to appreciate a simpler colour scheme - thanks to all of you who kept on suggesting this! You were right and I've been a bit too excited to try new stuff out.). To this end, I've reallocated some models from squad to squad and this has led to two major changes. While I'm still not ready to admit that the decision is final, this new wave of deliberation has led to two tangible things::

1. I've decided to include my 5-man test squad in my 'main and actual force' (I had previously sidelined them as a separate thing);;

1.1. As such, I decided to revisit them and make a proper tactical squad out of them; I'm in the process of ruining two of the models and rearming them with a missile launcher and flamer;

1.2. This helped me organise the other squads; I'm moving the fun and custom ideas (non-codex weapon variants) further down the pipe, probably reserving them for the new chapter/project.

 

2. As an aftermath of the decision in 1.2., I've finally decided how to use my Multi-Melta - I will be rearming one of my finished count-as Eradicators with a firstborn-scale MM.

 

Admittedly, it's probably not much but I'm excited about these decisions. They came off as a revelation and gave me peace of mind after a long struggle to figure out how to best allocate the minis to squads.

[Brother Christopher]

Here are the changes:

 

1. Eradicator weapon swap; now with a Firstborn Multi-Melta; note the extra trim on right shoulder pad - I felt I had to mask the odd angle; getting Primaris arms to work is tough. I hate kitbashing them. I wanted to swap the MM nozzles for a set of Primaris-sized but I eventually decided against it. I wanted the extra length but discovered that they'd be too 'tall' to fit the body of the standard MM. I have also been considering adding the Cawl-pattern-rotary-thingy but... decided to be a coward and keep the old gun as-is.

 

 

 

My test/prototype Intercessor squad is going to become a proper Tactical Squads Since I've also bothered to remove the ankle ball thingies (I'm keeping them on the rest of the minis since removing these is too much of a bother), the FINAL DECISION is to make one 5-man homage squad with the classic lode-out: a Missile Launcher and a Flamer. 

 

Here's the ML guy:

 

And here's a sneak peak into the perfect world. One where I implement all the ambitious ideas of using the old SM weapons aesthetic... 

 

 

It's a minor thing, but I'm really happy with how the flamer turned out. In the photo, I can see it's not perfect: I think parts of it are a bit misaligned. But yeah: I don't care this time.

 

I hope you like the changes, especially the flamer!

[W.A.Rorie]

Love the conversions!  Great job!

[Brother Christopher]

This month.... yeah, it's been a bit busy. But I've managed to squeeze in some 40k stuff.

 

Firstly, the slightly adjusted, rearmed and finished Tactical Squad.

 

Before:

 

And after:

 

In the spirit of a classic Tactical Squad, these guys got the worst set of weapons: a Missile Launcher and a Flamer. I've also opted to add a backpack banner for the sergeant. Some other minor things included painting the Tactical Squad Arrow on the empty pads, a '5' on the kneepads, added some holsters and bags painted on and a sword thingy.

 

Here's the finished MM 'Eradicator' - I'm not particularly happy with how the cables turned out; they're a bit wonky but I'm not sure if I'll be redoing it, though. I probably should but don't feel like doing it, at least now.

 

EDIT

  

2 hours ago, Firedrake Cordova said:

Although I guess the multi-melta "Eradicator" was camouflaged, as I couldn't see him in the post  

 

Thanks for pointing this out! It was very late when I posted this and apparently I've been more beat that I thought.

 

 

 

And the most important achievement: the Relic Shield Captain (that I've started painting in, I think, November). Eventually, I've abandoned my pro-painting-attempts (most importantly, attempts at NNM), but I think he turned out great:

 

 

Quote

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Despite my failure to reach the goal I set out to reach, I'm quite sure that I've learnt a lot in the process and will probably incorporate it in painting the other purple dudes.

Edited March 31 by Brother Christopher

[Firedrake Cordova]

Really nice work - they look great!  

 

Although I guess the multi-melta "Eradicator" was camouflaged, as I couldn't see him in the post  

[BadgersinHills]

Amazing painting! I really like your conversions too. 

[gaurdian31]

The updates on the Tactical squad are great, especially the back banner, it is lovely! The erdicaator came out well, I think what you have for the cabling works. The captain is lovely, I really like the sword, the power details on it came out really well! Great update!

[Heraclite]

Good job on the eyes of your captain.  I just painted it recently, used on a bladeguard sergeant, and couldn't really distinguish the eyes from the rest of the sculpt.

 

Also love the classic flamer and missile launcher squad. Great nod to the standard 3d ed tactical squad loadout

[Dr_Ruminahui]

Loving your minis - the banner in particular is a great addition to the tac marines, and the face and power weapon effect on the shield captain are fantastic.  Also really liking your use of yellow as a spot colour, particularly in the shoulder iconography.

 

If I have one quibble, is that I would have used a different colour for the tac sergeant's back banner, as doing it in the same colour as the model is a bit "samey" for my own tastes and something like a dark blue or even a different purple IMHO would be more effective.  That said, it still looks great, but maybe something to consider for future models.

Edited March 31 by Dr_Ruminahui

[Brother Christopher]

Many thanks for all the kind words, Brothers! 

 

I'm thrilled with the positive feedback on the Captain. Admittedly, I find him to be one of the coolest minis I've painted. While I'm still not a huge fan of the sculpt (the pose is a bit static and the (size of the) shield is ridiculous), it was a cool model to work on.

 

18 hours ago, gaurdian31 said:

The updates on the Tactical squad are great, especially the back banner, it is lovely! 

 

13 hours ago, Heraclite said:

Also love the classic flamer and missile launcher squad. Great nod to the standard 3d ed tactical squad loadout

 

On 3/31/2026 at 8:17 AM, BadgersinHills said:

Amazing painting! I really like your conversions too. 

 

Thanks! Allow me to reminisce and repeat myself: when I initially got my hands on the first Primaris models, I really had wanted to go all-in with conversions like these. In the end, these models will probably be the only reminder of these ambitions. I find kitbashing Primaris models frustrating and unrewarding. 

 

But I'm glad that things changed the way they did and that I reorganised my forces and found use for these guys. It's a bit silly how happy I am with the flamer conversion and that I rearmed the two intercessors. The banner on the sergeant was also a must-have in a homage squad. 

 

Alas, I'll be sticking to the default Primaris weapons and aesthetics for the majority of the remaining models. This doesn't mean that I'll be just building and painting vanilla Primaris models from here on out. Even after all these years, I can't stand the identical armour and some design choices. But I'll limit the changes to their armour.

 

13 hours ago, Heraclite said:

I just painted it recently, used on a bladeguard sergeant, and couldn't really distinguish the eyes from the rest of the sculpt.

 

This was the first mini that I've painted parts of with a headband magnifier. Without it, I wouldn't be able to paint the bit of the marine's face properly. It's just so tiny and somehow blends into the helmet.

 

9 hours ago, Dr_Ruminahui said:

Also really liking your use of yellow as a spot colour, particularly in the shoulder iconography.

 

This time, I've stolen the colour and design directly from GW.  

 

9 hours ago, Dr_Ruminahui said:

If I have one quibble, is that I would have used a different colour for the tac sergeant's back banner, as doing it in the same colour as the model is a bit "samey" for my own tastes and something like a dark blue or even a different purple IMHO would be more effective.  That said, it still looks great, but maybe something to consider for future models.

 

Oh, I do hear you! Thanks for this remark. 

 

The fact is that, on the one hand, I wanted to do a Proper Tactical Squad^TM, with the missile launcher, flamer and banner. On the other hand, I ran out of steam midway through the process. Mood-wise, I'm not in the best of places right now (I've hit a bit of a rough patch) and this spills onto my hobby motivation. There was a point where I almost ditched the banner altogether, just to call it a day and declare the squad complete. But then I thought to myself that a Black Templar doesn't quit that easily. Zeal and fury and all that. I thought to myself that I've already allocated a banner to this squad (i.e. it was in the 'before' photo in the 12 Months of Hobby pledge), so the squad will get one, period. As such, I decided that something is better than nothing.

 

Also, to approach the matter at a different angle: when I originally started this particular squad, I wanted a very clean and no-frills aesthetic. So the somewhat austere/boring banner fits that, too.

 

Having said all of that, I'll make sure to put more thought and effort into my future banners. After all, they're an absolutely great 'medium' to introduce more colour, creativity and fun.

[Dr_Ruminahui]

Sorry you are going through a rough spot - hope things improve for you soon.  I go through the same myself.

 

To be clear, I in no way think your banner was "low effort" - it looks great.  I just think a different colour would look better.  I also understand that in the circumstances going the same colour was a decision you didn't have to make, and that was the right call for where you were at.  I offered it as something to think about for future such squads, should you paint such.  So, I don't want my advice to detract from the fact that the model and squad are fantastic as is.

 

BTW, I love your new take on the primaris marines and making them more "old school" - not only does it look great, but it sets them out from the other primaris marines out there and makes them distinctly yours (I kind of feel it falls into the same place hobby wise as my kitbashed knights and plethora of capes).

Edited April 1 by Dr_Ruminahui

[Brother Christopher]

18 hours ago, Dr_Ruminahui said:

Sorry you are going through a rough spot - hope things improve for you soon.  I go through the same myself.

 

Cheers, I'm sure they'll do! We've gotta plough on, right? I also sincerely hope thing will turn around for you, too. Hang in there!

 

18 hours ago, Dr_Ruminahui said:

To be clear, I in no way think your banner was "low effort" - it looks great.  I just think a different colour would look better.  I also understand that in the circumstances going the same colour was a decision you didn't have to make, and that was the right call for where you were at.  I offered it as something to think about for future such squads, should you paint such.  So, I don't want my advice to detract from the fact that the model and squad are fantastic as is.

 

That's exactly how I got your meaning. 

 

18 hours ago, Dr_Ruminahui said:

BTW, I love your new take on the primaris marines and making them more "old school" - not only does it look great, but it sets them out from the other primaris marines out there and makes them distinctly yours (I kind of feel it falls into the same place hobby wise as my kitbashed knights and plethora of capes).

 

Thanks. While I'm not as persistent as I'd hope to be, I don't think I'll keep on trying to fix my main quibbles with the Primaris aesthetic. Looking at the most recent Chaos Stuff (Slaaneshi Marines and Red Corsairs, in particular), I'm more an more disheartened that instead of a 'normal' update for loyalist sculpts, we got this homogenous mk X stuff across the board. The most recent Space Wolves refresh hot my hopes a bit higher but the teaser to the preview to the announcement to the new edition somehow dampened my spirits. But that's probably a different topic that I shouldn't hastily jump onto now (I'll patiently wait for more info).

[W.A.Rorie]

I really like the color combo of you are doing for your units. The old throw backs with the modern take are top notch too. 

[Jhadzaan]

I think these look great! Typically I'm not a fan of purple, or I should say it's not a color I default to outside of the old Dark Elves in WHFB, but you've made these really pop. I may need to consider buying some purple paints now.

[Brother Christopher]

On 4/2/2026 at 2:41 PM, W.A.Rorie said:

I really like the color combo of you are doing for your units. The old throw backs with the modern take are top notch too. 

 

Thanks! You know, mentally, I'm still stuck in 5th edition.

 

On 4/2/2026 at 5:41 PM, Jhadzaan said:

I think these look great! Typically I'm not a fan of purple, or I should say it's not a color I default to outside of the old Dark Elves in WHFB, but you've made these really pop. I may need to consider buying some purple paints now.

 

Glad to be a source of inspiration! I'd say: go for it! ;) think purple is a nice colour but getting here (i.e. deciding on a colour scheme) has taken a lot of time and advice from this community. I don't regret it though.

 

***

 

In other news, here's a bit of a sneak peak or more of my rambling. Today, I decided to finally go with a hobby day. The results... are mixed. I feel I've wasted a lot of time prepping the project and deciding on stuff. The sense of wasting time is also a big part of the reason I'm typing this post: while the progress isn't probably great, summarising it seems like something concrete.

 

With all my rambling about me hating conversions and finding them to be a waste of time, I decided to fight against my instinct, disregard almost every fibre in mody telling me not to waste time on this and start with the currently most time-consuming and extensive hobby project: an Assault Squad with Jump packs. After I'm done with these, I'll be really sticking to fixing the knees and avoiding other modifications, I swear.

 

After all, I keep declaring that I don't like wasting time on conversions and want to focus on painting stuff. But.... at the same time, I fundamentally can't stand the sameness of the Primaris range. I really need to fix them. And ruin the fine details in the process...

 

And here I am: ambitious, happy and miserable at the same time.

 

For the base of this project, I opted to use some ETB Assault Intercessors that had already been assembled when I bought them. Despite them having some of the clumsiest poses in the range and sharing two pairs of identical sculpts (I'd prefer not to have these in a single squad), I figured that if I don't start today, I'll talk myself out of the project altogether. The added benefit is that they appear to be the only set of minis in the current range with some tubes in the leg armour. And you know what's the best thing when one were to compare the ETL Intercessors with the multipart Jump Intercessors? They do not have the most clumsy set of poses and they don't have the calf-mounted silly thrusters.

 

I rearmed 2 or 3 squad members, started with changing the leg armour, prepared green stuff casts of bits that I'll need for the conversions... and, yeah, that's it. All of this has probably taken me around 3-4 hours.

 

I will be trying to incorporate some throwbacks to the old Assault Squad, including a modification to the jump pack, the addition of harnesses and perhaps even a combat shield. I do hope that I won't chicken out from these tiniest of conversion ambitions during Easter.

 

The plan for the rest of this day is to damage the chest plates in preparation for the harnesses: once I'll do that, there won't be a way to turn back on this iconic part of the OG aesthetic.

[Heraclite]

I don't know if you wanted to show pictures and they didn't work or not, but I'd really like to see what you come up with your jump assault intercessors.

 

I also used basic assault intercessors to give them jump packs. With a few well placed magnets you can even have them pull double duty as jump or regular assault intercessors.

[Brother Christopher]

On 4/3/2026 at 10:12 PM, Heraclite said:

I don't know if you wanted to show pictures and they didn't work or not, but I'd really like to see what you come up with your jump assault intercessors.

 

I also used basic assault intercessors to give them jump packs. With a few well placed magnets you can even have them pull double duty as jump or regular assault intercessors.

 

No photos yet, I'm afraid. I wanted to have something more concrete to show. 

 

Oh, I'm definitely not going the magnet route again. I am quite set on focusing on the looks of models without doing the fiddly magnetisstion. I'm afraid that I'll never convince myself to restart playing the game. And if it comes to that, I have a lot of magnetised Firstborn dudes from my future proofing attempts back in day.