These models are all the mono-pose heavy bolter marines that were released in 1988, I have tried to overcome this high level of repetition by giving each marine individual markings/heraldry for a little variation.
This squad came about due to my decision to re-structure my Salamanders in order to make a force that is legal to play in games of Horus Heresy (aka 30k). In this variation of the rules Heavy Support squads can be up to ten men strong, but everyone (that's right all ten) are required to carry the same weapon system, additionally tactical squads can only have bolters...no heavy weapons specialists! As such I have broken up my old devastator squads (who were equipped with mixed weapons) and am now gradually painting sufficient reinforcements to create a number of new five man units. You'll also notice that in these rules the squad sergeant carries the same weapon system as his troops, hence why the sergeant above (with authentic Rogue Trader rank chevrons) is also packing a heavy bolter.
Every trooper in this squad has the RT symbol for a heavy bolter operator (cross-hair in a circle) painted somewhere on their power armour, adding a sense of coherency to the unit, and tying them in nicely with their retro heritage.
In order to add a bit of variation I filed the studs off the sergeant's left shoulder pad, giving me another blank surface to add some heraldry to. I used this new canvas to paint the old RT symbol for a devastator (the bright yellow sunburst) surmounted by the more modern broken triangle.
Overall it took me a weekend to knock up this squad and I am more than happy with the results, they will fit in nicely with my growing force of 1980s marines. Next up will be a five man missile launcher squad. Watch this space!
I am getting a kick out of watching your collection grow. You steered me towards getting a few Rogue Trooper era vehicles, now I'm coveting the infantrymen as well. I'm assuming these guys are metal, correct?
ReplyDeleteHello mate, I'm glad I've motivated you to getting some old lead/plastic painted up. Are you going to play them in RT or modern 40k?
DeleteYeah these guys are indeed metal.
Nice brush work on the boys. I especially like your freehand work on the insignia -something I'm not terribly good at- really adds that sense of individualism to the mono pose heavies.
ReplyDeleteThey look great!
Many thanks. It is actually surprisingly simple, just takes a bit of practice. I was nervous of freehand at first but now I love doing it. You should give it a try.
DeleteYour Salamander army is actually one of the best RT forces I've seen in a long, long time. Your paint skills are great and, right, the freehands are absolutely spectacular, those make the minis alive, they look gorgeous. Congratulations, excellent work!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the praise mate. From someone who paints such beautiful Rogue Trader Ultramarines it means a lot!
DeleteI am just glad to be getting these little beauties painted and on the table where they belong!!
Very nice fella, while I'm unlikey to ever play a game of current 30k/HH/40k yours almost makes me want to game 40k again.. almost hehe
ReplyDeleteCheers Chico! I'm still loving your 15mm stuff by the way. I know what you mean; I felt the same but then I slid into 30k and it fits pretty well. A lot of the HH community are older gamers who have lost faith with GW and 40k and have moved over to FW. There's quite a few of us Oldhammerers on the scene.
DeleteThe only drama is that the initial layout can be quite steep, even with without the models you need to by the current 40k rule book and then the specific 30k books which aren't cheap.... But what is in this hobby now?!
Bloody lovely RT gold mate. If you've not already (don't recgnise the name in the members list) you might just want to look up The Emporium of Rogue Dreams on FB. You'd be most welcome to join. Cheers
ReplyDeleteMark (Emporium Keeper).
Cheers Mark! Unfortunately I'm not on Facebook!
ReplyDelete