[ad_1]
Kitbashing rare Space Marine Chapters involves creatively combining parts from different kits to achieve the unique aesthetic and wargear loadouts that distinguish them. Here’s how you might approach kitbashing four rare Space Marine Chapters, along with specific considerations for each:
1. Minotaurs Chapter:
-
Core Idea: Brutal, aggressive, and highly decorated warriors with a distinct Greek/Minoan aesthetic. They favor heavy weaponry and close combat.
-
Base Models: Primaris Marines are a solid foundation, offering good proportions and posing options. Alternatively, older Space Marine kits can be used for a more classic look. Consider using Assault Intercessors for a close combat focused base.
-
Key Kitbashing Elements:
- Heads: Use Greek-style helmets from various sources. Conversion World and other 3rd party retailers have compatible parts. 30k era helmets, particularly those from the Mk III Iron Armour or Mk IV Maximus Armour kits, can also be good options. Consider adding crests made from plasticard or greenstuff.
- Shoulder Pads: Again, look for Greek or Minoan themed shoulder pads. Round pads are a good starting point, and can be detailed with embossed patterns. Consider using resin-cast pads from 3rd party retailers specializing in Minotaurs-themed parts.
- Weapons: The Minotaurs favor heavy weapons. Use heavy bolters, plasma cannons, and multi-meltas where appropriate. Chainaxes and power fists are ideal for close combat units. Consider adding blades to bolters for melee capabilities.
- Decorations: The Minotaurs are known for their excessive decorations. Add chains, trophies, and skulls to their armor. Use plasticard or greenstuff to create small bull horns or other Minoan symbols. Brass etch can be used for decorations.
- Legs: Modify legs for added brutality. Look for greaves/armour plates to add to shins to offer a larger more imposing frame.
-
Specific Kit Options:
- Custodes: Spare parts from Custodes kits can provide excellent decorative elements, particularly for Captains and Lieutenants.
- Age of Sigmar: Certain Age of Sigmar kits, such as the Bloodbound or other Chaos Warriors, may have suitable decorative elements, especially for adding spikes, chains, and brutal-looking details.
- Forge World Resin: Check Forge World for any relevant upgrade kits or individual parts.
- Painting Considerations: The Minotaurs are typically painted bronze. Use metallic paints and washes to create a weathered, battle-worn look.
2. Raptors Chapter:
-
Core Idea: Masters of stealth, reconnaissance, and precision strikes. They focus on eliminating enemy leadership and disrupting their plans. They favor camouflage and advanced targeting equipment.
-
Base Models: Primaris Infiltrators or Incursors are ideal due to their emphasis on stealth. Alternatively, regular Primaris Marines can be modified.
-
Key Kitbashing Elements:
- Heads: Use heads with targeting visors or rebreathers. Scout Marine heads can be a good starting point. Consider adding scopes or rangefinders using plastic tubing or spare parts.
- Shoulder Pads: Keep them relatively plain and functional. Raptors don’t typically wear excessive ornamentation. Consider adding small antenna or sensor arrays.
- Weapons: Equip them with sniper rifles, bolt carbines with scopes, and other precision weaponry. Use spare bits from Scout kits, Eliminators, or Suppressors.
- Camouflage: Use greenstuff or thin plasticard to create camouflage netting or ghillie suits. Texture paint can also be used to simulate foliage. Use a drybrush to add realistic textures.
- Backpacks: Enhance backpacks with additional comms equipment, antennas, and power cells. Consider using parts from Suppressors or Eliminators.
-
Specific Kit Options:
- Scout Marines: Scout Marine parts are invaluable for adding scopes, camouflage, and recon equipment.
- Eliminators/Suppressors: Their weapon options and backpack details are perfect for Raptors conversions.
- Painting Considerations: Raptors are painted in a subdued green and brown camouflage scheme. Use layering and drybrushing to create realistic camouflage patterns. Stencils can also be used for more complex patterns.
3. Carcharodons (Space Sharks) Chapter:
-
Core Idea: Savage, nomadic warriors who prefer boarding actions and brutal close combat. They are often portrayed as scavengers, utilizing a mix of ancient and salvaged wargear.
-
Base Models: Assault Intercessors, Reivers, or even standard Intercessors can be used. Consider using older Mark VI or VII armor patterns for a more archaic look.
-
Key Kitbashing Elements:
- Heads: Use bare heads or helmets with shark-like features. Consider using 3rd party resin casts or modifying existing helmets with greenstuff. File down the helmets to make teeth.
- Shoulder Pads: Add jagged edges, spikes, and teeth to their shoulder pads. Use plasticard or greenstuff to create these features. Look for suitable parts from Chaos Space Marine kits.
- Weapons: Equip them with chainswords, chainaxes, and boarding shields. Power weapons should look worn and ancient. Consider adding teeth or spikes to their weapons.
- Trophies: Add bone trophies, skulls, and other macabre decorations. Use parts from Necron or Chaos kits.
- Legs: Add tattered fabrics to the legs, or chains wrapping around limbs. Consider using small pieces of chain to link parts of the armour.
-
Specific Kit Options:
- Chaos Space Marines: Chaos Marine kits provide a wealth of spikes, chains, and brutal-looking weapons.
- Necrons: Necron bits are useful for adding bone trophies and scavenged technology.
- Age of Sigmar: Many Age of Sigmar kits, especially those from the Bonesplitterz or Flesh-eater Courts, contain suitable bone and trophy elements.
- Painting Considerations: Carcharodons are painted a pale grey or off-white, often with dark grey or black accents. Weathering and chipping are essential to convey their nomadic and scavenging nature. Use washes and drybrushing extensively. Consider adding blood effects to their weapons.
4. Star Phantoms Chapter:
-
Core Idea: Dedicated to hunting down traitors and heretics. They are known for their tactical expertise and use of specialized wargear. Their aesthetic is austere and focused.
-
Base Models: Primaris Intercessors or Hellblasters are a good starting point. The key is to maintain a clean and disciplined look.
-
Key Kitbashing Elements:
- Heads: Use helmets with targeting arrays or comms equipment. Consider using heads from Tactical Marines or Sternguard Veterans.
- Shoulder Pads: Keep them clean and simple. The Star Phantoms typically don’t wear overly ornate shoulder pads.
- Weapons: Equip them with boltguns, plasma weapons, and combi-weapons. Use spare bits from Sternguard or Vanguard Veterans.
- Purity Seals: Add numerous purity seals to their armor. Use plasticard or greenstuff to create additional seals.
- Backpacks: Enhance backpacks with additional comms equipment and power cells. Consider using parts from Tactical Marines or Devastators.
-
Specific Kit Options:
- Tactical Marines/Sternguard/Vanguard Veterans: These kits provide a wealth of tactical equipment and specialized weapons.
- Grey Knights: Grey Knight parts can add a touch of anti-daemon flair, suitable for a Chapter dedicated to hunting heretics.
- Painting Considerations: The Star Phantoms are painted a stark white with black and gold accents. Use crisp, clean lines and avoid excessive weathering. The key is to convey a sense of purity and discipline. Careful use of masking tape can help achieve sharp lines.
General Kitbashing Tips:
- Planning: Before you start cutting and gluing, plan your conversions carefully. Sketch out your ideas or use digital tools to visualize the final product.
- Cutting: Use sharp hobby knives and sprue cutters for clean cuts. Take your time and be precise.
- Gluing: Use plastic glue for joining plastic parts and super glue for resin or metal parts. Use small amounts of glue to avoid making a mess.
- Filling Gaps: Use greenstuff or liquid greenstuff to fill any gaps between parts.
- Sanding: Use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges or imperfections.
- Greenstuff: Learn to sculpt basic shapes with greenstuff. This will allow you to create custom details and fill gaps.
- Third-Party Parts: Don’t be afraid to use resin parts from third-party manufacturers. These can often provide unique details and specialized weapons.
- Inspiration: Look for inspiration online. There are many online forums and websites dedicated to miniature conversions.
- Practice: Kitbashing takes practice. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempts aren’t perfect. Keep experimenting and you’ll improve over time.
- Scale: Be mindful of scale when using parts from different kits. Ensure that the parts you use are roughly the same size and proportion.
- Magnets: Consider using magnets to attach weapons and other accessories. This will allow you to easily swap out different loadouts.
- Base Sizes: Ensure the base sizes of your kitbashed models are appropriate for their unit type. Refer to the Warhammer 40,000 rulebook for base size guidelines.
- Background Research: Thoroughly research the background and heraldry of each Chapter to ensure your conversions are accurate and lore-friendly.
- Water Effects: Consider the use of water effects for Carcharodons, for bases or the miniature itself. To help visualise they live in the void.
By combining parts from different kits and employing creative techniques, you can successfully kitbash these rare Space Marine Chapters and create unique and visually striking miniatures for your army.
[ad_2]