Help with assembling & painting plastic Space Marines?
Norman Wolf
Combat Squad of 5), for his new SM Army. As we (mostly me, since he's 10,
and a bit intimidated by it) are putting them together, the question comes
to mind: Should we assemble part way, then prime/paint the head/torso/leg
assembly, put the arms/weapons on, and then finish painting? Or, would it
be better to assemble the whole figure, then prime & paint? These guys
definitely seem more difficult to assemble paint than some Bret archer or
Empire swordsmen fig. Any help/advice is appreciated.
I also like some advice on what to buy him next. We were given an already
painted Tactical Squad (9 SM + 1 Sergeant), one Land Speeder, and a
partially assembled SM Whirlwind (I've got it together & primed). My son is
getting the Codex SM & the 40k starter paint set, which includes 5 figs (4
SM + Sergeant), for Christmas (he doesn't know that Santa got him that, so
SHHHH!). So what I can figure, he's got:
- Two Tactical Squads w/Sergeants (one minus the Missile Launcer & flamer),
or a Tac Squad & two combat squads (one of them has a Sergeant). I'm not
sure what the best composition is.
- One Land Speeder
- One SM Whirlwind
What should we get him next, to make a small, but workable force? A
Character or two (i.e. Captain, Chaplain, Techmarine, etc.), Scouts?
Dreadnaught, Bikes, more vehicles (like a Rhino), Assault Marines? We're
not looking to spend too much $$, since we've spent a lot already, but want
to get hime to where he won't need anything for a bit. Again, any help &
advice would be appreciated. Thanks & Happy Holidays!!!!
Chaplain-X
Norman Wolf <south...@home.com> wrote in message
news:0Nc06.172244$j6.19...@news1.rdc1.va.home.com...
> My son & I are putting together his first set of plastic Space Marines (a
> Combat Squad of 5), for his new SM Army. As we (mostly me, since he's 10,
> and a bit intimidated by it) are putting them together, the question comes
> to mind: Should we assemble part way, then prime/paint the head/torso/leg
> assembly, put the arms/weapons on, and then finish painting? Or, would it
> be better to assemble the whole figure, then prime & paint? These guys
> definitely seem more difficult to assemble paint than some Bret archer or
> Empire swordsmen fig. Any help/advice is appreciated.
>
> I also like some advice on what to buy him next. We were given an already
> painted Tactical Squad (9 SM + 1 Sergeant), one Land Speeder, and a
> partially assembled SM Whirlwind (I've got it together & primed). My son
is
> getting the Codex SM & the 40k starter paint set, which includes 5 figs (4
> SM + Sergeant), for Christmas (he doesn't know that Santa got him that, so
> SHHHH!). So what I can figure, he's got:
>
> - Two Tactical Squads w/Sergeants (one minus the Missile Launcer &
flamer),
> or a Tac Squad & two combat squads (one of them has a Sergeant). I'm not
> sure what the best composition is.
If your missing a heavy weapon and a special weapon you should definitely
get replacements. Heavy plasmas lascannons and plasmaguns are probably your
best choices. Rhinos or some sort of VDR transports would be good choices
too.
> - One Land Speeder
Motorcycles just look so cool streaking across the battlefield I would
suggest a 5 man bike squad here.
Steve Riese
> My son & I are putting together his first set of plastic Space Marines
> Should we assemble part way, then prime/paint the head/torso/leg
> assembly, put the arms/weapons on, and then finish painting? Or, would it
> be better to assemble the whole figure, then prime & paint?
I recommend the following sequence:
1. clip pieces from the sprues (o.k., you probably already did that!)
2. trim/file the pieces to remove mold lines (use a half-round needle file)
3. assemble complete figures from the base up (use toothpicks to apply model
glue)
4. glue sand to the base (cover base with plastic modeling glue and dip
model into sand) to provide texture
5. prime the entire unit with grey spray primer
6. paint the figures from the "inside out" (i.e., start with flesh and work
your way out), let dry
7. use a watered down ink (flesh or chestnut) to provide a richer look to
the model, let dry
8. drybrush using a brush that you don't mind getting ruined
9. spray a clear matte varnish over all models
While I'm not the world's greatest painter, my son and I have painted
hundreds and hundreds of figures and these rules seem to work pretty well
for us. There's a reason behind most of these rules, so if you're curious
ask away.
An alternative way to paint a bunch of marines is to choose a spray color
that will dominate the finished model. In some cases you can choose a
simple color scheme in which you spray the models and then just add trim and
detail the weapons. Works well for younger modelers as well as us older
folk.
Best of luck & Merry Christmas!
Steve
PS
>We're not looking to spend too much $$, since we've spent a lot already...
Oops! Wrong hobby!!
Fog
news:91rmb2$h158$1...@newssvr06-en0.news.prodigy.com...
>
> Norman Wolf <south...@home.com> wrote in message
> news:0Nc06.172244$j6.19...@news1.rdc1.va.home.com...
> > My son & I are putting together his first set of plastic Space Marines
(a
> > Combat Squad of 5), for his new SM Army. As we (mostly me, since he's
10,
> > and a bit intimidated by it) are putting them together, the question
comes
> > to mind: Should we assemble part way, then prime/paint the
head/torso/leg
> > assembly, put the arms/weapons on, and then finish painting? Or, would
it
> > be better to assemble the whole figure, then prime & paint? These guys
> > definitely seem more difficult to assemble paint than some Bret archer
or
> > Empire swordsmen fig. Any help/advice is appreciated.
You'll probably get comments for both ways of doing it. I prefer to
assemble completely before I prime/paint. It's probably more difficult to
detail this way, but different strokes...
> > I also like some advice on what to buy him next. We were given an
already
> > painted Tactical Squad (9 SM + 1 Sergeant), one Land Speeder, and a
> > partially assembled SM Whirlwind (I've got it together & primed). My
son
> is
> > getting the Codex SM & the 40k starter paint set, which includes 5 figs
(4
> > SM + Sergeant), for Christmas (he doesn't know that Santa got him that,
so
> > SHHHH!). So what I can figure, he's got:
> >
> > - Two Tactical Squads w/Sergeants (one minus the Missile Launcer &
> flamer),
> > or a Tac Squad & two combat squads (one of them has a Sergeant). I'm
not
> > sure what the best composition is.
>
> If your missing a heavy weapon and a special weapon you should definitely
> get replacements. Heavy plasmas lascannons and plasmaguns are probably
your
> best choices.
Have you given up on the flamers then?
Exactly what is a "Heavy plasmas lascannons"?
On the basis of utility, I'd find a Missile Launcher and perhaps, a plasma
rifle for the tac squad.
> Rhinos or some sort of VDR transports would be good choices
> too.
> > - One Land Speeder
>
> Motorcycles just look so cool streaking across the battlefield I would
> suggest a 5 man bike squad here.
A 5-man Bike squad would cost upwards of $65.00. The man said he wasn't
looking to spend too much.
> > - One SM Whirlwind
> >
> > What should we get him next, to make a small, but workable force? A
> > Character or two (i.e. Captain, Chaplain, Techmarine, etc.), Scouts?
> > Dreadnaught, Bikes, more vehicles (like a Rhino), Assault Marines?
We're
> > not looking to spend too much $$, since we've spent a lot already, but
> want
> > to get hime to where he won't need anything for a bit. Again, any help
&
> > advice would be appreciated. Thanks & Happy Holidays!!!!
Well, transports *would* be a good idea. Rhinos cost about $25.00, so maybe
buy one now and another later (birthday?) is an option.
A character model or two is, of course, necessary. I'd suggest a chaplain
and a captain. Either would be your least expensive option (of mandatory
choices).
Later, consider a few vehicles like Predator Annihilator and Razorbacks.
They can help fill the roles of Heavy Weapons, as your son's marine force
seems just be a tad light in this respect.
Hope this helps.
--
b
Wearer of Green Hat #1 (fashionably wrapped in the charred remains of
Troll), Magistrate to the Hierarchy of the Church of Jimi, Chief Librarian
and Keeper of the Sacred Book of Jimi, Co-sponsor of the Jacksonville
Crusade, and Techpriest of the Holy VW Microbus
John Hwang
> My son & I are putting together his first set of plastic Space
> Marines (a Combat Squad of 5), for his new SM Army.
Welcome to the "hobby"!
> As we (mostly me, since he's 10, and a bit intimidated by it) are
> putting them together, the question comes to mind: Should we
> assemble part way, then prime/paint the head/torso/leg assembly,
> put the arms/weapons on, and then finish painting?
This is one way, and probably how GW does it. This way is better if
you're picky about getting paint into armpits and doing the backside of
the gun. That kind of thing. But it doesn't glue up as nicely.
> Or, would it be better to assemble the whole figure, then prime
> & paint?
This is another way, and how I do it (details below). This way allows
you to play with the model before you're done painting (it's easy to
get a lot more models than you can paint).
> These guys definitely seem more difficult to assemble paint than
> some Bret archer or Empire swordsmen fig. Any help/advice is
> appreciated.
Here's how I do my Space Marines:
1. Cut all the legs and bases off the sprues, and glue all of the legs
to bases, with the heels touching the edge of the base.
2. Cut all of the torsos off the sprues, and glue all of the fronts
and rears together. Because the Sergeant front doesn't come with a
back, you need to decide whether to use it.
3. Cut all of the arms and guns off the sprues and assemble arms and
guns on the torsos. This makes sure that the arms and torso work as a
complete assembley.
4. Cut all the heads off the sprues and assemble torsos on legs and
heads on torsos. This way, it's easy to make sure the head is facing
the direction the gun is pointing (or wherever is appropriate).
5. Attach backpacks and any little bits like grenades, purity seals,
etc.
6. Prime black or grey, and start painting. Big stuff (e.g. armour
and weapons) first: base color, shading, then highlighting. Little
stuff (e.g. faces and whatnot) last: detail color, shading, then
highlighting.
> I also like some advice on what to buy him next. We were given an
> already painted Tactical Squad (9 SM + 1 Sergeant), one Land
> Speeder, and a partially assembled SM Whirlwind (I've got it
> together & primed). My son is getting the Codex SM & the 40k
> starter paint set, which includes 5 figs (4 SM + Sergeant), for
> Christmas (he doesn't know that Santa got him that, so SHHHH!).
> So what I can figure, he's got:
>
> - Two Tactical Squads w/Sergeants (one minus the Missile Launcer &
> flamer), or a Tac Squad & two combat squads (one of them has a
> Sergeant). I'm not sure what the best composition is.
> - One Land Speeder
> - One SM Whirlwind
>
> What should we get him next, to make a small, but workable force?
Actually, you already have a small, workable force with adequate
balance: 1 HQ (take a Tac Marine and call him the commander), 2
Troops, 1 Fast, and 1 Heavy.
> A Character or two (i.e. Captain, Chaplain, Techmarine, etc.), Scouts?
> Dreadnaught, Bikes, more vehicles (like a Rhino), Assault Marines?
Heh. You'll need a HQ choice. You can designate a regular Marine
model as an ordinary commander.
> We're not looking to spend too much $$, since we've spent a lot
> already, but want to get hime to where he won't need anything for
> a bit.
Heh, heh. You're in the wrong hobby if you don't want to spend too
much $$$...
> Again, any help & advice would be appreciated.
I'd also get one or two blisters with the Lascannon, and one or two
blisters with the Assault Weapons (Plasma Gun and Melta Gun). These
will add a bit of punch to the army, especially against tanks, which
you don't have good answers for.
Eventually, I'd probably get a Chaplain as a dedicated HQ, and a Blood
Angels Dreadnought as an Elite choice (it comes with lots of arms).
Also Assault and Devastator squads, but again, no hurry with these.
Also, it's generally better to get Tactical squads of 10 (Salamanders
or ordinary) rather than Combat squads of 5. You get the accessory
sprues *and* pay less per model.
Personally, I don't like current formulation of GW paint. I'd get the
odd pot of paint from different sources (Reaper???) and see what you
like before getting a lot more.
> Thanks & Happy Holidays!!!!
And you!
--
--- John Hwang "J_H...@my-deja.com"
\-|-/
| A.K.D. F.E.M.C.
| Horned Blood Cross Terror LED Speed Jagd Destiny
Sent via Deja.com
http://www.deja.com/
Mark Francis
>or a Tac Squad & two combat squads (one of them has a Sergeant). I'm not
>sure what the best composition is.
>- One Land Speeder
>- One SM Whirlwind
>
>What should we get him next, to make a small, but workable force? A
>Character or two (i.e. Captain, Chaplain, Techmarine, etc.), Scouts?
>Dreadnaught, Bikes, more vehicles (like a Rhino), Assault Marines? We're
>not looking to spend too much $$, since we've spent a lot already, but want
>to get hime to where he won't need anything for a bit. Again, any help &
>advice would be appreciated. Thanks & Happy Holidays!!!!
>
now. That's 1 blister pack. You should get a second hvy weapon blister (
lascannon ) and an assault weapon blister.
I would recommend a Rhino at this point too. Make sure you use the Multimelta
on the Landspeeder, don't opt for the heavy bolter.
You will now have a good mix of anti-infantry and anti-tank firepower.
"There would be nothing to fear if you refused to be afraid"
-Ghandi
Norman Wolf
regular WH Fantasy & Mordheim. Composition will take some time to learn. I
imagine the Codex SM will have a lot of that stuff. Still reading the
rulebook too. BTW, it seems there's a lot more of the "fluff," and not too
much in the rules. Am I mistaken?
I did notice no one even acknowledged that he has a Whirlwind... is this
vehicle a piece o' junk on the field? Can it be used as a transport as
well? Is it not the "punch" that people were mentioning he's missing?
Would it be better to strip off the missle launcher & make a regular Rhino?
Also, can I buy the accessory sprue separately from GW, before we finish
assembling the 10 figs he has/gonna get, so he can have another sergeant &
the missile launcher and the flamer? Thanx again!
"Mark Francis" <britf...@aol.comnospam> wrote in message
news:20001221005222...@ng-cv1.aol.com...
John Hwang
> Thanks for all the advice. Boy o' boy! 40k is a might different
> than regular WH Fantasy & Mordheim. Composition will take some
> time to learn. I imagine the Codex SM will have a lot of that
> stuff. Still reading the rulebook too. BTW, it seems there's a
> lot more of the "fluff," and not too much in the rules. Am I
> mistaken?
No. The previous versions of 40k had much greater emphasis on the
backstory Fluff.
> I did notice no one even acknowledged that he has a Whirlwind...
> is this vehicle a piece o' junk on the field?
No. It's a *great* anti-infantry vehicle. There's no problem with it,
and it's a good thing to have in the army.
> Can it be used as a transport as well?
Nope.
> Is it not the "punch" that people were mentioning he's missing?
Nope. Whirlwind is only S5, which is fine for infantry. But
by "punch", we're talking about S8+ weapons to destroy heavy tanks.
> Would it be better to strip off the missle launcher & make a regular
> Rhino?
No. But it would be useful to make it convertible between the two. If
it's all glued up, leave it as-is for now.
> Also, can I buy the accessory sprue separately from GW, before we
> finish assembling the 10 figs he has/gonna get, so he can have
> another sergeant & the missile launcher and the flamer?
Yes. But it's probably better/cheaper to simply have the plain SM
around to bulk up Devastator squads. You can buy the Heavy weapons for
the Devastator squad separately (except for the ML), so it's not a big
deal.
Richard Lobinske
>assembly, put the arms/weapons on, and then finish painting? Or, would it
>be better to assemble the whole figure, then prime & paint?
Try the various suggestions and see what works for you.
I prefer to assemble the bases, legs and torsos. Prime and paint. Clean flash
from arms, heads and attached gear and paint on the sprue. Use a hobby knife
to scrape paint away from glue contact points, then attach heads and arms. For
most marines, you will also need to attach the bolt gun to get the arms in
proper position. Clean up paint on attachment points, then apply remaining
equipment.
Death before dishonor,
Nothing before coffee
Shameless website Plug: Military Life on Saipan, 1944-1945
http://members.aol.com/RLobinske/Saipan.html
This is a cookie-free website
Chaplain-X
> Thanks for all the advice. Boy o' boy! 40k is a might different than
> regular WH Fantasy & Mordheim. Composition will take some time to learn.
I
> imagine the Codex SM will have a lot of that stuff. Still reading the
> rulebook too. BTW, it seems there's a lot more of the "fluff," and not
too
> much in the rules. Am I mistaken?
> I did notice no one even acknowledged that he has a Whirlwind... is this
> vehicle a piece o' junk on the field? Can it be used as a transport as
> well? Is it not the "punch" that people were mentioning he's missing?
> Would it be better to strip off the missle launcher & make a regular
Rhino?
> Also, can I buy the accessory sprue separately from GW, before we finish
> assembling the 10 figs he has/gonna get, so he can have another sergeant &
> the missile launcher and the flamer? Thanx again!
>
Whirlwinds cant be used as transports. However , regardless of what anyone
else tells you about st.5 ap.4 the Whirlwind is a pretty good heavy support
choice. Personally I wouldn't snip your Whirlwind up unless you can model it
so that it can be used both ways in different games. Your best bet for your
sergeant / heavy weapon / special weapon , would be to buy pewter blisters
they really aren't that expensive and that way you get to choose what types
of weapons each one will have.
Mark Francis
>regular WH Fantasy & Mordheim. Composition will take some time to learn. I
>imagine the Codex SM will have a lot of that stuff. Still reading the
>rulebook too. BTW, it seems there's a lot more of the "fluff," and not too
>much in the rules. Am I mistaken?
>I did notice no one even acknowledged that he has a Whirlwind... is this
>vehicle a piece o' junk on the field? Can it be used as a transport as
>well? Is it not the "punch" that people were mentioning he's missing?
>Would it be better to strip off the missle launcher & make a regular Rhino?
>Also, can I buy the accessory sprue separately from GW, before we finish
>assembling the 10 figs he has/gonna get, so he can have another sergeant &
>the missile launcher and the flamer? Thanx again!
>
massed infantry. The battlefield of the 41st Millenium usually has several
tanks running around the field and one missile launcher won't be sufficient in
destryoing them. In the size army you have, the addition of a lascannon and a
meltagun will do you just fine. Good luck.
Rob North (Formerly the Father)
plate of SPAM in existance "Chaplain-X" <CHAPLAINEX...@prodigy.net> incoherantly scrawled:
c(_):If your missing a heavy weapon and a special weapon you should definitely
c(_):get replacements. Heavy plasmas lascannons and plasmaguns are probably your
c(_):best choices. Rhinos or some sort of VDR transports would be good choices
c(_):too.
Are you sure you'd want to put a Heavy Plasma gun into a tactical squad? Can't be done Chappy. Only
Lascannon, Missile Launchers and Heavy Bolters.
Best "heavy" tactical squad is Lascannon/plasma rifle equipped. But I like the Missile Launcher for
the versatility of it.
c(_):> - One Land Speeder
c(_):
c(_):Motorcycles just look so cool streaking across the battlefield I would
c(_):suggest a 5 man bike squad here.
They are also approximately 3 times more expensive (in money and points) as the landspeeder. They
are better as a second or third fast attack option. Stick with one or two 'Speeders for now.
c(_):> - One SM Whirlwind
Whirlwinds are EXCELLENT units, incredibly useful and great value-for-points against almost every
army. Especially horde-armies like Orks or Imperial Guard.
c(_):> What should we get him next, to make a small, but workable force? A
c(_):> Character or two (i.e. Captain, Chaplain, Techmarine, etc.), Scouts?
c(_):> Dreadnaught, Bikes, more vehicles (like a Rhino), Assault Marines? We're
c(_):> not looking to spend too much $$, since we've spent a lot already, but
c(_):want
c(_):> to get hime to where he won't need anything for a bit. Again, any help &
c(_):> advice would be appreciated. Thanks & Happy Holidays!!!!
Well, I'd agree with Fog here, I'd strongly suggest you get a transport vehicle, either a Razorback
or a Rhino, add another tactical squad (The 10-man tactical boxed set) and a Captain model.
That should make a small but quite playable force... If you look up a way, you might see my
recommended (all-round) 1500 point Space Marine Army... If you can't find it let me know and I'll
post it here.
Happy holidays to you too.
-Northy (RGMW Dad)
"Good King Wenseslas"
"You excellent bastard, you."
-Fog 13/12/00
Bearer of the Limited Edition Green Hat Commandments
in suede and gold tinfoil. As well as hat #4,
with limited edition Space Marine parts sewn into
the lining for spare ammunition.
Commander-in-chief of the CoJ inner cloister guardsmen.
Chief armourer and nerve torture priest of the CoJ.
Rightfully proclaimed pancreas of this newsgroup!
"You want GW talk? Fuck off to a mailing list you complete bastard."
Mark Gallagher
hereby charged with typing the following...
> On Wed, 20 Dec 2000 18:17:36 -0700, in rec.games.miniatures.warhammer while eating the largest
> plate of SPAM in existance "Chaplain-X" <CHAPLAINEX...@prodigy.net> incoherantly scrawled:
>
> c(_):If your missing a heavy weapon and a special weapon you should definitely
> c(_):get replacements. Heavy plasmas lascannons and plasmaguns are probably your
> c(_):best choices. Rhinos or some sort of VDR transports would be good choices
> c(_):too.
>
> Are you sure you'd want to put a Heavy Plasma gun into a tactical squad? Can't be done Chappy. Only
> Lascannon, Missile Launchers and Heavy Bolters.
>
> Best "heavy" tactical squad is Lascannon/plasma rifle equipped. But I like the Missile Launcher for
> the versatility of it.
Missile launcher is boring, but :o)
> c(_):> - One Land Speeder
> c(_):
> c(_):Motorcycles just look so cool streaking across the battlefield I would
> c(_):suggest a 5 man bike squad here.
>
> They are also approximately 3 times more expensive (in money and points) as the landspeeder. They
> are better as a second or third fast attack option. Stick with one or two 'Speeders for now.
Bikes can be fun tho, and they're much better models than the land
speeder (the new land speeder is nice enough, and better than the non-
DA "typhoon" or whatever the old land speeder is called now, but it
does't work well in squadrons). But I wouldn't suggest them to a
newbie. Hell, I wouldn't suggest them to anyone who doesn't have a
sizeable force/is willing to waste points on "fun" things
--
Mark Gallagher
One flame war per festive season really is my limit. - Old Bear, RGMW
http://users.bigpond.com/dick_gallagher/
ICQ# 39285799
Bladewing
Norman Wolf <south...@home.com> wrote in message
news:Rtj06.173135$j6.20...@news1.rdc1.va.home.com...
> regular WH Fantasy & Mordheim. Composition will take some time to learn.
I
> imagine the Codex SM will have a lot of that stuff. Still reading the
> rulebook too. BTW, it seems there's a lot more of the "fluff," and not
too
> much in the rules. Am I mistaken?
> I did notice no one even acknowledged that he has a Whirlwind... is this
> vehicle a piece o' junk on the field? Can it be used as a transport as
> well? Is it not the "punch" that people were mentioning he's missing?
> Would it be better to strip off the missle launcher & make a regular
Rhino?
> Also, can I buy the accessory sprue separately from GW, before we finish
> assembling the 10 figs he has/gonna get, so he can have another sergeant &
> the missile launcher and the flamer? Thanx again!
>
If you can find one, the "Toy Boxes" as GW calls them, have a MK7 Sarge,
ML, and 3 marines for 8 USD as opposed to 5 bolters for 12.50.
Phillip