40K Space Marine models: plus a WIP

[Toimi_Tom]

I guess I’m not 100% sure these fit here, but I thought I’d share some of the models I’ve been working on over the last couple years that aren’t scale aircraft.

Got into 40K during COVID and have been having a blast deep-diving into the lore and aesthetic of the universe. I selected the Dark Angels chapter of Space Marines right as Games Workshop refreshed the entire lineup of Dark Angels models. So I get to build and paint some fresh sculpts – and I still have a lot of unpainted ones to get after this winter!

Coming from the scale aircraft side, where painting is 90% or more airbrush work, this side of the hobby is the inverse, and it’s taught me quite a lot about how to properly thin and brush paint, color theory, shading and highlighting, etc., which I’ve found to be very helpful on aircraft too – especially in cockpits and other small details.

On the other side, some scale modeling tricks have come in handy here as well, like future clearcoats before washes and decals, Prismacolor pencil for worn metal edges, etc. And then there’s the spectrum of “realistic” vs. “looks good on a tabletop” that has me experimenting with exaggerating highlights, shadows and contrast.

Anyway, here’s a few models that I’m pretty happy with. Most of paints used are Vallejo Game Color, with some Games Workshop Citadel as well. Usually I basecoat with the airbrush, and then do the rest with a brush up until it’s time to varnish.

[Tim_Kidwell1]

This is the perfect place for Space Marine figures! I’m a 40K player from way back (Dark Eldar), so you’re hitting a sweet spot for me. Aaron’s just getting into T’au.

Huh. We might have to do a 40K group build. Just thinking out loud …

[Toimi_Tom]

I’m in for a group build! Might be hard to choose – I only have… checks stash … about 200 40K models left to build and paint.

[Tim_Kidwell1]

I’ve been eyeing Forge World kits for a while. I’ll think on this a bit.

[the_Baron]

Nicely done, Suomi!
You illustrate what I tell modelers from other subjects, when they say, “I can’t paint a figure” or even worse, “I’m afraid to paint a figure!” I tell 'em, “You already have the skills and techniques. You just need to practice with figures, that’s all.”

[SprueOne]

Wow, these are Rad!

[Toimi_Tom]

I’m working on a new set of Marines and thought maybe some here on the FSM forums haven’t seen a WIP on Games Workshop minis before.

I have two boxes of these guys, the Dark Angels “Inner Circle Companions.” Games Workshop makes these kits with double building options, so each figure can be built two different ways. That way if you buy two boxes you can make a full unit of six Companions without having any duplicate models.

This is a new kit with a new mold (as of winter 2024) so the engineering is excellent. A lot of 40K players complain about the high prices of the boxes – and not totally without reason. This box of three models has an MSRP of $60USD. But there is value here.

These GW sprues are really quite impressive from a scale modeler’s perspective. Tight, efficient molds, with zero flash. Nice workable plastic. Sprue gates are tiny and, whenever possible, hidden in inconspicuous spots.

The primary chore of assembly is removing visible seam lines, which by necessity sometimes appear in conspicuous places, like helmet tops and boot toes. They’re not that hard to scrape and polish away.

The instructions are well-illustrated and color coded. They’re easy to follow for the most part, though they can get tricky when there’s many different weapon or decoration options. These IC Companions are pretty straightforward.

Some 40K models are push-fit, similar to Ban Dai, but most are like this kit, requiring glue. Some good old Tamiya extra thin is the ticket of course.

The only tricky spot where I might need some filler is a long the seam of the robe. It’s hard to see in photos but I can feel the seam with a thumnail, so it’ll show up under paint. Once the cement dries I’ll polish it up.

I like to paint these guys in subassemblies – that means the head, backpack, and hands/weapons are kept separate. I also like to use aftermarket 3D printed bases, or make my own mini-dioramas. But, in the meantime, I like to have them assembled in case I need them in a game, and so I don’t get the parts mixed up. So I use PVA (Elmer’s) glue to fix on the parts that I’ll paint separate later.

And assembly complete! They take about 30 minutes each to build, if I take my time. Satisfying when you only have a little bit of bench time. Two more to go from this box, and then paint time!

[PhoenixG]

100% agree that minis are treat when you only have a little bit of bench time. I also like to work on them in between stages on a larger build. Usually when waiting for glue or paint to cure on the build.

[Toimi_Tom]

Had a little time today to finish initial assembly on this trio. I still have to drill out the bolt pistol muzzle, but beyond that, they’re ready for primer.

Here’s an idea of how well these kits fit — this is probably as bad a seam as I’ve seen.

But there’s really no gap here, just a misalignment. Some xacto blade scraping and then sanding and polishing up through the grits with sponges gets it nearly there.

If it’s really stubborn, or if there is a tiny gap, you can can carefully brush some Tamiya extra thin cement right on the seam, and then use the applicator brush to kind of “smooth” the gap closed. Once it’s dry fully you can polish it smooth.

Edit: I should note that the result would have been even better if I’d remembered to do it before gluing the holster and that little armor plate thing on. Hard to sand around those guys. But any remaining sanding marks will vanish under a coat of Vallejo poly primer.

[PhoenixG]

The Dark Angels are coming along nicely. Neat trick with using the Tamiya cement to brush the seam smooth. I know I’ll have plenty of opportunities to give that a try.

[ScaleModeler66]

Wow… those are pretty cool! What is the piece count on those? I’ll have to grab one and give it a shot . Very interesting topic Toimi-Tom… thank you for sharing.