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Don't normally like opening myself up for criticism, but, I thought I'd post some images of a long term project I've been working on.

My wife has a Witch Hunters army, but wanted something a little different for her Storm Troopers. I've done a fair amount of casting over the years, bits and pieces, so I thought I'd go for something special.

Here are some pictures of the conversion components I've been working on blue tacked to a figure.

Components consist of Helmet, Gun Modification, Back Pack and Shoulder pad. There will also be a Guitar String Cable from the back pack to the gun (You can just make out a dimple drilled in the pack on the second side image where it will be fitted in)

When I've done the mould I can cast up a bucket of bits and convert a load of Cadians into Inquisitorial Storm Troopers.

I welcome your comments, constructive or otherwise!

No criticisms from me, it looks great. The inquisitorial "I" is very well sculpted.

I like the use of the khorne heads.

That's lookin sweet man! The only thing that I'm not a fan of is the double barrel on the gun. I've never liked double barrels on weapons so thats just personal taste.
Othher than that, thumbs up all the way, can't wait to see it painted!

I agree with calavera on the double barrels. Other than that great work. I personally am using that backpack idea in one of my own projects. Bravo man. Truly worthy of service to the Emperor.

I liked the image of the double barrel gun from the Witch hunters and Dark Heresy.

But it's all individual taste!

Few things, but overall, its very nice and well done, just a couple nit picky clean up points if you feel so inclined.

1) The double barrel, I don't mind it if you like it, however I'd clean up the join point in between the two tips to make it look more like a piece of solid metal, currently you can see a divet/break in it. I'd also made GS a cuffling to go around the base where it hits the gun like a port, right now it looks a little odd to the eye having a small point glued onto that open flat end of the lasgun.

2) The tau shoulder pad looks a bit bulky for the model, although I like the idea of it, I'm not sure if theres a slightly smaller one you could use?

3) Nothing you can do about this really, but in the image at least his head looks just a bit big for his body.

Overall I really like it, nice idea, nice modelling

Hmm, me likey constructive criticism.

1) Like the idea, will experiment with it.

2) It is a little bulky, but I like the "Uber" bulk, so sticking with it for now

3) Had noted that, not as obvious in real life however, and slightly exagerated by the blue tack making the head stand high... considering some trimming possibley of the neck, make it sit a little lower generally...

Thanks!

Yep, I'm with the rest of the crowd on the "Just Say No to Double Barrel Lasguns", but otherwise it's a sharply executed conversion. If you like the lasguns like that, hey, it's your army! And if the rest of the model and army is as nicely done, who am I to argue?

Druidic wrote:I liked the image of the double barrel gun from the Witch hunters and Dark Heresy.

But it's all individual taste!

Given the drum mag, I always(and still do) thought that it was a double barreled Shotgun or Autogun. It never screamed lasgun to me.

Platuan4th wrote:

Druidic wrote:I liked the image of the double barrel gun from the Witch hunters and Dark Heresy.

But it's all individual taste!

Given the drum mag, I always(and still do) thought that it was a double barreled Shotgun or Autogun. It never screamed lasgun to me.

There is a larger pic, I think in the Inquisitor book, that shows that it does indeed have the slanted lasgun barrels, just like this stormtrooper conversion.
Nice job on the conversion, the helmet looks kinda big but other than that it looks good.

Hmm, Ok, if not double barrel, other suggestions? Nothing set in stone yet, this is the first master, no moulds made yet, so nothing to break!

Its obviously got to be a hell gun, but don't want something like the current one, I like the twin barrel, but I'm open to suggestions, and would happily sculpt something else for consideration.

I want it to "Fit Over" the current guard las gun (with some modification) for ease of conversion on about 60+ figures, other then that the floors yours!

Keep the suggestions comming!

Thanks in advance!

D

I really like this conversion - the crested helmet gives it a great unique look. The shoulderpad looks good - it provides plenty of space for the insignia.

I'll vote in favor of the double-barrel, but I have a suggestion for cleaning it up a bit. I'd advise taking the little nubs (parts of the bayonet clip, I think?) off entirely and bringing the lower barrel up higher. Right now the lower barrel looks almost like it doesn't have enough space to be properly attached.

For an example, take a look at page 141 of the Fifth Edition rulebook. The "Athonian Tunnel Rats" trooper has a double-barrelled lasgun with tips like I'm describing.

I'd also suggest adding some more armor - this guy doesn't seem to have much more than a flak vest right now.

The helmet and single large shoulderpad mad me think of Roman gladiators' armor. What about adding some plasticard plates to one forearm and one leg? The idea being that armor is need mostly on the parts that commonly face the enemy (see Samnite or Murmillo gladiator armor).

Myself as well, I like the double-barrell.

Your options on barrels to make it look better are kind of limited:

1) Make it bigger around (I think that'll look clunky)
2) Make it longer (look a bit goofy)
3) Add some styling such as slits, ports (nice, but I don't think it'll set it apart from your standard lasgun enough)

Thats why I'm in favor of the double barrel, my imagination is coming dry on different ways to make a hellgun barrel then the above

What about not using a barrel at all? What about slotting the end somehow/if you like the idea and drilling it out a bit and leaving the end "flat"?

Something like the gun from aliens

I can't remember right off where I saw it initially, but a long time ago, I converted what I called the Apone Pattern lasgun as shown here.


This was created by trimming the long barrel tip off the lasgun, trimming up the underside of the stock, and adding the grip from a boltgun. (And yeah, those are Catachan arms - they don't work well with Bret Men-at-Arms.)

Hmm, All good ideas..

Quidlon, I've been considering the same thing with the lower barrel myself, so I think I give that a try first.

As for extra armour, this is not a one off figure, its a conversion kit to cast up for about 60 figures, so it needs to be something to easlily cast and add to multiple figures. I've considered all sorts of things from a shield, to leg armour like cricket pads. I don't want to cast a full set of legs, but want something a bit heavier on the legs. The old storm troopers had very little armour, and these guys have about the same armour as a Tau which is also 4+ so while I'm not 100% happy with it, I'm pretty happy with it. However ideas are welcomed!

Targetawg, I like idea 3, I was considering a "boxy" style barrel of some form, I'll do some experimenting before I cast things up.

I was batting arround the idea of a mini-gun style multiple barrel thingy, but unsure how will it will cast, or how it will look!

Normally games night last night, but due to bad weather the guys didn't come over so I got a free night and did some more green work. If I can get a picture later I have a set of Cadian Mounted legs and an Ozzy Slouch Hat I've knocked up for a mate of mine.

TTFN
D

Nice stormtroopers , I love the doubble barrel.

As promised other WIP.

Cadian Rough Rider Legs and Slouch Hat.

Legs need some more fiishing off, pounches on legs, tread on boots and a stirrup, but getting there, hat first try, may knock up some from Spare Greedn Stuff as I go along

Consider adding the bolter grip and leaving the rest alone. I mean it'll give it enough bulk to set it apart from lasguns and be fairly remeniscent of the current model hellguns.

You know what, now I look at these pictures.... their pants!

These are incredibal!

That is indeed very unique. You should be proud(I imagine you are).

Death By Monkeys wrote:I can't remember right off where I saw it initially, but a long time ago, I converted what I called the Apone Pattern lasgun as shown here.


This was created by trimming the long barrel tip off the lasgun, trimming up the underside of the stock, and adding the grip from a boltgun. (And yeah, those are Catachan arms - they don't work well with Bret Men-at-Arms.)

Maybe the dysartes.com shotgun tutorial? Or maybe from me? If you add the grip from a boltgun to the bottom of a lasgun, you can create a pretty good underslung grenade launcher.




But anyways, Brilliant model. Incredibly well executed. All it needs is a little gs to smooth over the gaps in the gun.

Death By Monkeys wrote:

Nice work on the gun. His right arm, on the other hand... It looks like he has two elbows and, HOLY CRAP that forearm is HUGE!!!



Ghidorah

lalabox wrote:Maybe the dysartes.com shotgun tutorial? Or maybe from me? If you add the grip from a boltgun to the bottom of a lasgun, you can create a pretty good underslung grenade launcher.

<snaps fingers> That's exactly it - dysartes.com! Thanks!

This is a pretty awesome thread. Sick sculpturing

Ghidorah, Damn you, that's another "Coffee spit over keyboard" moment! the right arm is about the only bit I've not altered!

Lalabox, my problem there is this is it's not a one of, my intention is to create a conversion kit for about 60 guardsman, so once I'm happy with the masters I'll be turning it into a mould and casting them up out of white metal.

(Legal Note - FOR MY OWN FIGURES ONLY NO FOR RESALE)

On that basis I can't put in anything which would then complicate how the existing components work together, so a second grip is out of the question as that would mean major reworking of the left arm each time... Unless I resculpt the hand in as well and cut the left arm off at the wrist... Possible. Would also mean making the conversion piece fit UNDER the gun rather then over the top... Has some possibilities... will consider it.

I've moded the lower barrel as Quidlon suggested and it looks MUCH better so I may go with that.. I've also added some stirrups, and pouches to the riders legs, as well as heels on the boots, they look much better as well, so happier now.

For once got some time this week to do some sculpting and it makes me a happy man! Incidentally, I think I have found the very best lubricant for your tools when working with green stuff.

I've tried water, doesn't stay on the tools long enough, tried spit, sort of better, but not much, tried Vasalene (Petrolium Jelly) works, but leaves residue which makes it a sod to work with, Lip Balm, works quite well, but not brilliant.... then the wife suggested KY Jelly.... Don't actually have some arround but do have a pump dispenser of Durex "feel" massage sex gel... Works like a fething charm! Water based so easy to clean off and definitly non toxic, sticks to the tools, leaves a nice coat which eventually dries off nice and clean, and does not stop GS sticking to GS when you apply a little pressure, excellent stuff! Highly recommend it!

TTFN
D

Some more work completed on the legs, added Stirrups, heals and leg pouches.

Also modified double barrel to the Hell Gun, minor change, but I like it much better.

Now being made into moulds, next pictures will be of the cast bits and some converted figures! Sqwee!!

I like the double barrel thing. Looks very cool. Keep it up!

Awsome hellgun mate!

And that greean stuff pouch is reallyy good.