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So I was digging around online, trying to figure out how much it was going to cost me to get about 40 Beaky marines to form the base for my new Space Marine army. It was going to be something like $75 for every 10 of them! By chance, I checked Craigslist for general 40k stuff, and found FIFTY Beaky marines on sale for $100. That moved my plans forward quite a bit.

Problem is, I'd never seen one of the old-school Beakies, just the new ones and the Forge World ones. They're poses are very static to say the least. I figured I could chop a leg off and glue it back on to get a running pose, but haven't really explored that option yet.

Second problem is that most of them are already painted (Poorly). I heard you used Dot 4 Brake Fluid, but is that really it? Just dip it and done?

Another thing is that, according to my Chapter's lore, they have a ton of Tech Marines. So I want to make my Sergeants look more Tech Marine-y. All I mean is something like the Tech Marine hero from DoWII. The Servo-Arm can represent a power fist, and some more conversion could have it be a power sword (Another conversion I need help with). Though I guess it'd be easier if there was a place I could buy just the servo arm from.

Lastly, what’s a good way to remove the head off of a model? I tried just prying it off, but failed miserably.

Two running poses here, plus two that are a damn sight more dramatic than the usual Tactical squad ones.

I can't recommend Brake Fluid (even though it works) because it is so toxic. Use Simple Green or Fairy Power spray (if in the UK). Submerge the models overnight and then scrub with a toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly, let dry and re prime.

Bitspudlo just posted pics of their new servo arm kit and it looks very nice. They're very reasonable price wise as well.

I second Simple Green or Fairy Power over brake fluid. I've used SG and brake fluid myself and found they do about the same job, but the SG is non-toxic and much safer. Even still, protect your hands from over-exposure with nitrile gloves.

Gitsplitta has an extensive RTB01 collection with loads of great conversions. Check out his blog for some inspriation and advice.

I couldn't find the servo arm kit on that site. Could I get a link to it, please?

Simple green? Got it. Thanks!

I will check this guy out. Those are actually some pretty nice models, and he is a brother in Beaky.

My favorite way to strip models is actually dawn power disolver, i have plastic models that have been left in there for months (some are still there) and nothing has happened to then, the only thing is that green stuff gets a little rubbery, but with the power disolver you can clean up a fair number of models in about 2 hours

Check the News and Rumors Forum for Bitspudlo's servo arm. About 1/4 down that page. Still in the "building stock" phase so it might not be on the site yet.

Oh wow, that works perfect. Found it on their site, too. They have three for sale, which should get me started, though I'll probably be wanting more.

Also god damn. That Bulky Cyborg is perfect for my Skitarii army, but I guess that's another topic for another post

@Dashyl: I'll have to look into it more, then.

I've had Monkey Wrench and Tool Box in my marine army for ages, I've never bought a more recent techmarine. Just scored another Monkey Wrench on ebay and I'm toying with the idea of building him a servo harness. I play blood angels though so I'll have to magnetize it to swap for a jump pack.
Ahh, the days when I could call up England and order them out of the catalog!

I like the recent Tech Marines, but they'll need some editing to bring them more in line with the rest of my army.

I know nothing of catalogs, as I came in pretty much right after 5th edition came out :/

I've used the old plastic beakies as head donors for modern tactical marines before. It takes a little putty to build up a neck for them but it looks alright. You might consider a beakie head on this guy (the Iron Warriors Warsmith if you aren't familiar)

That guy actually works out rather nicely for thise arm. Little putty and he makes a good Tech Marine, though could use a Servo Harness.

Speaking of putty, how hard is it to make cloaks with that stuff?

Very easy as long as you take care with it, building in layers, bulking as you go, and letting it cure completely before moving to the next stage.

There's two tutorials I'd recommend here on dakka: frock coats and tricorn hats for pirate orks (just trust me - it makes more sense after you read it) and Whatwhat's Greenstuff Tips and Tricks.

They'll give you the basics to work with to keep your cloaks looking like they belong on your model. I used them both when making my counts-as Tellion conversion.

Do you need a vintage beaky apothecary by any chance? PM me if so

Thanks for all the help everyone. I'll be getting started on all of this very soon. Well try to post pictures