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Background
I was about to give up 40k when I heard about the recent price increase, mostly due to the fact that I could no longer justify spending money on a $39.99 Chimera(not including tax), when I could just buy a BMP-1 model kit for less than 20 bucks (including tax). Then it hit me . Why not just use a BMP-1 from a model kit as a proxy for a Chimera. I mean they look very similar (I get the feeling that GW based the Chimera off a real world IFV/APC). Have similar embark/disembark point (the rear of the model). Have a turret in a similar. The BMP model kit even has hatches in the rear that were designed for troops to shoot out of them (sound similar). So I decided why not, and I want to help my fellow players as well. Here are some model kits that are similar to certain GW counterparts. You could also use these model kits as a way to spice up your army, or for conversions.

I will periodically update this list when possible, and please feel free to pm me or add to this list.

*** Things to keep in mind
-Please note that these model kit aren't the exact same size as their GW counter part so don't expect a 100% identical model.
-Non GW models cannot be used in GW stores or GW tournaments.
-Certain model kits are designed to be more difficult to assemble then others.
-Price may vary from place to place, store to store.
-Some of these models will need some work to convert them into 40k models
-Also model kits vary from company to company.
-Be careful of model scale a 1:35 model isn't the same as a 1:72 model.
-Overall I highly recommend 1:48 scale, but 1:35 will do if that is all there is.

Websites to buy from
http://www.ehobbies.com/
http://tinyurl.com/73zwp45

Imperial Guard:

Chimera alternatives:

BMP 1, BMP 2, BMP 3



Vendetta

MiL-24 Hind


Basilisk

8.8cm PaK 43 Waffentrager Tank

Marder III Tank Destroyer


Hydra Flak Tank

Soviet ZSU-23-4

USMC M50A1 Ontos



Space Marines

Rhino

M113


Orks

Ork Bommer

WW2 F6F Hellcat

MiG 17F


Some examples of good conversions.

http://www.miniwargaming.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=60&t=76349

An M3 Lee to Leman Russ


An M113 to a Chimera


An T26 to Leman Russ without sponsons

This looks like a good flak tank proxie. The USMC M50 Ontos.



how about a US Apache helicopter for the basis of a valkyrie conversion , the cockpit seems a better match than the bubble cockpit of the hind gunship, just needs bigger wings.

A Bradley might be good contender for chimera replacement. Since they are smaller then MBT's a 1/35 should work.

heavybolter wrote:This looks like a good flak tank proxie. The USMC M50 Ontos.



how about a US Apache helicopter for the basis of a valkyrie conversion , the cockpit seems a better match than the bubble cockpit of the hind gunship, just needs bigger wings.

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Automatically Appended Next Post:

ZatGuy wrote:A Bradley might be good contender for chimera replacement. Since they are smaller then MBT's a 1/35 should work.

Added

A Hind is a much better proxy for a Vendetta as it has a troop capacity. Apaches don't carry troops.

An Apache would proxy well for a Storm Talon though. Similar weapon systems and probably decent on size (except length) as well.

I've seen a fair few of these type of topics on multiple forums lately I wonder if GW is taking notice that people are putting some serious hobby time and effort into choosing other models over theirs mostly the cost factor seems to be the driving force aswell not simply the challenge of the modelling, which has always seemed to me to be the main factor in the small number of people undertaking this type of projects before now.

That is one of many reason i am going to be doing it. 84 bucks for a storm raven. Hell no.

I've seen some similar stuff like this before.