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After a long drought, in which I went back to WW2 kits, I have returned to WH40k. The Primaris models are appealing because they look like 'real' Marines; I'm reminded of the 'true-scale' Marine conversions on this forum several years ago. Anyway, the new army will be based on the Primaris Marines' only tank, the Repulsor (or rather 2 of them). A lot of people dislike the design, but it's really grown on me. It looks like something that Marines would take to war. The horrendous points cost is another story. One way of improving it is to leave off some of the clutter, and close the lids of the turret autolaunchers. But the 'busy' look is not dissimilar to real world IFVs.

The kit is well designed, but has a lot of parts. I think less experienced (or more impatient) modellers will find assembly a bit of a chore compared to other GW vehicles kits. Despite the card they've taken with the design, it's a complex hull shape and if you don't align everything carefully you get noticeable gaps where the sides and upper panels join, and your repulsor units won't be level. I found the way to deal with this was to cut away the underside of part 36 where the rows of repulsor struts (parts 68/69 and 70/71) are supposed to sit (i.e. remove the indented strip under the section with the pair of seats). Otherwise the repulsor struts don't fit snugly, and cause problems later. Instead of attaching parts 68/69 and 70/71 to part 36, attach them to the side panels first. There are some small locating points, so they will sit properly. This approach will mean the main panels should fit together, and your repulsor units will sit straight. Even with this approach there was some filling to do - you need to take time with this to keep the various angles clean and straight.

Once the hull is together it's clear sailing, and rather enjoyable to build. I won't be attempting to magnetise the weapons, so I have to decide now on a loadout that works. Here are some initial photos:

There are some rather nice Primaris character models available, but they are a bit bland. It's not easy to customise them either. I've started modifying them - the Apothecary will be firing his bolt pistol rather than admiring the blob he's removed from the dead Marine. That meant switching the empty and full holsters. The Captain is now posing on an Ork skull (he'll also have the extra large shoulder guards and a flaming sword). The Lieutenant is based on the Captain, only with new legs and a repositioned right arm.