Phase2. With the release of the new codexes and new models (battlesuits with waists - it's only taken 14 years...) It's time to strengthen the battlesuit contingent and add a few bits for the sake of the new detachments. As before pictures will be posted and updated in the OP.
Phase 3 - In order to run the Damocles campaign flyers, fortifications and the eight are required.

Updated army photo:


Original 2K Army:












You can find some previous projects here:
Imperial Guard http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/326362.page
Raven Guard http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/561399.page
Inquisition & Grey Knights http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/650657.page
Imperial Knights http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/672856.page#8309979
Terrain and Boards http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/686333.page#8567451


Ethereal


Shadowsun


Farsight


Bravestorm


Brightsword


Sha'vastos


O'Vesa


Ob'lotai 9-0


Shas'o Arra'kon


Torchstar


BattleSuit Commander


BattleSuit Commander


Fireblade


9x Firewarriors + Shas'ui with marklight


9x Firewarriors + Shas'ui with markerlight


9x Firewarriors + Shas'ui with markerlight


9x Firewarriors + Shas'ui with markerlight


Devilfish with 2x Seeker Missiles and Gun Drones or SMS


Devilfish with 2x Seeker Missiles and Gun Drones or SMS


Devilfish with 2x Seeker Missiles and Gun Drones or SMS


Devilfish with 2x Seeker Missiles and Gun Drones or SMS


3x Crisis Suits


3x Crisis Suits


3x Crisis Suits


2x Crisis Suits


GhostKeel


6x SteathSuits


6x StealthSuits


Riptide


Riptide


Riptide


Pathfinders 6x Pulse Carbine, 3x Rail Rifle + Shas'ui


Pathfinders 6x Pulse Carbine, 3x Rail Rifle + Shas'ui


Pathfinders 6x Pulse Carbine, 3x Ion Rifle + Shas'ui


1x Piranha


2x Remora


2x Remora


Razorshark


Razorshark


Razorshark


Skyray / HammerHead with SMS


Skyray / HammerHead with SMS


Skyray / HammerHead with SMS


3x Broadsides


StormSurge


StormSurge


Assorted Drones


More Assorted Drones


Gun Drones


Shieldwall


Shieldwall


Gunrig


Gunrig



Pictures as we go with updates in the OP.


With deliveries from DarkSphere and Forgeworld it's all go!

Subbed!

First squad of firewarriors. I haven't built any Tau since they launched so I'm still figuring out the best leg/arm combos. Built 12 and then pulled the worst two for testing paint schemes on.

Quite the collection of boxes !!!!!
Lot of work ahead.... can't wait to see this get updated.
Good luck !!!

First devilfish. The age of this kit is very apparent - It's clear that they hadn't learned to account for cooling shrinkage when they designed these.



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The riptide goes together much better than the devilfish. The legs are the standard pose, not super happy with it - the hips are behind both feet so it wouldn't stand up if not glued to the base...


Magnetized weapon options.

The pathfinders is a great box set. Dynamic poses, lots of variety, tons of extras.


Skyray/Hammerhead

2nd firewarrior squad and devilfish done.

I wasn't happy with the default riptide leg pose so I've sold that one and ordered a replacement. Here's the new version of that pose:


And I made him a friend:


Second squad of pathfinders takes us to the half way mark.



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Forgot the fireblade



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3rd firewarrior squad and devilfish

The MIG powders are mocking me! They subtly suggest a nice paint scheme in the near future. Bring that future to the present!

3rd Riptide


If all goes according to plan I'll be testing colour schemes next week.

That's everything assembled plus some simple objective markers made from Riptide shields.

Also figured out how to transport it and ordered four KR multicases.

Painting begins!


(Hi-res pic in gallery)

Drybrushed Deathworld Forest basecoat
Rakarth Flesh details and markings
Russ Grey hooves
Boltgun metal details
A bit of Burnished Gold and Hawk Turquoise
Army Painter Strong Tone over the top

Normally I like to sponge weather but these guys have too much cloth so I've used a graphite stick instead.

I look forward to seeing the final paint scheme.

Another firewarrior squad done

3rd firewarrior squad

Last of the firewarriors



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First Devilfish

2nd and 3rd devilfish




The second pic is more colour accurate.

Last devilfish

First Pathfinders



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Fireblade

Pathfinders done, time to start on the Riptides.

First riptide finished




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Second Riptide

Last riptide - just the skyrays to go.

First Skyray

Second Skyray



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Last Skyray

Drones and objective markers.


Just basing and varnishing to go - need a dry weekend day to get that done.

Finished!

How do you have the time to build these so quickly? Really enjoying the muted green you've chosen here!

Thanks! I can just about paint a squad or a vehicle in an evening so it doesn't take too long.

Phase2. With the release of the new codexes and new models (battlesuits with waists - it's only taken 14 years...) It's time to strengthen the battlesuit contingent and add a few bits for the sake of the new detachments. As before pictures will be posted and updated in the OP.




Piranha


3x Broadsides

Ooh, that looks like a fun bunch of new kits you've got yourself, there. As I am on a bit of a Tau kick myself, I will watch this with great interest.

Wow. Looking forward to seeing your progress on all of this.

First Stormsurge done. It's a pretty well done model but I'm not at all keen on the open cockpit.

The new crisis suit kit is really nice. A selection of arms and legs plus a pose-able waist gives much better results. 25 pieces per suit is a bit much for a model that size though!

Interesting - all of the re-packaged Tau stuff contains rules, not just the new units.


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The Ghostkeel is a really well done model. Very easy to magnetise the weapons as well (although I only bothered doing the main gun).




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The new commander battlesuit actually isn't quite as nicely done as the new crisis suits, in my opinion, but still an improvement on the old one. The commander's extended/deployed hands do fit the new crisis suits.



And that's half of the assembly done!

No surprise updates to the stealthsuit mould.

Second Crisis squad.

Second Stormsurge.

Both of them have moulding issues in the feet.

Was it hard to magnetize the Ghostkeel, and what size magnets did you use? I have some 1/8x1/16" disc magnets in stock, would they work? Also, did you magnetize the Commander so you could switch between Coldstar and regular?

Very straightforwards - you can see the magnets in the top of the gun lying by his base. I used 3x2mm.

I didn't magnetise the commander - to swap between coldstar and regular properly you'd need to magnetise:
head
fins on arms
fins on legs
both backpacks
guns

I just got two commanders...

I actually really like the Ghostkeel model. Looks like a refreshing update, I bet the rules are pretty solid as well.

Have always wanted to try a Tau army, with these new models even more so!

The rules for the Ghostkeel are pretty good but the Optimised Stealth Cadre formation (ghostkeel plus two squads of stealthsuits) that gives them Ignore Cover, +1 BS and (as if that wasn't enough) lets them always use the rear armour value of vehicles they shoot at is just crazy!

Second commander done. I've used the slightly nicer fusion blasters from the Ghostkeel kit.



I've also got cases ordered. All of the new stuff will fit into three KR multicases with room to spare (I might need some Crisis suits, I really like the new model).

Congrats on getting all those new kits! How are the ghostkeel fusion guns different than the normal ones? Bigger/taller or longer as well?

 warboss wrote:
Congrats on getting all those new kits! How are the ghostkeel fusion guns different than the normal ones? Bigger/taller or longer as well?

They're about the same size but they're a two-piece design with more recessed detailing and more rounded edges (less boxy). It's a pretty subtle difference, to be honest.

 Scott-S6 wrote:
Second Stormsurge.

Both of them have moulding issues in the feet.

Why do you keep such models instead of returning them and asking for a properly casted one? It's not as if these are damn cheap or something.

 Hendarion wrote:

 Scott-S6 wrote:
Second Stormsurge.

Both of them have moulding issues in the feet.

Why do you keep such models instead of returning them and asking for a properly casted one? It's not as if these are damn cheap or something.

The first one had a very small defect (you can just see it on the right foot). The second is much worse.

I've sent hi-res pictures of the defects to customer service (not asking for anything in particular). We'll see what they volunteer as remedy.

The gritty "realistic" scheme looks great! The Ghostkeel should look fantastic painted up like that. I'll be sure to keep my eye on this log so I see it when it's done!

 Scott-S6 wrote:

I like the paint scheme, especially how they look used and worn out.

Thanks for comments guys!

Second stealthsuit squad:



These are the replacement stormsurge feet that GW sent me. It would seem that they've corrected the issue with this sprue.

Did they send just the feet or a full kit?

 warboss wrote:
Did they send just the feet or a full kit?

Just the feet, not even the whole sprue.


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Last Crisis suit squad



Just need to make up some drones now.

KR Multicases are here, it will be painting time shortly. The weekend should be dry but really cold (~2C) so it'll be primer in tub of warm water.

Drones assembled. Priming tomorrow!

This is very nice so far, and I'm looking forward to seeing them all complete. Will we see any games?

I see you went with the Fireknife configuration on your Crisis team. I didn't think anyone still did that. They'll look great painted, I'm sure!

TheCloverLord wrote:This is very nice so far, and I'm looking forward to seeing them all complete. Will we see any games?

I don't generally photograph games as it's a distraction but there may be a few photos.

ZergSmasher wrote:I see you went with the Fireknife configuration on your Crisis team. I didn't think anyone still did that. They'll look great painted, I'm sure!

I know that current thinking is twin plasma or twin missiles but the former has limited range and the latter has mediocre AP. I prefer more rounded/versatile units as they make your opponent's target selection process more difficult. (there's also the very real possibility that a future version of the codex (or even just a FAQ) will revert them back to two identical weapons = twin linked and I've been boned by stuff like that in the past...)

I've dug out my maths. on the twin plasma vs. plasma/missile.

Vs. Marines, squad of three:
0-12" - twin plasma kills 5, plas/miss kills 3.3
12-24" - twin plas kills 2.5, plas/miss kills 2.08
24-36" twin plas kills 0, plas/miss kills 0.83

Vs. Guard, squad of three
0-12" - twin plasma kills 5, plas/miss kills 5
12-24" - twin plas kills 2.5, plas/miss kills 3.75
24-36" twin plas kills 0, plas/miss kills 2.5

vs. AV 12, squad of three, glance/pen
0-12" - twin plasma 1/0, plas/miss 1/0.5
12-24" - twin plas 0.5/0, plas/miss 0.75/0.5
24-36" twin plas 0/0, plas/miss 0.5/0.5

Twin missiles mathammers out as the best overall but it doesn't have the same psychological effect on marine players as AP3+ weapons and it looks a bit goofy.

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And painting begins!



The workflow I used on the Riptides worked nicely on the Crisis suits.

Those suits look great already! How long did it take you to get that far on them?

I have been lurking around this blog for a while and your awesome Tau stuff has inspired me to start my own blog following the painting of all my Tau collection. I cant wait to get all the new kits like you have, your stuff looks awesome and keep up the good work!

Please check out my blog and tell me what you think.
http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/670437.

IXLoiero95XI wrote:I have been lurking around this blog for a while and your awesome Tau stuff has inspired me to start my own blog following the painting of all my Tau collection. I cant wait to get all the new kits like you have, your stuff looks awesome and keep up the good work!

ZergSmasher wrote:Those suits look great already! How long did it take you to get that far on them?

Thanks!

Sub 2-hours for the squad. That's approximately where they'll be left. Graphite stick on the sharp edges, basing and three coats of varnish will come later (I usually do the whole army in a big batch). Varnish will need warmer temps as well.




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2nd Crisis squad

Looking great but how do you do that battle wear/paint chipping?

With a sponge. You want a fairly fine sponge (think washing dishes type sponge rather than bath sponge).

You cut a slice out of it and then cut a slice out of that so that you have a sponge stick. Dip it in paint and dab it off on a piece of paper towel until you're getting speckles rather than blobs.

Apply to model.

It's one of the best effort/reward ratio techniques you can learn!

The main consideration is to think about what won't show chips/scratches. Rubber hoses, tyres, cloth, glass, polished metal, etc. either won't chip at all or won't chip the same way as the armour. So you have to plan your workflow to paint those things after you've paint and weathered the armour. Then think about which bits will get chipped. My Tau show weathering primarily on the exposed edges with no rust at all but my IG is supposed to look much older so it's covered in fine chips where rust has formed and been cleaned off as well as rust that hasn't been cleaned yet. There are also lots of areas on an IG tank that crew will grab/walk on/climb on and these will also show extra weathering.

This mini-guide runs through the very similar painting process I use on my IG:
http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/326362.page#5503194


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3rd Crisis squad.

Commanders are done. The rust on the base decoration is still drying - it'll loose that vivid red as it dries.

BattleSuit Commander


BattleSuit Commander

Ghostkeel


The list in the OP has now been expanded - I'm going to be running the Damocles campaign next year. That means that I'm going to need Shadowsun, a bunch of flyers, the Eight and a bunch of Imperial Knights...

Stealthsuits

More stealthsuits

Piranha


More Drones

These are great. Not certain if I'd've done the dirty effect myself (Tau vehicles are ALWAYS pristine in my mind) but it looks great.

Camouflage? In 40k? What is this heresy? How are models going to be able to see you to shoot at you?

Thanks guys!

More Tau have arrived:



And we're going to need a Knight army for Damocles.

What's in the FW baggies? I see some long barrelled burst cannons and wings so I'm guessing remoras. Either way, nice haul!

Yep, 4x Remoras. Shadowsun and Farsight just arrived so now I'm waiting on the bits to build The Eight and a couple of extra crisis suits from the left overs (and a pile of KR multicases).

That'll give us everything needed for the Damocles campaign.

Dayum...that's a lotta Knights! Wish I could afford those! Looking forward to seeing those and more of your Tau stuff painted!

That should be a very impressive force. I've got two remoras myself waiting at the drone assembly factory (i.e. the plastic shelving next to my hobby table). Hopefully FW will come out with rules soon (and hopefully a free PDF update) that allow you to fit their models into the decurion style detachments that GW is so keen on this edition.

Just to double check as I don't have Montka but with the current version of the Eight, do you need ALL eight plus Farsight to field them, correct? IIRC in the previous version IIRC you could take as many or as little as you needed/wanted but now from the rumors posted it looked like you need all 1500pts army worth of the unit. I may be mistaken but figured I'd ask.

Eight including Farsight but yes - the formation is all of them and they didn't even bother working out the points for us...

That's quite a number of knights. Also, a huge haul of Tau stuff besides.

Well started painting Broadsides and discovered that my medium drybrush (which I use for laying down basecoats) has had it.

Back to assembly mode until a new one arrives...

Gunrig 1



Shieldwall 1




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First Razorshark

Second Razorshark


Knights thread is up: http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/672856.page#8309979

I see you opted to leave off the struts between the wings and tail. I don't think the model is that bad with or without them, but that's just me.

I think it's slightly better without but I agree it's a small thing. Leaving off the cockpit makes a big difference though - it goes from fat and frumpy to quite sleek.

Weathered Ghostkeel is fantastic. Love the gritty scheme!

Holy flippin crap, and i thought i was nuts buying 3x ghosts, a stormsurge, and a couple stealthsuit boxes upon the new release lol.

How do you do the weathering? My tau are all clean because i can never do the paintchip thing properly.

Also whats with the Riptide Shield Gens on their own base with the drones? Didnt see any comment about that.

Thanks guys!

The shield generators on bases are objective markers. I've got two more now from the stormsurges and the riptide I'll need for the eight will give me a sixth to make a set.

Have a look here for more info on the weathering:
http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/30/603764.page#8275181


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Second Shieldwall


Third Razorshark

More Tau! This will be The Eight (and a couple of extra suits).

Good grief you have a lot of money to dump on this lol. I envy you.

Also thanks for the sponge tip. Will definitely use that.

Busy with work this week so no progress but I did discover that British Airways ClubWorld class (the pod seats that turn into beds) is awesome!

Two more suits and some more marker drones:

Razorshark

Another Razorshark

You're knocking those fighters out pretty quick there, buddy! Wish I could do vehicles that fast!

 Scott-S6 wrote:
More Tau! This will be The Eight (and a couple of extra suits).

Damn, you are into Tau. Me likey!

 ZergSmasher wrote:
You're knocking those fighters out pretty quick there, buddy! Wish I could do vehicles that fast!

To be honest, I could have done all three in a day but I've been lazy....


Last Razorshark

Broadsides

First two Remoras assembled.

More Remoras

I got a bunch of basing and varnishing done so here are some better pics:

Ob'Lotai 9-0



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Torchstar

Brightsword and Warscaper drone

Nice progress...


Give us MOAR!

Thanks!

O'vesa



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Shas'o Arra'kon



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Bravestorm



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Farsight



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Shadowsun



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Sha'vastos



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Assembly completed.

Gunrig #2

Ob'lotai 9-0


Ethereal

Stormsurge

Updated army photo: