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Okay here's the deal. The GW model for Canis Wolfborne's Thunderwolf mount is ugly as sin. There are also no good models that that are large enough to easily convert. So, a buddy asked me to sculpt him one, and convert up a unit of 6. I already have allot on my plate but since I like a good challenge I'm gonna do it. But just doing one stock model would be wasting an a great modeling opportunity. Anyway here the plan:

Stage# 1

collect some reference and sketch up some ideas for the mounts.

Stage# 2

Construct the armature and rough out the sculpt and mass out the basic musculature in Super Sculpey.

Stage# 3

Sculpt the detailed anatomy in Aves sculpt.

Stage# 4

Sculpt the fur most likely using texture stamps.

Stage# 5

Detailing: saddle, reins, etc

Stage# 6

Molding and Casting the basic model to cut up for conversion, and sculpting alternate heads.


A couple of questions though:

1. What size base should they be mounted on? 60mm or a calvary base maybe.
2. If I make them big enough would a chariot base work?
3. Should the sculpts follow the image in the codex or look more like real wolves?

I'm starting tonight when I get off work. So, watch this space stages 1-3 are gonna go quick, pictures to follow. I'm going to really push myself to see how far I can get by Oct 3.

If this works this sjuld be really cool. Canis' wolf doesn't look like a wolf does it?

Well Sersi, your certainly loadin' up your plate big time, with all them demons you have to finish and paint... In any case, the GW model looks more like a horse with a wolf pelt on it than a wolf, due to its upward posture and such, I believe it should be more wolfy... Like, why should they all be snarling, I personally think that some should have that more cold stare on em then all just drooling at the mouth. like the images I have here...


Automatically Appended Next Post:
wolves from Princess Mononoke:
http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/5550/mononokemoro.jpg and another with a rider: http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/9397/mononoki2rgb.jpg

Just subscribed to this thread - looking forward to seeing what you come up with!

Valcatta wrote:Canis' wolf doesn't look like a wolf does it?

Yeh it looks like a big bad wolf, snarling, one paw raised - not what I would consider a Space Wolf Lord's mount at all, there is no body armor, no laser beams shooting out of its eyes and no assault cannon coming out its mouth.

I would imagine a cross between Canis' wolf and the WHFB Chaos Juggernaught to be more appropriate.

Base size I'd do them the same as what the GW model is, whatever that happens to be. Saves hassle further down the line.

Posture of the rider I think would work better with a 'foot up' model (like the linked Mononoki image demonstrates), although maybe not quite that extreme. It's a pose that seems to work better somehow with the motion of predators such as wolves and big cats, rather than the horse style long stirrups. Although it was a little unclear from your post if you were sculpting the rider or just the mount, so that might be irrelevant.

I think, that Wolf Lord Morraig from Hordes were a good base for a cool and wild wolf rider. Canis Wolf looks like a gay pony.

But don't make the wolf too big. Not bigger than a normal horse. Everything else would be ridiculous.

Personally? I'm waiting for someone to use the juggernaughts of khorne as a base for this conversion.

punk: Not really a good base model mate.
For a start, its metal, meaning that re-posing it before you add a "skin" layer would take alot of work compared to simply using a mesh cage to sculpt from.
Also, the jugger is a bit large in size, by this i mean its structure.
Height wise its sound, but its legs, torse and head all seem far too bulky for the job.
You would end up with a very blocky looking wolf.


As for the topic at hand: I would go with a basic cage build idea.
Use wire to build a rough frame to the right size, then apply putty to build on a skin and muscle layer, then build up to the fur, adding details as you go.
I think scratch building is the way to go here, plus, by doing so you can tinker with various poses to your liking
Just my ideas though

Logan wrote:I think, that Wolf Lord Morraig from Hordes were a good base for a cool and wild wolf rider. .

Looks like a rat/wolf in need of a good meal....

JD21290 wrote:punk: Not really a good base model mate.
For a start, its metal, meaning that re-posing it before you add a "skin" layer would take alot of work compared to simply using a mesh cage to sculpt from.
Also, the jugger is a bit large in size, by this i mean its structure.
Height wise its sound, but its legs, torse and head all seem far too bulky for the job.

I think you're thinking of the WH40k Jugger as opposed to the WHFB Jugger. I actually think the WHFB Jugger would need some bulking on the legs - but just adding GS fur coming out from under the armor plates and sculpting some wolf paws might accomplish that.

gardeth wrote:Looks like a rat/wolf in need of a good meal....

I was just about to say that it looked more like a rat than a wolf... hahaha

you maka a good model and a good mould and I will buy any resins you make!!!!!

HURRY!!!!!

DC!!

Pose 1: Torso low, haunches high, tail down
Pose 2: Body low preparing to leap
pose 3: starting jump.

Make them look closer to real wolves than the thunderwolf - and size them for 60mm bases like Canis is on.

Lets get some photos. I'd love to order some copies of your giant wolf sculpture, so PM me when the photos get up!

Not to worry guys I'm working on these. I've been doing alot of research on how best to do theses but I'll be starting them soon.

No worries - I'm in love with the daemon sculpts you did. Like everyone else, I'm just hot to have awesome T-wolf cavalry!

UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE...

Eager to see your WIP - please post your sketches / concepts.

I just bought 2 boxes of Space Wolves - 1x Wolf Pack & 1x Wolf Guard Termies...

Starting my TrueScale Doghouse Pattern Gothic, Teutogen inspired Space Wolves when I get back from overseas in 6½ weeks time.

Eager to see your Thunder Cavalry take shape - and I second Deadly Chicken - I would be interested in buying casts of your wolves if they are as good as everyone is anticipating.

I am pretty sure Ral Partha makes a giant wolf that is fairly large.

This seems mad but I don't doubt you can do this.

I may be wrong but.....One point I noticed on the Canis model is the reins. They run to a chain bit in the wolf/rat/horses mouth. Can't see how this would work as canines aren't soft mouthed like horses and have stronger jaw and neck muscles so steering them in this way would seem futile. If my mega puppy couldn't bite through a chain then I'd leave him at home guarding my slippers whilst the fighting was going on. The best option IMO would be to fix the reins to an external head/neck harness (like a 40K halti - my German shep hates these as they are hard to ignore) to give gentle nudges to the mount and rely on training and foot/thigh pressure for control (like medieval harness warhorse set up - leaving your hands free). I know its pedantic but i think GW should have considered this (although the chin/skin rings on the nauglir/cold ones in WHFB are a good compromise to this problem so it shows they do think sometimes).