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Hi all,

I've been dipping into Imperial Guard for some years now, and have never found a look I really like. The cadian kit has lots of potential as a conversion kit, yet i find the models to be too "Starship troopersy" for my taste. I am looking for an old style army, something that looks like its walked out of a history text book, been thrown a lasgun and some grenades and told to shoot the green things. However, I am torn between two historical periods, these being Napoleonic (might be because I been watching Sharpe too much!) and the American Civil War (the North).
I think both could work very well within the 40k universe, its just a simple matter of choosing. I am also looking at using either VICTRIX models (if Napoleonic) or Perrys miniatures if ACW. I spoke to one of my local GW boys, who told me that as long a model is over 50% GW, then it can be used in a tournament. Its just a question of converting. I am aware that the VICTRIC and PERRY miniatures ranges are true 28mm scale as oppsoed to GW's heroic scale. However, i think with a bit of green stuff and a bit of trimming, this could be overruled. To be honest i think a good paint job would also hide this flaw. Personally, I think the ACW would be easier to make look a bit more 40k like, as they do not carry as much equipment and could easily be given a load of grenades, packs, weapons etc. Napoleonic would be bit harder, but i prefer the idea of a brightly coloured regiment, maybe with some kilted veterans too?

So in a nutshell, I want your opinions on which era you guys would think makes a better IG army. I am also keen on any conversion tips, ideas or whatever ou want. Im keen not to give them lasguns, however i was thinking that with a bit of thin wiring, brass rod etc, I can make the muskets more futuristic?

Any ideas are welcome!

honestly i dont think you could go wrong with either.
i think the naps would look more like a rigid military as opposed to the northerners who have sort of a loose warbandish style look to them. ive thought about naps as i really like some of the uniforms so id probably vote for those.

Thanks man, i was thinking of using autocanons/lascannons attached on wheeled limbers, like cannons? Possible even have datasheets for horse artillery, for fast redeployable heavy support?? Sound good?

absolutely.
ive been wanting to do something similiar so im intrerested in what you comeup with

when you do a guard army you end up with so many heavy weapons but never enough mounts for them.

IMHO using Napoleonic or ACW miniatures would look like a proxy army from a Historical Wargamer and probably spoil the grim SciFi atmosphere. It can be done, but I wouldn't like nor recommend it.

Kroothawk wrote:IMHO using Napoleonic or ACW miniatures would look like a proxy army from a Historical Wargamer and probably spoil the grim SciFi atmosphere. It can be done, but I wouldn't like nor recommend it.

hes not going to use them straight out of the box.

Ooooooh. I am deeply intrigued.

I like the Union troops idea better, imo. With their caps you could sculpt tiny little aquilas on them to tie them into the universe, and their uniforms also look a lot less silly than the Napoleonic-era troops, especially in the grimdark world that is 40k.

Just think of it: rank upon rank upon rank of soldiers marching in line in their dull blue uniforms, great banners heading each company, charging into trenches to unleash a wave of deadly lasfire into the incoming onslaught of Orks with a great big yell of "For the Emperor!"

I would go for the Union troops.

Yeah Union, I dont think I have ever seen an American civil war army converted to the Warhammer universe ever. Lots of people try out the Napoleonic theme.

I would go for Napoleonic as I am a huge Sharpe fan myself. One of the staffers at GW Bristol has a Napoleonic themed Ork army which looks stunning. There is also a slight precedent for this, if you look at the previous Ratling snipers

Their uniforms are loosly based upon the 95th Rifles.

You could also model Aquilas onto the shakos quite easily

Perry miniatures does some nice plastic napoleon things. For example

http://www.perry-miniatures.com/salute2009releases.htm

or if you go to "plastic ranges" and look for product "FN 100", you get these guys:





40 dudes for #15. Not too bad at all. Plus, they have metal generals and stuff for your officers.

Thanks for all the constructive comments guys. Im still no closer to the decision, but im loving the ideas that ur coming up with! Like i said, GW require the model to be at over 50% their own before you can field it. But tbh, i never go to tournaments, this is more for my own gratification.
Im really keen also to think of any units that could tie in? For example like "squilverine" said, Ratlings as Sharpes 95th rifles, or for ACW ogryns based on deep south hillbillies? Just a thought! Deliverence all over again...so if you have any ideas about that also let me know

imperial_will wrote:ACW ogryns based on deep south hillbillies? Just a thought! Deliverence all over again

omg that would be hilarious. just keep in mind that your biggest hurdle is going to be scale so if you mix in 40k figures its going to make it even more noticeable.

I think civil war would be a solid choice. I think this is a fantastic idea!

So I know that Victrix do some nice Napoleonics, and Perry minis do some quite good deals on ACW, but are there any more companys I could look up?

Oh, also, steel legion convert into civil war soldiers really well, you just need to replace the head (and file off the gas mask) to ones with kepis.

Another vote for the civil war.

Looks like Civil War is winning!