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Has anyone incorporated the Games Workshop Squad Designation shoulderpads onto their models? I'm specifically looking at possibly using a combination of the Dark Angels shoulderpads along with the appropriate Assault and Tactical squad pads (Unfortunately I haven't been able to find Devestator pads). My biggest concerns are obviously cost, at $20 a squad to incorporate both sides. And possibly even more of a challenge, upgrading models already glued and painted. Part of me says, it's not worth the effort. The other half says, they would look great if I did in fact do this. I would love to see any examples of these on models painted up.

The pads I am looking at are specifically

Greetings from Scotland. I got the Dark Angels shoulder pads and I would say that they do look good. One thing to bear in mind; the castings are slightly smaller than the plastic counterparts(not by much but they are) and they do fit very well. Well, after you file down the mould line inside. But they do make my DA more official looking. (Sorry, no pics of them at present)

I've used the Imperial Fist chapter pads, the assault squad pads, tactical squad, Deathwatch, and Ultramarines. I like them. they had a lot more depth to the model. Yes they are expensive, but I think they are worth it.

I use the GW shoulder pads on all of my models. It adds a level of detail that looks much better (in my opinion) to most iconography that is just painted on.

There are exceptions of course and some really talented painters out there that can free hand stuff on shoulder pads that make the molded ones look rather plain - but for me, I prefer the GW / Forge World ones for my models.

I've never had the desire to use squad markings (devastator, tactical, assault). However, I use the Black Templar and Crimson fists shoulder pads on my respective armies because the look awesome. Well worth the cost in my book.

Thanks for the great feedback guys. Any thoughts on removing existing pads? I know I can pretty much force them off, but are there any ways to do this to minimize the chance of breaking anything or screwing up the paint on the surrounding areas? I currently have every model base coated and 2 10 man tac squads fully painted, and 1 assault squad fully painted that I'm looking to do this on.

I've only done that a few times with brute force. Two came off just fine. The third yanked part of the arm off. I was able to hide it by putting the replacement shoulder pad lower down. Only noticable if you are looking for it.

If the guys have bolters in their hands, then I recommend that you carefully apply brute force.....

I wish I could help more.

I've just chopped them up carefully with some clippers. If you're careful, you can just place the new GW Shoulder Pads over where you've chopped off a bit of the shoulder you've just chopped off.