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So after checking out the experimental rules for forgeworld's rapier laser destroyers I decided to build 3 of'm. Rules can be found here: http://www.forgeworld.co.uk/Downloads/Product/PDF/s/smrapier.pdf

I didn't wanna spend too much so I bitz ordered some robogear treads and stormraven lascannons. They only had 3 sets of storm raven lascannons in stock so I figuered I wouldn't make them quad barrelled. The rapier is manned by basic marines but I wanted to make them look more techpriestish and of course as they're for my deathwatch army I gave them deathwatch pads and mechanicus pads. I also mixed in some iron hands metal bitz.

The thunderfire is made using robogear treads and bitz from the planetstrike quad autocannon. I used part of a dozer blade and some valk landing gear bitz for the back of it. The missile launchers are from the drop pod kits. I wanted to make it similar to the thunderfire but still a bit unique.

The best part is the bitz to make the rapiers and the thunderfire we're dirt cheap. GW's selling the failcaste of the thunderfire for 70$ canadian and the rapier's would probably set me back 150$ cad if not more.

Interesting take on the missile-based TFCs. I think the Robogear tracks work well on the Rapiers, but I'm not so sure about mounting the lascannons so low between the tracks. Such low clearance looks like it would limit mobility and expose the barrels to damage, as well as making the things incredibly awkward to aim ("Range 50, elevation... crap. Drive up the 12 degree wedge!"). Not to mention the fact that the limited description mentions them having onboard reactors to power the weapons (although it's feasible to have them flattened and mounted below, I guess, considering the fact that power for a single lascannon is marine-portable and you only have two barrels).

Regardless, the builds themselves are clean and attractive, for both marines and weapons platforms.

oadie wrote:Interesting take on the missile-based TFCs. I think the Robogear tracks work well on the Rapiers, but I'm not so sure about mounting the lascannons so low between the tracks. Such low clearance looks like it would limit mobility and expose the barrels to damage, as well as making the things incredibly awkward to aim ("Range 50, elevation... crap. Drive up the 12 degree wedge!"). Not to mention the fact that the limited description mentions them having onboard reactors to power the weapons (although it's feasible to have them flattened and mounted below, I guess, considering the fact that power for a single lascannon is marine-portable and you only have two barrels).

Regardless, the builds themselves are clean and attractive, for both marines and weapons platforms.

I think the biggest downside to how I built the rapiers is the low profile make shooting from cover really hard. Sandbags and other low cover will completely block los.

Great job! Paint them up now.

Oh, right. That too...

I sometimes forget that most people actually play with their models.

killykavekommando wrote:Great job! Paint them up now.

Painting them right now, should have pix up later tonight


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oadie wrote:Oh, right. That too...

I sometimes forget that most people actually play with their models.

on occasion I dabble in a game of 40k :p

I like the quality of the pics. Want to see them painted!

Finally got them painted