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So I might or might not be starting a new project... I'm looking to play a Bloodthirster in my 2k list for tournaments. Problem is, the bloodthirster model looks like someone sat on a bunch of play-doh and sealed it in a box. Then they put a brand name on it and sold it for $60 bucks to any poor chap not wise enough to realize it's a piece of crap.

Now I'm looking to make something decent and bloodthirster-looking with a relatively limited budget. Here are some options:

1. wait until the new sculpts of the bloodthirster come out next year.
2. Buy a FW khorne Daemon Prince and put wings on it
3. Buy a balrog and convert the crap out of it

Obviously being the impatient person I am, I cannot wait for the new sculpts, so option 1 is out of the question. I have tried option two before. The wings i used to put on the Daemon Prince were GW's Daemon Prince wings. They did not match the sculpt of the FW DP and just looked clunky and out of place, no matter where i put them. I could use Balrog wings, but then again we run into the problem of the wings looking out of place. It's a relatively small model compared to the balrog's wings, and i feel it kind of diminishes the size of the model. The FW DP is a really cool looking sculpt, but I can't see myself adding wings to it again and it looking really good.

But I'm looking at the Balrog more and more and I am really starting to like the size and look of it for a Bloodthirster. It seems to fit the bill really well minus a couple key things.

1- The balrog doesn't have armor, and all bloodthirsters have massive plates of armor.
2- Bloodthirtsters don't have flames coming out of their spine as the balrog sculpt does.
3- The sword on the Balrog model looks like cat piss. Plus Bloodthirsters are supposed to have axes, or maybe a really cool sword. But definitely not the sword that the balrog currently has.

Here is what i will attempt to do to change

1- Probably will need to sculpt a couple plates of armor for him. I'm thinking a chest piece, one-two shoulder pads, one-two knee/thigh pads, and maybe a couple other pieces that i see fit.
2- I am not sure what i will do with the flames down his back. Maybe add a bit of greenstuff and convert these flames into a mane. Maybe take the flames out all together and add spines along his back.
3- Finally we get to the Weapon. I am really not sure what I'm going to do to create a fitting weapon for this bloodthirster. He needs to be badass and needs to have an intimidating weapon.


I have come here because i want your guys opinion on this stuff. What do you guys think of the project? Does anyone have any tutorials/advice on sculpting armor? What weapon should i give the Bloodthirster? How should i change the flames down his back?

Do you guys think this is doable? I have never sculpted green stuff before, but i will plan everything out and go extremely slowly to ensure that i get the sculpt that i desired. Who knows, maybe if i get enough interest i might post converting pictures.

Let me know your thought,
Thisisnotpancho

Or biggerise the plastic Daemon Prince? If you suspect your model will only be a stand-in until the official new Bloodthirster is released, that would seem a practical and cheapish option.

I'm not personally keen on the Balrog - it will take a whole lot of work to avoid the 'LotR model with bits stuck on' look.

I agree with Clang; you could do a lot of work on the Balrog and it would still stick out like a sore thumb. I think the Daemon Prince option would be better. The kit comes with a fairly convincing looking axe, but you would have to sculpt a whip (not too hard, I would imagine). Maybe the Hive Tyrant's wings would fit, giving it a different look?

Anyway, good luck. I have a feeling it would just be better to wait for a new miniature. I had the same problem with the Tervigon for my 'Nids.

I'm not an expert on tournaments but I heard somewhere that using LOTR mini's is a big no-no. For GW tournaments anyways.

As far as the conversion idea goes.. It has potential! But I think it would take a lot of work and the daemon prince might indeed be an easier point to start from

The point of it was they figure with their agreement they can get in trouble from NLC. You can probably use it, they just can't take any pictures of it and use it in any of their publications.

The Balrog seems to be sort of common BT conversion fodder at times, but that's because it usually works quite well.

Here's my Skarbrand, which is based on a Balrog. As you can see there is a lot of work to make it look less "LOTR-ish" but it is worth it in the end.

WIP





Painted





Hope that helps. Axes are Netheraxes from Heresy, which they might not do anymore it appears and the head is from Malus Darkblade's mount, Spite

Hope that gives you a little inspiration.

the Heresy Netheraxe molds wore out, hopefully Andy's going to make new ones

Yeah, it is a daunting task, but with the proper eye and sculpt, i think this could turn out to be a pretty awesome looking model.

Oh and Grimtuff, that is one beastly looking skarbrand. I hope my conversion turns out as sweet as that one.