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Hey all,

I haven't played since 4th edition but now I'm coming back to the hobby. I got the Space Marine codex and and have put together a 1000pt army that I hope will serve as a good starting point while I learn the rules again and also, hopefully, provide plenty of modelling opportunities. Any help you can give will be much appreciated. Thanks.

Chapter Tactic = Iron Hands

HQ (155)
Captain + Thunder Hammer + Storm Shield + Bike

TROOPS (445)
5 Bikes + 2 Meltaguns
5 Marines + Plasmacannon + Razorback + Assault Cannons
5 Marines + Plasmacannon + Razorback + Assault Cannons

FAST ATTACK (120)
Landspeeder + Heavy Flamer + Heavy Flamer
Landspeeder + Heavy Flamer + Heavy Flamer

HEAVY SUPPORT (280)
Predator + Lascannon Turret + Lascannon Sponsons
Predator + Lascannon Turret + Lascannon Sponsons

The captain goes with the Bikes to be a rapid reaction force. The Razorback Marines will hold midfield so they can dakka with their Assault cannons until their vehicle blows up when they will switch to using their Plasmacannons. The Landspeeders will use their twin Heavy Flamers to tackle hordes or anyone hiding in cover. The Predators will provide long-range fire support.

I tried to include something for everything but coudn't get in any aircraft. I'll probably have to save that until I get to 1500pts.

Comments and criticisms welcome.

Thanks

Trimming points to get your Capt. the "Shield Eternal" would be highly recommended. He's going to be an absolute beast when you fear no death, have a 6++ FNP, and ITWND.

Land Speeders are not that great for clearing hordes... you will get glanced to death unless you deep strike.

I would recommend doing a bit of a modification...:

Captain (SE, Powerfist, Artificer Armor, Bike)

Bike Troops (x5 guys, x2 Gravity Guns)
5 Marines + Plasma Cannon
5 Marines + Plasma Cannon

Stormtalon

Predator + Las Turret + Las Sponsons
Predator + Las Turret + Las Sponsons
Thunderfire Cannon

Reasons: A Thunderfire cannon will clear hordes like no tomorrow. It's much, much better than the speeders. A better speeder is the Stormtalon as you can engage air or ground targets and have some good AA capabilities. The Tech Marine on the TFC can go about his business repairing your predators in the event you dont need to fire the TFC or it should die.

Razorbacks are generally considered awful. Mobility might be lacking, but you have bike troops and your beatstick captian that will be EXTREMELY hard to shift at 1000pts. Gravity Guns are the best on bikes because of the 18" range, Salvo 2/3, and absolutely eats heavy infantry and most monstrous creatures alive.

That's my opinion, you don't have to take it obviously. The biggest thing is I think you'll be disappointment GREATLY in speeders and you need that 2+/3++/Eternal Warrior Captain/Chapter Master if you're playing Iron Hands. He's just TOO good to pass up.

I think at 1000pts you don't need 2 fully lascannon preds, I reckon that's overkill. I'd drop one to upgrade weps on the storm talon and fatten out your tax squads as they will disappear quickly.