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Howdy folks,

I started 40k playing Guard, and loved them for the longest time. It was only after the 6th ed Marine codex came out that I lost interest in playing them. Several reasons included, but not limited to:

-Transport: Guard armies are harder to carry around, because of their model count. Ork and nid players can relate. Valkyries, for example, are a model I love, but hate to move!
-Painting:I ended up choosing a cool scheme that was too difficult to reproduce again and again. Furthermore, I develop different techniques between models, so they're inconsistent sometimes. Plus the sheer size of the army doesn't help. I'm stuck between wanting to finish it, and restarting.
-Model Range: The existing kits are too similar, and often I don't feel that great "shiny new toy" feel. In fact, the units that should look different, don't exist in plastic; Storm Troopers, Veterans, Ogryns, Rough Riders, etc.
-Codex Envy: After looking at the marine codex, I couldn't look at my codex the same. I too wanted unique artifact items, warlord traits, psychic powers, and special rules, doctrines (!), etc. The more options, the better! Somehow, this affects me the most.

While some of these things can be solved with a new wave of models and codex, other things like mid-paint doubts and transportation require drastic changes to my current collection.

Anyone else feel this way for their army? Any suggestions besides wait for the new codex?

I avoid a lot of the problems by not using GW infantry. I am however keenly waiting for the next codex, but yea I feel your pain. Transport is a killer for me too.

Two things:
1) Disassemble valks for ease of transport (wings!)
2) Make your army a crusade or combined force. Paint different units differently and give them different heraldry/unit markings.

I had exactly the same problem, have been playing Guard for a while and just got tired of carrying them around everywhere. Especially when you have a bunch of Chimeras and Valks. I never glued the wings on my flyers so I could transport them easier, but it's still annoying.

If you play at a FLGS there's no way you can do this, but I generally try to leave the painted portion of my army at a friend's house where we play weekly. Even just leaving the Valks helps a ton.

I also bought some Grey Knights from a buddy so I could have basically the exact opposite of IG to play with when I felt like it. I can box up like 15-20 models and play a 1500 pt game haha.

Like Swastakowey said though, I feel your pain too lol. I'm still getting excited about the new Codex, and I'll probably add to my problems with something new and shiny...

Combined arms for Guard? I thought I'd never see the day. I can see the reasoning behind it, and I might just do that with Black Templars (I love Black Templars).

 Shadelkan wrote:
Combined arms for Guard? I thought I'd never see the day. I can see the reasoning behind it, and I might just do that with Black Templars (I love Black Templars).

BT will so not help the transport problem thanks to the possible 20 man crusader squads. but the do get a lot of Landraiders.

The GK actually fit well as a second army if you play Guard - not for the allies (haven't actually bothered with that yet), but you can use guardsmen and chimeras as Inquisitorial henchmen. That would also work well with your problem of having different themes, henchmen are henchmen haha. It would also stop them from being executed unceremoniously by the knights if you're a big fluff guy lol.

It's easy to take like 1100 pts of Knights, and then an inquisitor and a few chimera mounted bolter henchmen for nice quick deployment.

Transportation will always be an issue. IG is all about numbers so you will never be able to bring a 20 model army like GK.

Painting is only a problem for footguard. Mechguard is fairly fast and easy to paint. Also easier to transport. If you want the easiest of both then you should consider playing mechvets or some sort.

I collect two distinct IG armies metal storm troopers which I use as Terrax guard. With the right paint scheme they can be give a lot of character and look great.

I also collect DKoK from forgeworld. The forgeworld models have a huge variety of very unique and distinctive units. Far too many according to my bank account.

However I must say that the real strength of the IG models is their ability to be converted to a variety of different styles. The basic cadians are very easy to head swap with a huge line of 3rd party made heads. The vehicles can be made highly distinct by adding extra armour plates, battle damage, rusting effects, and different markings/designs. The best thing about the IG is that anything and everything can be explained with fluff as their are as many different type of IG as their are IoM worlds.

I highly recommend you check out forgeworld. They produce very nice models and rules for IG and really have expanded the faction far beyond what you may realize if you only know of the GW line. They are also part of GW so you are still supporting the IP.