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This is probably not a new trick but figured I'd post anyway. I like to make the most out of my models as I'm on a tight budget so I use magnets extensively as I'm sure others do. For my heavy weapons and special weapons models I usually build the whole torso that I then magnetize to the legs for easy swaps between lascannons, MLs, MMs etc...
Ran into a bind today, I've been working on the new sternguard kit (which is a treasure-trove of bits!) and was gonna magnetize the HB/HF torso but while there were many front torsos to choose from, there were only 5 backs... My bits-box didn't have any spares either until the light-bulb turned on: the extra torso bits from the turret-techmarine on vehicles! It includes a back (with no backpack) that can easily be trimmed for a standard marine.

Hope this helps.

I used the Techmarine back for my bits built captain.

I think GW deliberately keep SM backs in short supply on the sprues to stop people building additional minis.

I have enough fronts, arms, heads, legs and weapons in my bits box to put together maybe 10 or 11 marines, I just have no spare backs.

The assault marines box has twice as many torsos and backs then legs.

 throwoff wrote:
I used the Techmarine back for my bits built captain.

I think GW deliberately keep SM backs in short supply on the sprues to stop people building additional minis.

I have enough fronts, arms, heads, legs and weapons in my bits box to put together maybe 10 or 11 marines, I just have no spare backs.

bitz stores/ebay are your friend.
eg:
you could have 10 backs for 4 quid from this guy:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/40K-Space-Marines-Assault-Squad-Torso-Backs-/271402591184?pt=UK_Toys_Wargames_RL&hash=item3f30dae3d0

 throwoff wrote:


I think GW deliberately keep SM backs in short supply on the sprues to stop people building additional minis.

.

This; its most certainly on purpose. Although I wouldnt say its malicious. The kit is for 5 marines... there is no valid complaint that it does not make 6 or more marines. They do however give you almost enough parts to make twice as many figures in many of their kits... can be a little annoying I think I could make another 30-40 marines If I had the torso backs and backpacks for them; plenty of spare heads, arms, weapons, legs, and chest pieces.

Man I must be doing something wrong. I have extras of everything but legs. I do pick up bits though, they are indeed your friend.

And to OP, yeah love the new sternguard kit, vanguard too. So many parts. I wish I had them back when I started my company, would've customized a lot more.

Legs are what holds me back as well. There are some kits that have an extra set (the command/dev kit that comes with the kneeling pair)

no way around getting extra legs from regular GW packs that I know of. Ebay would be your best bet for that I guess.

The Assault Marine kit is great for full torsos and backpacks

Dev and Command Kit have an extra set of legs

Tank kits are great for torso's too (bit of trimming required) I have lots of these as i hate having marines poking out of my vehicles

lots of kits come with an extra front torso with 1 usually reserved for the Sgt.

You should also amass a few backpacks when you start using thing like ML/ HB/ HF specific ones form various kits.

I usually end up collecting together all my spare torsos, weapons arms etc. and then grab a load of legs off eBay to make some characters with. eBay bits shops truly are my best friend considering I can get the full set of Sanguinary Guard legs for pennies - they're so damn dynamic! I've yet to grab some Vanguard legs to see how they turn out. To be honest, I'm continually suprised that every space marine kit doesn't have one set of kneeling legs and the rest a mix of running 'assault' legs and standing 'tactical' legs. For me that would take the already pretty awesome new Tactical box to a new level.

A few years ago I looked around and realized that I had tons of bits but no legs or backs so I went and bought a ton flacks and legs, spent $30 and made around 25 marines