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Hey guys, I don't have the new Space Marine book yet. I was just wondering what kind of luck I'd have making an army using what I've already got. I know new Dev squads are all the rage, as are Centurions but I don't have either just now. I'm not averse to buying either although I'd more likely scrounge around for some deals since they're pretty expensive kits. Canada doesn't really have an online retailer offering 20% off like the UK and the States do.

So, I play Crimson Fists. My love for them came from the cover of the 3rd Edition Codex depicting the CF's last stand. This was one of the first pieces of 40K art I ever saw (I got into the hobby with Lord of the Rings in 2001-02) and I just loved it. I originally saw it in black & white because the 4th Edition Codex was out by then, but once I saw it in colour not long after I had started my Marines, I knew that's who I wanted to play. Coincidentally, one of my best friends back then and the guy who got me into 40K was an avid Ork player and he found it a little too convenient that I'd choose a Chapter that was good against da Ladz...

I have:

Pedro Kantor
Captain with power axe
Chaplain in power armour
Chaplain in Termie armour
Librarian
Techmarine with a couple Servitors
2 Apothecaries (but no other command squad models)
40 or so Marines, including special weapons and Sergeants
3 missile launchers
3 lascannons
10 Assault Marines
7 Bikers with grav, including a Sergeant with power fist
17 Sternguard split into melta and plasma-toting squads
5 Terminators
Dreadnought with assault cannon
6 Scouts
1 Land Raider
2 Predators
3 Rhinos
2 Drop Pods
Stormraven Gunship

For my army, I've given every Sergeant a power fist in accordance with fluff but I've also got models of generic Sergeants with bolters or combi-weapons so I don't need to take the fists. I have split my Tacticals into 10-man squads but I have extra special weapons so I can actually use them as 5-man units when I want. I'm to the understanding that MSU is a viable thing now, if not straight up the proper thing to do. I also understand that a lot of people don't like Tactical Marines and think of them as a burden on the effectiveness of the army, especially with ObSec on the more potent Sternguard and the cheaper and now improved Scouts. I can't imagine a Marine army without at least a couple Tac squads though, so I'd like to incorporate some for sure.

That’s a pretty solid collection to build from. You will be able to take advantage of two of the new formations, and can field the Gladius strikeforce with them.

A demi-company is going to be the core of your force. Captain or chaplain, 3xtac, assault marines(or bikes) and a dev squad. optional dread/command squad. You’ve got that. The 1st company formation needs 3 squads of vets. Between the terminators and the sternguard you can pull that off.

Grab the new codex when you can, you should be in a good place to field a reasonable TAC army.

yup, looks like you'll be able to sue the gladius strike force, also the codex hasn't changed too much, what worked for you before should work now. that said, IF chapter tactics now apply to sternguard ammo. which makes sternguard a Crimson fist players best friend.

If I wanted to add a Bike Captain and a jump pack Captain, what would be the best way to equip them? I was thinking this:

Captain
Artificer armour, bike, combi-grav
Bike Squad
6 Bikes; Sergeant with power fist and combi-grav, 2 grav guns

Captain
Artificer armour, jump pack, lightning claw, storm shield
Assault Squad
10 Assault Marines with jump packs; Sergeant with power fist, 2 flamers

If you are putting fists on your sergeants, for Dorn’s sake, give them to your Captains! I think they are crazy overpriced on sarges, but will never tell a Imperial or Crimson Fist player not to take them. Captains are sturdy enough to live to strike last (particularly on a bike a/o with a SS) so get a bit more milage from them.

I run my jump captain with a lighting claw and a thunder hammer, although a fist works instead of the TH. That’s more of a offensive load, the SS makes you tougher.

I just run a fist on my bike captain. But the same basic rules apply. How much offense/defense do you want?

I'm trying to put together a Gladius myself right now. I play Imperial Fists, and I feel it is an awesome way to build a force.

I have been playing since 3rd edition and I can't imagine not having tactical marines in a marine force. It just doesn't seem right. I also run heavy bolters in my tac squads to give weight of fire, but missile launchers give more tactical flexibility. I've been thinking o what other stuff I could run in my tac squads, especially if I drop pod them, because I'm working on getting a third drop pod so I can make sure I get two on turn one.

And for IF, swords are a big fluff thing, so I include them, even if they aren't good. My captain has artiicer armor, a power fist and a plasma pistol, but I keep getting told he's not a good build either and keep getting asked what he will be with on the field. I just put him with a tac squad. Mine walks though, but he's built with the FW character upgrade set, and looks too cool not to take.