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After recently completing a small ork army, I purchased the Start Collecting Militarum Tempestus set as the basis of a new army. After taking some helpful advice from a member of Dakka, I have decided to convert it to an Astra Militarum army. Unfortunately, I have very little experience outside of orks, and I was wondering if any seasoned AM players had some ideas on what a good next step would be. Point value isn't a concern, though cost-wise I would like to stay around $50. Any ideas?

You aren't going the most competitive way to start. The MT starter box is better as MT then as AM.
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That being said... Maybe you could look at building towards the Emperor's Blade Assault Company. That is 2nd tier competitive, and can make use of the Taurox.


So for a next step, I recommend this:
https://www.games-workshop.com/en-US/Astra-Militarum-Cadian-Armoured-Fist

It gets you a Chimera and a Squad of vets, and runs about $55.

There are 2 basic lists for guard; mech and blob.

Blob usually involves 200+ models so it's not a budget army, even by 40k standards. At 1750+ points you'll have 3-4 large platoons, possibly conscript blobs (very good idea if you can afford them) and kitted out CCS with advisers. Maybe some Wyverns too. This is our most competitive list, if played well it can beat top tier armies. However guard are pretty much bottom tier so you if you want a top tier army you should look elsewhere.

Mech lists are all about tanks, tank commanders as HQs, vets in chimeras as troops and more tanks in heavy support. This is definitely cheaper than blob but not as competitive. Vehicles are too fragile this edition compared to MCs. Still, 6-8 AV14 tanks is pretty intimidating.

For value the armoured fist box is the best value at $55. And you'll be able to expirment with both variants. Run them as vets in Chimeras if you want to try mech, and as part of a platoon if you want to run blob.

The Chimera could be used as a Pillbox for the PCS you'll have with the platoon.