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I invented a new project for myself, which is replacing the included models in the Warhammer 40,000 Second Edition box with "modern" miniatures. So in my list of stuff to source, I'm looking at aquiring:

• 2 Tactical squads worth of firstborn Space Marines (sorted)
• 40 Gretchin
• 20 Ork boyz
• Ork Dread

Now, I already know how to source satisfactory looking Gretchin and Dread (Deff dread + current GW Gretchin), but I'm having a really hard time coming up with suitable models for the Boyz. My first Orks I had originally were from the first plastic Ork box GW released around the early 90's, and to my dismay, GW hasn't offered any replacements for those flak jacket wearing boyz since. Modern boyz just don't do it for me, they look too Blood Bowley to me somehow with their BB helmets and Gouged Eye ripoff shoulder guards..

Yesterday, I found the wonderful Kromlech Ork kits and was amazed! They just ooze that Ere We Go Paul Bonnerisque oldhammer energy, especially the heads/faces were a breath of fresh air.. But alas, even Kromlech doesn't offer that oldhammer flak jackety looking torso.. I could use their WWII inspired Ork Nazi models and go all Blood Axe for my boyz, but I dunno, having a small DKoK army already, it feels like its not Orky enough for me..

Therefore, I'm turning to yall modellistas out there, please list your favourite 3rd party Ork Boyz model alternatives! I'm looking for that sweet Ere We Go Paul Bonnerisque oldhammer energy. I'm positive someone has made at least STLs in this old style.. And no, I dont want to drop 400€ for a mint NOS box of the old plastics thankyouverymuch, two static poses across 20 models dont cut it in 2023

Knightmare Games has a lot of Oldhammer style models, including space orks: https://knightmareminiatures.com/product/orcs-komando

thank you! I'll take a peep

Theyre in the ballpark, but with only 5-6 individual sculpts and being metal, I'd be better off collecting vintage Citadel metal models.. Which has been one option I have been considering tbh, seeing as these seem to be hard to find in any shape or form. Just been a long time since I messed with metal models, have kind of gotten used to the flexibility and kitbashability of modern plastics

I will be using the 2022 MKVI plastics for the marines though, so not sure if the old metal Orks will look all tiny and whatnot.. One option I was contemplating on was going with the Beast Snagga boyz as base models and converting the heck out of them, but that sounds like a lot of work

Have you tried Artel? A lot of their models, orks included, take inspiration from old editions of 40K:

https://artelw.com/Iron-Horde-Space-Orcs-c142993025

Artel again seems to concantrate on the more cool units, not seeing anything for Boyz on their site.. A lot of these third party vendors seem to be concentrating on more "special" models instead of boring replacement troop models. But I'll keep on searching, I refuse to believe I'm the only one pining for some flakjacket boyz..

I don't want to come off condescending, but have you considered sculpting the flak padding on modular plastic boys with Apoxie Sculpt or Green Stuff?

 KidCthulhu wrote:
I don't want to come off condescending, but have you considered sculpting the flak padding on modular plastic boys with Apoxie Sculpt or Green Stuff?

I was just thinking about this today, was taking an in depth look at the Kommando torsos and thinking they could just be flakkified somehow.. but I'm terrible at greenstuffing and I'd need the result to look really crisp somehow

Welp, its looking like there is no really good alternatives out there in the modern lineups, so I'm leaning towards going with vintage metal Citadel models for my boyz. Now I just need to source an old miniature catalogue which lists most of the Ork metals Citadel ever made, and start hunting for figs on ebay..

 tauist wrote:
Welp, its looking like there is no really good alternatives out there in the modern lineups, so I'm leaning towards going with vintage metal Citadel models for my boyz. Now I just need to source an old miniature catalogue which lists most of the Ork metals Citadel ever made, and start hunting for figs on ebay..

http://www.solegends.com/citadel/catindex.htm

For your retro-catalog needs

 Nevelon wrote:

 tauist wrote:
Welp, its looking like there is no really good alternatives out there in the modern lineups, so I'm leaning towards going with vintage metal Citadel models for my boyz. Now I just need to source an old miniature catalogue which lists most of the Ork metals Citadel ever made, and start hunting for figs on ebay..

http://www.solegends.com/citadel/catindex.htm

For your retro-catalog needs

Thank you sir! Unfortunately, I have been skimming ebay today and the prices of vintage Ork metals are eye-watering. ATM I have no choice but to resort to using the Kommandos kit + plastic bitz, it would cost me hundreds of euros (largely due to redundant shipping & taxes) to buy the metals, and I also fear the vintage scale would look off next to modern Beakies as their opponents. Blood Axes it is then.. Took my Octarius models from storage just now, and have to say that even though they dont have that oldhammer feel as much as I'd like, they are still my favourite looking "boyz" replacements in the current GW range

Yeah, the old RT-era orks are quite small compared to their modern compatriots.

What a pity. I hope someone out there does the right thing and collects them all into an archive, then hires scans them into 3D models so that future generations can print em up in any scale of their choosing

I'm going to see how feasible sculpting the flak out of greenstuff is. I might be able to make a little tutorial if it's a workable option.

You know some 3rd parties sell these texturing rolls that you can use to create intricate basing texture in just about any size?

Someone needs to come up with a putty texturing roll with some of the most used oldhammer flak jacket textures. You could do one for Orks/Squats, one for GSC and so on, since these factions have such a distinctive texture to their outfits..

With such a roll, even a clueless idiot like me could come up with agreeable looking results, assuming I made accurate measurements and could manage crisp, sharp cuts..

You might be over-emphasising the crispness and sharpness of it all. Those old flack jackets were likely sculpted in putty in the first place and can be recreated just the same way again. It’s like practical archeology you’re doing, trying to recreate a thing that hasn’t been done in over 30 years.