Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you:
No adverts like this in the forums anymore.
Times and dates in your local timezone.
Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance.
Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely.
Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net.
If you are already a member then feel free to login now.
Quick question: Does anybody know the scale size for 40k tanks? Specifically Imperial Guard ones? My buddy is looking for some basilisks or artillery tanks for cheap, and there are tons of great looking model tanks from hobby shops. What scale size should he look for?
1/35th scale is to big generaly for nything other than warmachine/superheavies ( depending on the model, but SPA, and MBTs tend to be larger than landraiders )
1/48th scale tends to be to small, with weapons hatchs and such look tiny cmpared to the 40k minis.
if it existed a sorta hybrid 1/40th scale with hulls and treads and a 1/35th scale with weapons and such would be ideal, but unfortunatly those dont exist...
So I recommend find a design you like , in a scale thats not to large or small, and do extensive conversion, plastic card and its many variations of tubes and pipes , you can make almost anything with a little practice, but generally you will not save alot of money, and it takes a great deal of time.
At any rate goodluck, and will be happy to help in any way I can.
GW's tanks are too short and tall compared to realistic model tank kits based on real world tanks. The weapons are also absolutely on a different scale - very short, wide barrels compared with actual weapons on a similar scale.
Your friend is best hunting the second hand market for GW stuff and investing in some paint stripper like Simple Green (since you are in the States, that is the product to go for).
My friend can't stand the look of the GW tanks, weapons, barrels, etc. Specifically IG. (I'm not a huge fan of them either). It's a shame how great most of the wwII model tanks look, yet aren't on scale with the rest of the GW.
Looks like we'll have to be doing some major conversions! Thanks for the input
Just search the forum for "scale" and you will find hundreds of threads answering your question. Short answer is that 40k has no consistent scale. (and that WW2 tanks spoil the illusion of a SciFi setting).
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2012/10/27 21:08:20
I dunno, you should only use GW models cuz you need to support the company; if you want to save money then you're in the wrong hobby; just suck it up and get a job or something seriously just buy the actual models or GTFO of the hobby
The fluff is like ketchup and mustard on a burger. Yes it's desirable, yes it makes things better, but no it doesn't fundamentally change what you're eating and no you shouldn't just drown the whole meal in it.
You could use a scale model as a base and then make your own weapons out of plastic tubing, existing bits, etc.
I bet if I was a good painter, I would not be considered a troll and my advice would be heeded as a message from god
Nope, you'd still be a troll. I've converted several tanks for use in an IG army because I saw a model and thought, 'wouldn't that look good in place of an X.' If you're unable to deal with people who enjoy mixing conversions and scratchbuilds into their army you're more than welcome to GTFO.
"-Nonsense, the Inquisitor and his retinue are our hounoured guests, of course we should invite them to celebrate Four-armed Emperor-day with us..." Thought for the Day - Never use the powerfist hand to wipe.
I found only a few 1/35th scale tanks that convert into a Leman Russ or Chimera. even if only a hair off.
Light tanks of WW2 that were very small in reality sometimes works.
Main Battle tanks, Heavy Tanks, or Super heavy Tanks work as baneblades.
Some Heavy tanks work as Macharius Super heavy Tanks (its between a Baneblade and a Malcador)
medium Tanks, like say a Panzer 4 or a Sherman make good Malcadors (A "heavy tank" of the IG. plays as a super heavy)
I belive a 1/48th scale tank of the right (real life) size would work as a Leman Russ. but I have not used a 1/48th scale recently.
I forget the whole scale system but its possible to calculate the length and width of whatever tank you want using the scale.
If all that doesn't work. then tinkering with the GW model itself could work. im sure there are tutorials or other things somewhere that would allow you to turn the romboid Leman Russ into a more "modern" tank.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2012/10/28 01:18:11
Regiment: 91st Schrott Experimental Regiment
Regiment Planet: Schrott Specialization: Salvaged, Heavily Modified, and/or Experimental Mechanized Units. "SIR! Are you sure this will work!?"
"I HAVE NO IDEA, PULL THE TRIGGER!!!" 91st comms chatter.
deadbolt wrote: I dunno, you should only use GW models cuz you need to support the company; if you want to save money then you're in the wrong hobby; just suck it up and get a job or something seriously just buy the actual models or GTFO of the hobby
Wow, way to be a douche. Those other miniature/model companies don't need support?!
You're added to my ignore list.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2012/10/28 05:50:28
SilverMK2 wrote:GW's tanks are too short and tall compared to realistic model tank kits based on real world tanks. The weapons are also absolutely on a different scale
This. GW products aren't just at a certain scale, they're at a certain scale with "heroic" affixed as a prefix. This means that the purposely distort their models to make certain things look more interesting.
As such, converting from model tanks (which isn't necessarily as cheap as you'd think) is going to be very, very difficult to actually get to look anything like a GW model, because it doesn't use the same type of scale.
deadbolt wrote: I dunno, you should only use GW models cuz you need to support the company; if you want to save money then you're in the wrong hobby; just suck it up and get a job or something seriously just buy the actual models or GTFO of the hobby
Wow, way to be a douche. Those other miniature/model companies don't need support?!
You're added to my ignore list.
They don't make the Warhammer 40k books or rule system; also, you need to realize that the point of Warhammer 40k is to use 40k models; if you use some realistic model, you'll kill the 40k universe and spirit cause real vehicles/military don't have a place in grimdark; if it its too realistic its not grimdark you have to keep the ww1/medievil appearance of 40k or else you'll kill the hobby
i reccomend that op stop playing 40k and start something like Call of Duty or flames of war
Wow, way to be a douche. Those other miniature/model companies don't need support?!
You're added to my ignore list.
I've never understood these posts.
If you're going to ignore the kid, do it. Ignore him. Put him on the list; pretend he doesn't exist. But calling the kid a "douche" and letting him he is ignored, that's posting for the pure sake of getting the kid's goat. Which is just as bad as flaming/trolling (it's arguably the same thing, in fact.)
Make sure when you roast someone for being rude, you don't perpetrate the very thing you're complaining about.
-Capt
Dakka member since 2012/01/09 16:44:06
Rick's Cards&Games 1000pt Tourney: 2nd Legion's Winter Showdown 1850: 2nd Place Snake Eyes 1000pt Mixed Doubles: 3rd Place
Elysian 105th Skylance W:37-L:3-D:6 in 6th Edition
Part of the fun of 40k is that it's an absurdly large universe; we don't know how many random feral worlds are out there using strange and interesting vehicles that are obsolete by the standards of more civilized parts of the Imperium but find their way onto the battlefields nontheless. I had a friend who used model Hueys (can't remember the scale) as Valkyries for an Elysian army a long time ago when IA4's Elysian list was current.
Wow, way to be a douche. Those other miniature/model companies don't need support?!
You're added to my ignore list.
I've never understood these posts.
If you're going to ignore the kid, do it. Ignore him. Put him on the list; pretend he doesn't exist. But calling the kid a "douche" and letting him he is ignored, that's posting for the pure sake of getting the kid's goat. Which is just as bad as flaming/trolling (it's arguably the same thing, in fact.)
Make sure when you roast someone for being rude, you don't perpetrate the very thing you're complaining about.
-Capt
I would hardly call it a roast. I am simply letting him know what the first thing that came to my mind was when I read his snarky immature response. If he wants people to take his posts seriously then he shouldn't act like a 13 year old. I let him know that I put him on ignore so he knows that responding in a truly negative fashion will end up in myself and others ignoring what he has to say. Defending him is equally a waste of time as in his mind you have vindicated him of his actions thus promoting him to post like that in future threads. He added nothing to the content of the thread, and now this discussion is getting off topic.
The op was looking for advice on good (albeit slightly cheaper) models to purchase. Some of these conversions, if done right, look awesome and can be equally grim/dark. Unless playing at GW or at a tournament he can use what models he wants. As far as supporting GW, I have supported them since 1993. I have a ton of models and I feel that their price point is rapidly approaching an unsustainble business model as they are VERY expensive in today's hurting economy. An almost %40 price hike over the last year across most of the 40k range hurts. If the op and his friends want to make their buck go a little further that's their prerogative and also the way good business works. There is a demand for cheaper models hence people look elsewhere. I wouldn't attack someone for buying second hand and all of us have bought something off EBay. Hobby stores are going belly up left and right (all retail stores are actually) because of amazon and other online retailers, and yes we all have to make a choice where we spend our dollar, but attacking someone because they are not doing what you want them to do is called bullying where I com from.
Sorry I bullied the bully and stood up for someone just trying to get a straight answer. I have convictions also and where the OP obviously set this guy off, his comment set me off. My flaw i guess is that I am opinionated and argumentative I will be the first to admit it.
~Lion
Btw captain I always have respect for your posts and you have given me great advice and feedback in other threads.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2012/10/28 13:39:18
1:48 is the correct scale, but it generally doesn't look big enough for tanks. Fliers are good though.
1:35 is perfect for tanks. It's technically big, but it works fine. Don't let anyone complain to you about how technically your tank is longer than a Leman Russ. Warhammer tanks don't have proportions and they're getting the advantage by you using a bigger model.
Automatically Appended Next Post:
HiveFleetCollossus wrote: My friend can't stand the look of the GW tanks, weapons, barrels, etc. Specifically IG. (I'm not a huge fan of them either). It's a shame how great most of the wwII model tanks look, yet aren't on scale with the rest of the GW.
Looks like we'll have to be doing some major conversions! Thanks for the input
Warhammer is not intended to be realistic. Using WWII tanks for a themed army is fun, but going against the GW tanks is a tired argument. This is a game that has elves and witches.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2012/10/28 15:31:30
As a discussion grows in length, the probability of a comparison to Matt Ward or Gray Knights approaches one.
deadbolt wrote:I dunno, you should only use GW models cuz you need to support the company; if you want to save money then you're in the wrong hobby; just suck it up and get a job or something seriously just buy the actual models or GTFO of the hobby
Inquisitor Ehrenstein wrote:1:48 is the correct scale, but it generally doesn't look big enough for tanks. Fliers are good though.
1:35 is perfect for tanks. It's technically big, but it works fine. Don't let anyone complain to you about how technically your tank is longer than a Leman Russ. Warhammer tanks don't have proportions and they're getting the advantage by you using a bigger model.
Automatically Appended Next Post:
HiveFleetCollossus wrote: My friend can't stand the look of the GW tanks, weapons, barrels, etc. Specifically IG. (I'm not a huge fan of them either). It's a shame how great most of the wwII model tanks look, yet aren't on scale with the rest of the GW.
Looks like we'll have to be doing some major conversions! Thanks for the input
Warhammer is not intended to be realistic. Using WWII tanks for a themed army is fun, but going against the GW tanks is a tired argument. This is a game that has elves and witches.
It's not the realism I have a problem with (My main army is Tyranids!) The point of buying tank models from other companies is just for a different overall look, not for a tank with perfect proportions. And, hopefully, it might be a cheaper alternative. I have a hobby shop a few minutes from my house with very nice looking tanks for $20.00 or less.
Inquisitor Ehrenstein wrote: 1:48 is the correct scale, but it generally doesn't look big enough for tanks. Fliers are good though.
1:35 is perfect for tanks. It's technically big, but it works fine. Don't let anyone complain to you about how technically your tank is longer than a Leman Russ. Warhammer tanks don't have proportions and they're getting the advantage by you using a bigger model.
Automatically Appended Next Post:
HiveFleetCollossus wrote: My friend can't stand the look of the GW tanks, weapons, barrels, etc. Specifically IG. (I'm not a huge fan of them either). It's a shame how great most of the wwII model tanks look, yet aren't on scale with the rest of the GW.
Looks like we'll have to be doing some major conversions! Thanks for the input
Warhammer is not intended to be realistic. Using WWII tanks for a themed army is fun, but going against the GW tanks is a tired argument. This is a game that has elves and witches.
FINALLY someone agrees with me, @OP just save up money and buy real Gamesworkshop tanks regular tanks have no place in warhammer 40k; if you don't like that then tough go play a different hobby or call of duty Warhammer 40k is not for realistic people, its a grimdark over the top universe, not for generic wannabe halo sci fi. You're killing warhammer 40k and you're going to kill gamesworkshop if you use realistic tanks.
Inquisitor Ehrenstein wrote: 1:48 is the correct scale, but it generally doesn't look big enough for tanks. Fliers are good though.
1:35 is perfect for tanks. It's technically big, but it works fine. Don't let anyone complain to you about how technically your tank is longer than a Leman Russ. Warhammer tanks don't have proportions and they're getting the advantage by you using a bigger model.
Automatically Appended Next Post:
HiveFleetCollossus wrote: My friend can't stand the look of the GW tanks, weapons, barrels, etc. Specifically IG. (I'm not a huge fan of them either). It's a shame how great most of the wwII model tanks look, yet aren't on scale with the rest of the GW.
Looks like we'll have to be doing some major conversions! Thanks for the input
Warhammer is not intended to be realistic. Using WWII tanks for a themed army is fun, but going against the GW tanks is a tired argument. This is a game that has elves and witches.
FINALLY someone agrees with me, @OP just save up money and buy real Gamesworkshop tanks regular tanks have no place in warhammer 40k; if you don't like that then tough go play a different hobby or call of duty Warhammer 40k is not for realistic people, its a grimdark over the top universe, not for generic wannabe halo sci fi. You're killing warhammer 40k and you're going to kill gamesworkshop if you use realistic tanks.
That's not the point. Some people want other tanks because of the way that they look, or for theming the army. As long as they aren't using super low profile tanks, it looks fine. If people want to use realistic tanks, they can do that.
As a discussion grows in length, the probability of a comparison to Matt Ward or Gray Knights approaches one.
Inquisitor Ehrenstein wrote: 1:48 is the correct scale, but it generally doesn't look big enough for tanks. Fliers are good though.
1:35 is perfect for tanks. It's technically big, but it works fine. Don't let anyone complain to you about how technically your tank is longer than a Leman Russ. Warhammer tanks don't have proportions and they're getting the advantage by you using a bigger model.
Automatically Appended Next Post:
HiveFleetCollossus wrote: My friend can't stand the look of the GW tanks, weapons, barrels, etc. Specifically IG. (I'm not a huge fan of them either). It's a shame how great most of the wwII model tanks look, yet aren't on scale with the rest of the GW.
Looks like we'll have to be doing some major conversions! Thanks for the input
Warhammer is not intended to be realistic. Using WWII tanks for a themed army is fun, but going against the GW tanks is a tired argument. This is a game that has elves and witches.
FINALLY someone agrees with me, @OP just save up money and buy real Gamesworkshop tanks regular tanks have no place in warhammer 40k; if you don't like that then tough go play a different hobby or call of duty Warhammer 40k is not for realistic people, its a grimdark over the top universe, not for generic wannabe halo sci fi. You're killing warhammer 40k and you're going to kill gamesworkshop if you use realistic tanks.
Deadbolt, I'm going to have to dumb down my words here because I'm not sure you're getting it: Read. Previous. Posts. Before. Posting.
If you would take the time to do the aforementioned, you would realize that "realism" is not the issue. I am neither "killing warhammer 40k" nor "killing GW". And I can assure you that interest in WWII Military Vehicles is far from "generic wannabe halo sci fi"
I would like to ask you not to continue posting in this thread, unless you have something constructive to offer. Everything you've said so far has been unhelpful/rude.
Posting: Super Simple Stuff.
This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2012/10/29 00:15:48
1:48 is the correct scale, but it generally doesn't look big enough for tanks. Fliers are good though.
1:35 is perfect for tanks. It's technically big, but it works fine. Don't let anyone complain to you about how technically your tank is longer than a Leman Russ. Warhammer tanks don't have proportions and they're getting the advantage by you using a bigger model.
Automatically Appended Next Post:
HiveFleetCollossus wrote: My friend can't stand the look of the GW tanks, weapons, barrels, etc. Specifically IG. (I'm not a huge fan of them either). It's a shame how great most of the wwII model tanks look, yet aren't on scale with the rest of the GW.
Looks like we'll have to be doing some major conversions! Thanks for the input
Warhammer is not intended to be realistic. Using WWII tanks for a themed army is fun, but going against the GW tanks is a tired argument. This is a game that has elves and witches.
FINALLY someone agrees with me, @OP just save up money and buy real Gamesworkshop tanks regular tanks have no place in warhammer 40k; if you don't like that then tough go play a different hobby or call of duty Warhammer 40k is not for realistic people, its a grimdark over the top universe, not for generic wannabe halo sci fi. You're killing warhammer 40k and you're going to kill gamesworkshop if you use realistic tanks.
Deadbolt, I'm going to have to dumb down my words here because I'm not sure you're getting it: Read. Previous. Posts. Before. Posting.
If you would take the time to do the aforementioned, you would realize that "realism" is not the issue. I am neither "killing warhammer 40k" nor "killing GW". And I can assure you that interest in WWII Military Vehicles is far from "generic wannabe halo sci fi"
I would like to ask you not to continue posting in this thread, as everything you've said has been unhelpful/rude.
Posting: Super Simple Stuff.
He's a troll account bud. Gotta' learn to spot 'em if you wanna survive on the internet. This...is troll country.
Dakka member since 2012/01/09 16:44:06
Rick's Cards&Games 1000pt Tourney: 2nd Legion's Winter Showdown 1850: 2nd Place Snake Eyes 1000pt Mixed Doubles: 3rd Place
Elysian 105th Skylance W:37-L:3-D:6 in 6th Edition
Yeah best thing to do is pretend they never posted anything...somepeople just enjoy starting unhelpful drama, sad, sad, strange little people....
But plenty others here do and can give good advice...myself I am just here for the buffet.
Automatically Appended Next Post: I decide to give you a few model kit recomendations that I have used in the past for conversions for 40k , both for myself and for others.
used for a demolisher varient,and vindicator.
Made a intersting leman russ conversion from this.
Same here leman russ conversion.
A very nice Vanquisher conversion
yet another Leman Russ conversion (we had a bunch of historical based 40k regiments)
Hydra conversion
another hydra/dakka trukk conversion.
Basilisk conversion
Chimera conversion, Fairly extensive to do but came out nice.
another Chimera conversion, and a good ork trukk basis, these last 2 are very cost effective, but take a while in the converting.
Well thats a quick run down for now if you need some others just let me know..hope this helps in anyway.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2012/10/29 01:38:27
Halftrack conversions for Chimeras are fun. They have a very IG feel to them to begin with. One of these days I'll get around to making the half tracks used a couple times by Tanith infantry in the book where their R&R went wrong. (at least, I think they were half tracks.)
"-Nonsense, the Inquisitor and his retinue are our hounoured guests, of course we should invite them to celebrate Four-armed Emperor-day with us..." Thought for the Day - Never use the powerfist hand to wipe.