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So, built a scout squad and some bikes. The scouts are a 10 man bolter squad with a heavy bolter and a sgt with a plasma pistol. Kinda a tactical squad with scout rules. Building on the fluffiness aspect of the army, I have the start of a bike squad. Army is developing into 3 categories. The Scouts, a fast moving mechanized ground force that can hit fast in support of the scouts, and an airborne hammer to finish the job or destroy a major objective. More on that later.....

First Bolter armed Scout squad I've seen in a while. Snipers work well, but I've always thought bolter scouts have been a little bit under represented in codex: space marine lists.

@LeadLegion- Yeah, I just think they look cool. Ive never played, but why wouldnt these guys work? Some snipers will happen though. They are just too cool not to.

In the meantime, the attack bike is finished. Worked out nicely I think.......

First 5 bolter scouts are done and I am telling you, the FW transfer sheet is worth every penny. It even has scout size symbols.

The way you painted the scouts skin is awesome. Follows the fluff perfectly but I noticed two had orange hair. The gene seed makes there skin turn white and hair turn coal black so fluff wise should be all black hair. Otherwise everything looks awesome. I love it.

@ravengatorfan- Thanks man, Im glad you like them. The orange hair was actually brown which didnt work out. I didnt want them to all look alike, but you have a point. They are supposed to kinda look alike.

A raven guard fanboy myself, your work is impressive. But why green on the assault units?

@IIvanbard- Thanks for posting. I am painting the weapons green to signify they belong to the same company. Except the scouts and terminators, who are attached to 3rd Company, but not assigned.

Speaking of which, the black is done on the 2 bikes and 5 scouts. Also built 5 Sternguard. 4 have combi-plasma, 1 combi-melta. The other 5 are forthcoming and will probably be 2 heavy flamers and 2 more combo's. Not sure how to arm the sgt. The squad is intended to drop in from the Storm Raven and blast apart everything they see.

The sgt could also have a combi weapon (I believe, bit rusty on the vanilla codex). No point giving him close combat weapons given that if Sterngaurd get into melee, you're doing something wrong.

(Actually, with two attacks they're not THAT bad in assaults, but your still wasting them if they get into hand-to-hand regularly).

Looks good.

The problem with bolter scouts in-game is that for just a few points more, you get full battle-brothers. The stat boost and armor save are generally better then the scout/infiltrate move. I know when I field scouts, I like to get stuff from them I can't get from a basic tactical squad. They do look cool though. But then, so do shotgun and BP/CCW scouts.

I can see a close combat toy for a sternguard sarge. If they are doing their job, they are in someone's charge range. I'm pretty sure they can take a lightning claw. You want to keep your bolter, so aren't going to get the extra attack anyway, might as well go with a specialist weapon.

I like your bikers. Getting ready to put a few more together myself. I was trying to think of what to do for plasma/meltagunners, might do what you did with the flamer, looks cool.

I'm waiting to see your shrike painted. I love the model they have for him and I've seen some good painted ones and they blow me away.

@LeadLegion- that's a good point. Sgt with a power weapon doesn't do much for a unit that is supposed to be for shooting.

@Nevelon- I didn't even think about the pont values for the scouts. Ive never actually played, I just build armies on what I think is cool. And thanks on the bikers. The flamed is from the old Whitescar upgrade pack. I think it's OOP now.

@ravengatorfan- I'm looking forward to Shrike myself. I wanted to give him a command squad to roll with, but I don't think they can have jump packs.

Unfortunately they cannot have jump packs but can ride bikes (load of crap I think). I do a Vanguard Squad with lightning claws and jump packs. expensive but I like them. the old codex had a special unit that was shrikes "command squad" that had all jump packs and lightning claws. awesome unit but expensive.

Simply awesome.. If they are done you should highlight that green to add some flavor to them. I like the alternate symbol as well.

 ravengatorfan wrote:
Unfortunately they cannot have jump packs but can ride bikes (load of crap I think). I do a Vanguard Squad with lightning claws and jump packs. expensive but I like them. the old codex had a special unit that was shrikes "command squad" that had all jump packs and lightning claws. awesome unit but expensive.

Unless you are playing Blood Angels, the options for elite/awesome jump troops are a little thin. While Vanguard Vets are massively overpriced, they can get the job done on the battlefield. And for all their faults, they do look very nice. If you are approaching the hobby primarily as a modeler/painter they are well worth including in your army. As a gamer, they can be made to work, but are a little sub-par.

I just hope that they get better rules support some day...

@panda- Thanks man, maybe they are done, maybe they are waiting for round 6.........

@ravengatorfan- Thanks for the conformation, but rats on the news. Im thinking I may use a different leader, just a generic commander. I plan on a chaplain and librarian anyway. Just got my mind set on a cool command squad.

@Nevelon- I keep telling myself I am going to learn and play. Never do. In the meantime, cool minis are the way to go. So, yeah, more Vanguard on the way. I considered making this army based on the BA codex. It just didnt seem right to use one Legions army list to build another. BA's use jump packs to control the sky. Raven Guard for fast, pinpoint attacks. Kinda the same thing but different.

Anyway, 2 bikes finished. May have to buy the 3rd to make a legal squad. Will consult my bits box first........

On your bikes, did you just paint the ammo in the bolter's magazines green? You normally see that done in a brass color.

Just something that I just noticed. Looking good overall.

@Nevelon- Yes, I painted the magazines green as a change of pace. I usually paint the rounds like a chain of ammo, but figured I would try to make the casing look more enclosing.

I have finished up the last 5 scouts and the squad is finished. I put some squad numbers on their right arms, they are 4th Squad of the 10th Company. On many of my past threads folks have suggested I drill the weapon barrels. Well, I went and bought a grip and a drill bit and it is too small. I have to get a slightly bigger head before proceeding on it.

AWESOME. Shrike is shadow captain of 3rd so you got to do him. Please lol.

Looks very good to me! Would you give up the recipe for the scouts skin color?

Loving that skin! I would also like the recipe!

Very epic work! I am impressed. Really am.

Nice work so far, really liking the bikers and the attack bike, any chance of a group shot of all you have done so far? Looks like it would make a very fine looking army.

And for the OP the new codex might be coming out soon and there is apparently a Raven Guard supplement so your jet pack command squad could happen.

@ravengatorfan- Thanks man, Shrike will be getting done at some point. Stay tuned! He may get a jump pack command squad regardless of the damn rules!!

@gretar and vent- Well gents, Im glad you like the army. The recipe for the skin is absurdly easy. I like easy, easy and I get along really well. Its just Pallid Wych Flesh with a Nuln Oil wash.

@Panda- Thank you sir!

@BurnHeretic- Group shot you say? Here you go........

I love it and lol I like that. Shrike gets what shrike wants.

Awesome, they are indeed looking mighty fine. Whats up next? Started work on a Shrike yet?

Whats next? How about some Storm Raven?

 40kFSU wrote:
Whats next? How about some Storm Raven?

this is a perfect timing for a well place competition. You might wanna go and see this.

So the Storm Raven is coming along. I plan to attach various banners and things to this guy. They will be at an angle to simulate flight. I should have built the landing gear up, oh well, its my first. Rookie mistake.