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As a frequent lurker, and many many years ago an occasional poster, here on Dakka (and some other forums) thought it was time I shared some photos of my main army: a 40k Salamanders Company. As it currently stands, there’s about 6,000 points of Space Marines here and, as per the fluff, about an entire Salamanders company (plus some veteran and scout support).

This has been put together over about a decade and originally inspired by the old Codex: Armageddon. Never really intended for the army to grow to this size, but over time the repeated temptation ‘For just one more unit…’ has proven hard to resist! From adding some Forgeworld units, to including some units from the various new editions of Codex: Space Marines over the years, it’s just grown and grown…

Some (I think) fairly interesting units in here: lots of 2nd Edition era 40k models, some dreadnoughts and Tarantulas (these days count as Rapier Laser Destroyers) from Space Crusade, some Forgeworld, an unusual Scout unit, an allied Iron Hands squad, and even two Rogue Trader vintage models

Over the years I’ve been inspired time and time again by the great photos online, so this is my very minor ‘giving back’. Painting is table top quality only, but hope these bring some enjoyment / inspiration!

A trio of army overviews and group shots to start with below, and further photos to follow soon.

Always nice to see a full company of the Emperor’s finest gathered together. Looking forward to the detail shots.

Will start the more detailed shots with some of my favourite units: Dreadnoughts.

Three here. First is Forgeworld's brilliant Bray'arth Ashmantle. I can't recommend the model enough - easily one of the best I've had the pleasure to model and paint. Only hope my paint job did it justice.

The second and third are rather retro: they are from Space Crusade (a mid 1990s Games Workshop board game). Both sport an unusual load out because the Space Crusade game only came with ranged weapons. One is Quad Assault Cannons (typically think of them as count as twinlinked Autocannons making a riflemen dread) and the other Quad Missile Launchers (something like a Mortis pattern). Both models are probably twenty years old, and think it's great to have some vintage alongside the new. Like to them of them as Crusade Pattern.

And now the biggest model in the army: a Forgeworld Storm Eagle. Actually quite difficult to fit in a photo. For anyone considering investing in one, it was extremely frustrating to put together - but very rewarding to paint and have in the collection.

Up next is some of the Heavy Support.

This is the Land Raider Achilles: the only Land Raider in the force. I really like the visual of the massive Thunderfire Cannon and sponson twin-linked multi-meltas. The modifications made by Forgeworld to the regular plastic kit are, again, great - makes another good centrepiece (and very effective on the battlefield, of course.)

Wow them models look very great

rarely see Salamanders these days and these are fine examples

So, after the Achilles comes the original - and less mobile - Thunderfire Cannon. While the concept of the Thunderfire Cannon very much appeals, the kit - mine is the original metal version - was a tough one to put together.

So now one of the newest units - a set of Centurions. Like, if I recall correctly, many people I wasn't really taken with the models at first, but - after being given a set as a present - found myself with a set to put together. First decision was to give them the 'new' grav weapons - nothing else in the army had them, so was a chance to do something different other than more Lascannons or Heavy Bolters. Second decision was to try and give them a slightly less bulky look - I've left off lots of the armour plates. End result, I think, is a more exoskeleton look (with a hint of Aliens influence) that looks like a Space Marine might actually have (somehow) stepped up and in. Quite happy with how these turned out - and deliberately gave a mixture of secondary weapons (missile launchers and hurricane bolters for a bit of visual variety).

The army has lots of small conversions / bits swaps - like the alternative helmets including a beaky one you see below.

And from the newest units, to the oldest...

These are my count as 3 x Rapier Laser Destroyer batteries (sometimes count as Lascannon armed devastators, sometimes misc. sentry guns, sometimes Tarantulas). Those of you with long memories might recognise these as being from the GW / MD Space Crusade game. The models are rather static posed, but I think they add an unusual retro touch to the army. They also have a bit of a Heresy era vibe.

Fluff wise, the six of these plus the three Centurions make up a whole Devastator squad. There are two conventional devastator squads, I'll add photos later of, with this being the third (deployed in specialist armour / formation).

 DarkMistro wrote:
Wow them models look very great

rarely see Salamanders these days and these are fine examples

Thanks DarkMistro, very kind of you

So, time to meet some of the commanders of the Company.

Total of 6 HQ choices: the Dreadnought Bray, Vulkan, Captain armed with Thunder Hammer (spot on, I think, for a Salamanders army), Librarian, Jump Pack Chaplain (only Finecast model in the army, as I recall), and a converted Master of the Forge with Conversion Beamer. He uses a 2nd edition devastator body, a weapon from the Space Crusade set, should pad from the space marine tank sprue, servo-skull from an Imperial Guard sprue, and a few other random bits.

Having introduced two elite options earlier - the Dreadnoughts - lets do the same for the 2 x Sternguard veterans squads, and the 2 x Terminator squads.

The Sternguards comprise a mix of the 'classic' 5 man metal squad, the more modern 5 man plastic set, 2 x Legion of the Damned models painted in Salamanders colours, and 8 more marines variously kitbashed together. The 2 x Terminator squads are from the 1990s version of Space Hulk and are all plastic, bar two models.

The Sternguard, for the record, are one of my very favourite units and the idea behind them - elite of the elite, rare ammo, special equipment etc - really appeals.

Both the new and the old sternguard are very nice models. I like what you’ve done with them. I’m a little surprised that the Tyranic War Vets I spotted in one of the group shots aren’t here.

 Nevelon wrote:
Both the new and the old sternguard are very nice models. I like what you’ve done with them. I’m a little surprised that the Tyranic War Vets I spotted in one of the group shots aren’t here.

Good question! I like the Tyranic War Vets (with their Ultramarine details filed-off) mixed in the main Tactical squads - adds a little visual variation. If the rumours about 7th and the relaxed FOC are true though, and you can take a more flexible army - tempting to start a 3rd Sternguard squad with them...

Moving onto the Assualt Squads - 10 man jump pack squad [made up of the old 2nd edition era metal models, and five of the more modern plastics] and a smaller combat foot squad. The on foot squad is a recent addition and has lots of parts from the newer marine kits.

Now some transports - an original Rhino, and 3 x Razorbacks: A classic with Lascannon and T/L Plasma Gun, a Heavy Bolter One, and a Lascannon One

I've always really liked the idea of a Razorback - the balance of transport, mobility, and firepower. The original idea, going back to Codex: Armageddon, was for an army built round three tactical squads - one with a plasma gun, one with a flamer, and one with a melta - each paired up with an appropriate Razorback. The army has clearly grown since then though!

Coming up next on the painting list is two more Razorbacks: T/L Assault Cannon and T/L Heavy Flamer. Will mean I've got five Razorbacks, one of each weapon type

Brief overview of the four 'main' Tactical squads of the army: All led by a sargeant with Powerfist (a throwback to the old fluff / rules about have a lower initiative, so seemed right to arm with slower, more cumbersome weapons) and appropriate combi-weapon to match the squad special. Then one squad with each of the special weapon options (the Grav cannon, of course, a recent addition).

More detailed shots to follow

Cool, a fellow salamanders player! I like what you've done with the centurions. Also I think your master of the forge is in fact carrying a bona fide conversion beamer!

 Exhumed wrote:
Cool, a fellow salamanders player! I like what you've done with the centurions. Also I think your master of the forge is in fact carrying a bona fide conversion beamer!

Thanks Exhumed. Ironically, getting the centurions to look like that is mainly a case of not doing something - e.g. not attaching the leg and torso armour - rather than actively converting. As I mentioned earlier in the thread, much prefer the exposed / open look than the more heavily armoured normal look.

And yes, the Master of the Forge really does have a (Space Crusade) conversion beamer - proof you should hold onto all your bitz!

And three more Tactical squads now - all what I'd consider the 'classic' static pose models. One squad, as you'll see, has a slightly different shoulder pad pattern - inspired by the old Badab War style scheme.

Ah, the classic 2nd “I love my bolter” marines. The look fine standing at attention on the shelf. Which is a good thing. Because if you own a full battle company, tac squads 3-6 are going to be spending most of their time there.

I love battle companies, but let’s be honest: How many tac squads does one man need?

Looking good though!

 Nevelon wrote:
Ah, the classic 2nd “I love my bolter” marines. The look fine standing at attention on the shelf. Which is a good thing. Because if you own a full battle company, tac squads 3-6 are going to be spending most of their time there.

I love battle companies, but let’s be honest: How many tac squads does one man need?

Looking good though!

Right on both accounts! Can't honestly think when they were last used, but look quite smart all grouped together. Can remember my excitement when the first poseable plastics were released circa 3rd edition.

ruralguard wrote:

 Nevelon wrote:
Ah, the classic 2nd “I love my bolter” marines. The look fine standing at attention on the shelf. Which is a good thing. Because if you own a full battle company, tac squads 3-6 are going to be spending most of their time there.

I love battle companies, but let’s be honest: How many tac squads does one man need?

Looking good though!

Right on both accounts! Can't honestly think when they were last used, but look quite smart all grouped together. Can remember my excitement when the first poseable plastics were released circa 3rd edition.

Well, RTB01 were multi-pose plastics, so the 3rd ed ones were not the first of their ilk, just a much-needed return. But I will echo your feelings about the 3rd ed marines. That was a nice box of stuff.

 Nevelon wrote:

ruralguard wrote:

 Nevelon wrote:
Ah, the classic 2nd “I love my bolter” marines. The look fine standing at attention on the shelf. Which is a good thing. Because if you own a full battle company, tac squads 3-6 are going to be spending most of their time there.

I love battle companies, but let’s be honest: How many tac squads does one man need?

Looking good though!

Right on both accounts! Can't honestly think when they were last used, but look quite smart all grouped together. Can remember my excitement when the first poseable plastics were released circa 3rd edition.

Well, RTB01 were multi-pose plastics, so the 3rd ed ones were not the first of their ilk, just a much-needed return. But I will echo your feelings about the 3rd ed marines. That was a nice box of stuff.

Indeed. Now I think a bit more, there was also the 6 man / about £5 Warriors of the Imperium box that gave you some marines you could pose and customise. Will be a few of those in the army too.

Very nice mix of models, my templers have some old metal marines + near original termies, they stand out in good way

I promised some close-ups of some marines from the Tactical Squads - so here's a little selection...

Still slightly WIP, but two new Razorbacks - one with assault cannons, one with heavy flamers. Completes the 'set' of one Razorback with each of the Codex options

A nice looking set of armoured vehicles. And good use of the Stormraven turret as well - I'd have never thought of using that!

 Azazelx wrote:
A nice looking set of armoured vehicles. And good use of the Stormraven turret as well - I'd have never thought of using that!

Thanks Azazelx, kind of you to say so. Always find you can't beat some armour !

Found this at the bottom of the bits box the other day - a 1990s era Grey Knights Terminator Librarian. Nice model, with a giant force weapon, and have given it just a quick paint job. Still a little WIP - some detailing and highlighting to add. Show alongside some a couple of regular Terminators for comparison.