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So with the release of the Space Marines storm wing formation, I finally have access to something I have wanted in my Tau army for a long time: flyers that can hunt heavy armor, without needing to go through the normal shenanigans associated with allies. The problem, Space Marines flyers are kinda of ugly, especially the Stormraven. I have found a satisfying alternative model for the Stormtalon, but I would like a much more elegant looking replacement for the giant flying brick that is the Stormraven. I would love to have a Manta Ray shaped model of the approximate size of the Stormraven I could modify to act as a flyer, but I cannot find a suitable model. Any good suggestions on how to go about this project?

Thanks.

COuld simply make some conversion work with the Tau flyer.

Maybe take two of them, put the two hulls togheter to make it wider.

Or try to get your hands on an Alien II USCM Dropship.

Not a bad suggestion, but the Alien dropship looks more like it would belong on the imperial side. Combining Tau models is definitely an option, but also can be quite a pain. A hammerhead hull and engines would probably be ideal for that approach. I almost remember seeing a real good custom job using a hammerhead hull with a piranha that would be suitable, I wish I could find the topic again.

The other option I might go with is a 1/144 scale SR71 blackbird. Its about the right size and is much more streamlined than a GW imperial flyer.

Edit: This

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/dedguy/PFrontleft.jpg&imgrefurl=http://advancedtautactica.com/viewtopic.php?f%3D37%26t%3D9607&h=586&w=856&sz=71&tbnid=OX-7aDyvMXqOwM:&tbnh=90&tbnw=131&zoom=1&usg=__VuqL656CNYWkJF9nNuC5S8-FncA=&docid=lyOEkSU2Et4lWM&sa=X&ei=DeKjUuGUBc23sASll4GYCw&ved=0CFUQ9QEwAg

would work wonders. It is obviously using a devilfish chasis and engines, but I cannot figure out what bits are being uses for the wings. The front wings appear to be of GW Tau stock, but I cannot identify the model that came from.

Edit: I found the images I was originally thinking of as well

http://www.belloflostsouls.net/2013/07/showcase-amazing-tau-airfield-table.html

good lord man, don't say proxy 'round 'ere! They'll rub their neckbeards on you!

The largest problem with trying to use a Marine Dropship is they cost about $400 each.

One of these might do, with a bit of conversion work.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Terminator-Salvation-Skynet-Hunter-Killer-/331081110334?pt=UK_ToysGames_ActionFigures_ActionFigures_JN&hash=item4d15f8d33e

You can still find them BNIB and they are cheaper secondhand.

I already am using the much better plastic versions of the terminator hunter-killers for the stormtalons, otherwise they might have worked.

Do you mean this kit?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121230399200?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

Yea that's the one.

The ready built hunter killer (Terminator 4 version) is a much larger model.

I suppose it could work. I already own the larger one actually. It is kinda ugly though, but it could work until I find a better solution. I actually really like those custom jobs I posted, even if they weren't exactly what I was looking for, which was a manta ray shaped model.

First thing first I am buying a second plastic hunter-killer, I do like the way those look. Add some gun bits and a razorshark canopy to those and they should do fine.

I have a larger one -- the toy one with the spring loaded missiles -- which I am converting into a larger Tau flyer with parts from secondhand Devilfishes. It's been stuck in the attic for over a year, though.