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I know DA got their own but what to do about other chapters? Do you just buy plain bikes and throw a banner on one and paint them in veteran colors and call it good? Thanks.


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Also is it worth adding an apothecary to them? My gut tells me no.

I'd assume kitbashing them to look more like a command or veteran squad on bikes is the way to go. When you think about it, its hard not to trip over vanilla space marines bits at any FLGS. So the parts are pretty readily available.

As far as apothecary goes, It depends on what the unit is designed to do. If it's an escort or part of a death star squad, the FNP could be useful. I honestly don't know, I play CSM, so my escort options are spawn and spawn. So, I don't know how an apothecary fits into the current meta.

I use these http://www.games-workshop.com/en-US/Dark-Angels-Ravenwing-Bike-Squadron . There aren't a lot of Dark Angels chapter markings on them, and the ones that are there are easy to remove. The wings seem fitting to me for HQs and command squads. And unless the box has been changed, there is the regular bike sprue plus the dark angels one so you have everything you need to make regular bikers. Two of these kits are needed for 5 bikes (actually 6 total so you have an extra for an hq). You still need the special weapons though. Can't remember offhand what the best option for the special weapons would be. You may also want this kit http://www.games-workshop.com/en-US/Space-Marine-Command-Squad . I can't seem to find the old commander + command squad kit. That thing was awesome. Came with a lot of bits. The old space marine commander was a great kit for bits as well. Or maybe I am just thinking of the old commander. You could always try e-bay or some other place for specific bits if that is more your thing. It has been well over a year since I have built any bike HQs/Command squads so it is a little fuzzy. But, I do remember that Dark Angels kit being the base for the bikes.


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 Mr_Piddlez wrote:
I'd assume kitbashing them to look more like a command or veteran squad on bikes is the way to go. When you think about it, its hard not to trip over vanilla space marines bits at any FLGS. So the parts are pretty readily available.

As far as apothecary goes, It depends on what the unit is designed to do. If it's an escort or part of a death star squad, the FNP could be useful. I honestly don't know, I play CSM, so my escort options are spawn and spawn. So, I don't know how an apothecary fits into the current meta.

You are correct sir. Kitbashing is the only way to go really. I find Dark Angels to be the best source for Command squads and HQs on bikes.

Another source of good bits is the good ole tactical squad. Even if you don't use the special weapons for the tacticals you get more bolter carrying marines so the kit doesn't go to waste. You end up with more bodies. Honestly, bikes are quite expensive to build.

Ok so sounds like I need To buy a command box and 2 bike boxes if I want to do it right and don't stumble on some bits

Edit for phone fat finger

Grimlineman wrote:
Ok so sounds like I need To buy a command box and 2 bike boxes if I want to do it right and don't stumble on some bits

Edit for phone fat finger

I would definitely get the two dark angels bike boxes. The commander box I'm not sure on. I don't think the new commander box has the same bits as the old one. You might be better off with a command squad box instead. You might still have to get ahold of special weapons bits though. Which is why I brought up the tactical squad boxes. 2 of the tactical squad boxes should get you all the special weapons you need, but not the apothecary gear. I have found that command squads are quite expensive to build. Something I resent GW for is there buisness model of making people buy a bunch of kits to build one unit.

If you don't mind using alternative models/bits you might be able to find special weapons cheaper than from a bits seller. I think Chapterhouse Studios used to have some special weapon kits.

I find that while bits are cheaper than a whole model kit, the model kit will be cheaper overall. Honestly, if I had the cash I would probably get the 2 ravenwing bike squads, two tactical squads, and try to find bits for the apothecary. Yes I am paying a lot for all that, but I am also getting 20 tactical marines with bolters as well. That is assuming I am magentizing the weapons for the bikes so I can switch them out. If you can get the apothecary stuff for a reasonable price I would go with just getting the bits for him since you don't really need anything else from the kit and I don't think they give you all the weapon options making it a bad buy. However if you can't get the bits for a reasonable price you might be stuck getting the command squad kit. If you do get the command squad the legs will be unused. I am sorry I can't be of more help, but I just have no idea what is in the new command squad.