http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/8.page JForum - http://www.jforum.net As always when it comes to converting or kit-bashing, I try to incorporate elements from both the existing universe and models, and whatever is intended. I guess another way to put it would be that I want to make sure it’s still clearly Warhammer 40k in appearance and model/wargear rep, and in this case enough Star Wars that the moment you look at it there’s no question where the inspiration came from. Anyway, let’s start with the roster:

Stormtrooper Squad 1 (Space Marine Scouts):
5 x Scouts with Bolt Pistol & Boltgun (Stock)
Sgt. w/ Combi-Plasma (rep with plasmagun). Specialist: Indomitable- Relentless

Stormtrooper Squad 1 (Space Marine Scouts):
3 x Scouts- Stock
1 x Scout w/ Heavy Bolter. Specialist: Weapon Specialist- Split Fire
Sgt. (Stock): Leader

Scout Troopers on Speeder Bikes (Space Marin Scout Bikers):
1 x Scout Biker- Stock
1 x Scout Biker w/ Astartes Grenade Launcher. Specialist: Dirty Fighter- Poisoned.
Sgt. Stock.

Now let’s go into the models. Using Space Marines to represent Stormtroopers almost felt like a no brainer. Lose the backpack and trim off the little nub, ditch the shoulders (the one that still has his shoulder pads, no word of a lie, I had already primed, and started painting his legs before I realized I hadn’t popped those off. Whiff….). It also seemed reasonable that losing some of the armor could qualify them as Scouts rather than Tactical Marines, but this is more for the aesthetic than WYSIWYG.

The paint job itself is not amazing I have no problem saying that. Part of the issue is that the models themselves were all second hand. So there was still glue left over from removing the shoulders, and for many if not all of them this was 2nd or even 3rd time being painted. If I was to do this again, I would absolutely suck it up and just buy a Tactical box just so I had full control. But for a first try and “Proof of concept” second hand models seemed like the right move.

Then there’s the bikes….
Let’s just say starting again from scratch on these would effectively be a Chuck Norris roundhouse kick to the wallet. For the love of all that is good in this world, treasure the value of bits and model swapping.
With that out of the way, I’m very happy with the overall look and feel of these guys. Again, they were atrocious to find bits that seemed right, but the end result made it feel worth it. The grenade launcher is not repped at all, mainly because I was too focused on getting them built AT ALL, and hadn’t really given too much thought as to wargear and upgrades. Might even be fair to say I don’t care. The 3rd in the back I just started painting, and I think showing WIP when possible is a good idea.

The only issue I really have personally is the heads on these guys. Just standard Space Marine heads with the sides and top squared off with a modelling knife. If anyone checking this out has any suggestions I am all ears (eyes?) as I’m obviously no stranger to changing your mind on something after the fact.

That’s all for now, hope you folks enjoy! Also keep tabs on my Mad Max / Road Warrior style army I’ve been working on. As always, suggestions and criticism welcome.
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