March of the Super-Heavies

Hi folks,

This weekend saw some work on my Brass Scorpion. I gave it an extra black ink wash and started to work on the brass trims. Still a lot of work and weathering needs to be done. Anyway, during the painting one of its leg segments broke off. A simple glue snap, I can glue it back on easily.

Further to this, I have picked up a second hand Shadowsword tank, and chaosified it by adding lots of spikes and eventually an Iron Warrior sticking out of the top of the tank.

Anyway, see to yourself.

Apocalypse: Guardians of the Covenant vs. Iron Warriors. PICTURES!

Hey folks,
Been a while, I know. Even though my very own Iron Warriors got a little more love than my Guardians last month, I haven't forgotten my well-dressed marines. In fact, I've had an apocalypse match the other day with the entirety of my (painted) army, around 6000pts. It was an awesome match that took the better part of a day to finish. Unfortunately I lost due to my opponent being in favour with the Dice Gods.
Nevertheless, I had a lot of fun. Apocalypse has both the best and the worst 40k has to offer. 10/10 Would play again.
Enough words. Check out the epic pictures.

 

Guardians of the Covenant Fellblade Superheavy Tank - Part V: The First Layer

Hey folks,
It was about time I started painting the Fellblade. The task of starting to paint a model and deciding what colour goes where is a daunting and intimidating task. It was for this reason that this beauty of tank lay waiting in the yellow storage box since the 20th of August. But today, after my lovely girlfriend told me to just paint it and stop fussing about it so much, I started painting the first layer.

The first layer is always the most special one. It alone gives me an idea of how the model will look when finished and it motivates me to continue painting. As you can see, it still looks like babby's first warhams-model. But it's only the first layer. Those who have seen, say, the Storm Eagle will know that there will still be lots of work in a large model such as this. The Fellblade will be subjected to several more layers, washing, drybrushing, highlighting and weathering before the painting is finished. And finally as a finishing touch, I will be using the decals I've printed myself, which were featured in a post some months ago. But, each journey begins with the first few steps, and this is a giant leap towards completion.


- Revan88

Colours used: - Mechrite Red foundation paint, Boltgun Metal, Tin Bitz.

Guardians of the Covenant Fellblade Superheavy Tank - Part IV: Basecoating

Hey folks,
Today I finally finished constructing the Fellblade. Yes, even the gun sponsons and the cables finally fit together after an "elegan/tg/entleman" on a well known imageboard showed me the way. The basecoat -Citadel Chaos black spray paint- did its job well as you can see. I think the whole tank has used a staggering 2/3 of the entire can before I was satisfied and little to no resin was showing.
Aside of the Fellblade, a third kitbashed predator got a basecoat and as you can see, Belial with a thunder hammer and storm shield got a lick of black as well.

Now the painting can commence. Those who are familiar with my work know that I paint all my stuff by hand, with a pencil! I already thought that my Storm Eagle was too much surface work with a pencil, I can only imagine what effort I need to put into this beast and how much Boltgun Metal and (my last) Badab Black it will consume. Nevertheless, seeing it all black has stirred something in my heart and I have to admit, I'm still in love with the thing.
Anyway, enough ranting. See for yourself!

Guardians of the Covenant Fellblade Superheavy Tank - Part III: Obstacles on the road to completion

What can I say?
It's a beast, this tank. The sheer size of it becomes clear when a "tiny" rhino is placed next to it. And yes I know, it's my Damocles Rhino which still isn't finished (I mean to finish it today! I truly do!). So far, I've not found any more obstacles on the road to completion.
None save one...
There are power cables/couplings on the quad lascannons sponsors and I haven't the slightest clue as to where to connect those power cables! The instructions are vague and the images even more so. Add to that, the pictures of constructed fellblades don't show the right angle! Frustration!

As you can see, (and I say it again) this tank is a beast. Especially when compared to the *cute* Rhino.
My Guardians army has the tendency to be far from photogenic. Whenever I use a flash (as seen in the picture below), my paintjobs look horrible and the dark metal looks a tad too dark. Just look at the pictures taken in broad daylight and those few taken with a flash and you know what I mean.

All in all, tonight is my FLGS Warhammer Night, and I plan to show off my Fellblade and work on my Damocles Rhino. Perhaps even a battle using one of my lists in the Thousand Points of Warfare posts.

Avé

HUEG

The turret dome is as big as the Rhino!

Guardians of the Covenant Fellblade Superheavy Tank - Part II: Construction.

Hey folks,

Well here she is so far. My Fellblade, which I will name "The Last Guardian" once she is done. And oh my, she's a fat lady. Yeah it's a she and, referring to my previous post, I'm still in love with her.

So far, it's been relatively easy to build aside from the regular "resin-hassle" of large Forge World kits. But it is nowhere near as frustrating as the Storm Eagle, which was a horrendous task to build. All in all, it uses very little plastic. Only the bottom plate and the inner sides of the tank are plastic. All in all, it fits relatively well together without too much use of a hairdryer or warm water. The tracks however are a frustrating fit, and the building instructions as vague as ever.

I don't plan on using the two MkII Legionaries that came with the kit. It's not a Legion tank after all. In their stead, I will use robed Guardians sticking out of the hatches like I did with my Laspredator.
All that remains now are the rhino-hatches on the side and of course the quad lascannons/laser destroyers.

Guardians of the Covenant Fellblade Superheavy Tank - Part I: Unboxing

Hey folks,

It's been quite a while since I last posted. And I have to admit, my Damocles Rhino isn't finished yet. I blame it all on the summer. It's hot here in the Netherlands. Couple that with lots of hours on spent working and what's left of the time needing to be spent with the lady, that's not much time left for the hobby. Oh, how I long for cooler days.

Anyway. As you've already seen in the title, I've started work on a very special project. Ever since it came out last year, love bloomed between me and the Fellblade. It's an expensive thing, I know, but a little savings go a long way. It went from romantic dream to a certainty when I read the index of Forge World's upcoming Imperial Armour: Apocalypse. It has RULES for the Fellblade for uses in 40k Apocalypse matches. Aw yiss!

When I read it, I just knew I had to buy one. And so I did. The friendly neighbourhood UPS-man made my day today when he stopped by with a huge box.

The first thing about this kit, it's massive. And when I mean massive, I mean truly, vastly massive. Just the turret dome weighs more than a Land Raider. It's a solid chunk of resin, not to mention the top plate on which it will eventually rest. This tank is a beast that will dwarf even a mighty Baneblade. All in all, I really wonder what this model will weigh once I've put it together. That said, I just had to share it with you guys.
I've put a Marine next to it to show you the size of the Fellblade's parts. I am happy to announce the first of it's kind: a Guardians of the Covenant Fellblade.

For once, I'm happy that my girlfriend doesn't read this blog, because I think I'm in love with something else.

A work in progress: Damocles Command Rhino. Part II.

Today was a nice and sunny day. Ideal for turning grey into black. You've guessed that right: basecoating.
Giving a model a basecoat or "priming" it, as some prefer to say, is always a magic moment. It transforms a cobbled-together model or conversion with lots of different materials and different colours (think resin, metal, different plastics, you get it?) into a uniform matte black (or whatever colour you prefer to use). And that means that all there is left is to give it a paintjob. Though it's easier said than done. Painting a model is the best part of the creative process, I think.
By request of a certain follower of this blog (you know who you are ;) ) I decided to show the blackness that is the Damocles Rhino.

One of the main differences of the pictures of the day before, is that I've added a Space Marine Company Master/Captain that sticks out of the Rhino's hatch, in order to clearly mark the vehicle as the HQ choice it is.
The head of the Captain is from the Ravenwing champion and the right arm on which the Marine leans is actually a spare arm from the Damocles kit.

As a size comparison and of course a little showcasing, I've placed it alongside my Land Raider Redeemer, which, honestly, sees too little action. I actually had to use a pencil to brush off the dust in order to prep it for the photoshoot (it was THAT dusty).

Take a look for yourself.

Of course, the overview

The Captain sticking out of the cupola.

Company Veterans at the console

The Land Raider, which is awesome.

As I said, awesome.

Awesome meltagunner as well!

A work in progress: Damocles Command Rhino

After weeks of delay and doubt, my Damocles Command Rhino finally arrived. It's an awesome classic model, featuring two seated marines, a large comms panel and a radar dish on the roof. I can't wait to start painting this model and of course using it in friendly matches and apocalypse games. Anyway, take a look at what I've got here. I mean, how can someone not like this? ;)

Overview of the exterior and command crew

In order to mark it as a command vehicle, I've pimped the doors and front armour a bit.

The added communications block is clearly visible on the left  corner of the tank

Not done yet: still missing headlights and window armour

The command crew. I chose not to use the bare heads that were included in the kit. Helmets are better.

Rules update for the Damocles Command Rhino from IA12: Fall of Orpheus

Finally, I got my hands on the rules update within the new IA12: Fall of Orpheus.
We see a points increase of 15pts and the addition of Command Vox Relay, which allows the player to add or subtract 1 from ALL reserve rolls. I know, it's basically a cardboard Chapter Master, but still it gives you a strategic asset (orbital bombardment) in Apocalypse matches. The teleporting Beacon is handy as well and could be used to call in reserves for defence of the Damocles.
Subtle changes from its first entry in IA2, but I'm happy anyhow.




Damocles Command Rhino -  75 pts

Can be used with as an HQ choice Space Marines, Dark Angels, Blood Angels, Space Wolves and Black Templars.
Can bring in orbital bombardment once per game Str 10 AP 1 Large Blast, Barrage.
Teleport Beacon units arriving from deep strike within 12" do not scatter.
Command Vox Relay.
Allows player to add or subtract 1 from all reserve rolls.

There is only war. Part I: An epic match of 8 players.

Saturday the 18th will be the day of my most epic battle yet! It will be a 4 versus 4 team battle. Each team having over 10k points. With this in mind, I started working on the task to make a 2525pt list.
Yes 2525pts. That IS a weird number. Nevertheless, with eight players on the table, it'll be great fun.

This is what I had in mind using a double FoC:

HQ
Company Master – Thunder Hammer/Artificer Armour – 140pts
- Command Squad – 5 Marines/Company Standard/Champion/Apothecary/Plasma Gun – 160pts
Belial – Lightning Claws - 190pts
Techmarine - Power Axe/Servo Harness - 90pts

Elites
Contemptor Dreadnought – TL-Lascannon - 200pts
Dreadnought - 2xTwin-linked Autocannons – 120pts

Troops
Tactical Squad - 10 Marines/Vet. Sergeant/Power Fist/Flamer/Missile Launcher - 195ptsTactical Squad - 10 MarinesVet/Vet. Sergeant/Power Sword/Meltagun/Heavy Bolter - 185ptsDeathwing Terminators – 5 Terminators/4xTH+SS/Cyclone Missile Launcher - 260pts
Deathwing Terminators - 5 Terminators/1xLightning Claws/Assault Cannon – 240pts
Scouts - 5 Scouts/Sniper Rifles/Vet. Sergeant - 70pts

Fast Attack
Storm Eagle - 2xTL-Lascannon/TL-Multi-Melta. - 225pts

Heavy Support
Contemptor-Mortis – 2xKheres Assault Cannon/Cyclone Missile Launcher – 215ptsPredator – TL-Lascannon/Lascannon Sponsons - 140ptsPredator - Autocannon/Hvy Bolters - 95pts

2525pts

Always take the snipers!

HQ
Ezekiel - 145pts
Belial - Lightning Claws - 190pts

Elites
Venerable Dreadnought - 2xTwin-linked Autocannons – 145pts
Deathwing Terminators – 5 Terminators/4xTH+SS/Cyclone Missile Launcher - 265pts
Deathwing Terminators - 5 Terminators/1xLightning Claws/Assault Cannon – 240pts

Troops
Tactical Squad - 10 Marines/Vet. Sergeant/Power Fist/Flamer/Missile Launcher - 195pts
Tactical Squad - 10 MarinesVet/Vet. Sergeant/Power Sword/Meltagun/Heavy Bolter - 185pts
Scouts - 5 Scouts/Sniper Rifles/Vet. Sergeant - 70pts

Fast Attack
Ravenwing Attack Squadron – Power Maul – 95pts
Land Speeder Tempest - 110pts
Storm Eagle - 2xTL-Lascannon/TL-Multi-Melta. - 300pts

Heavy Support
Land Raider Redeemer - Multi-Melta - 255pts
Contemptor-Mortis – 2xKheres Assault Cannon/Cyclone Missile Launcher – 215pts
Predator - Autocannon/Hvy Bolters - 95pts

2505 pts (20 points left)

Most of the vehicles will see action! Love it!

Building the Ultimate Apocalypse List

This is it.



The ultimate Apocalypse list of my Guardians of the Covenant army so far, using both the Dark Angels and Space Marines codex. The units from Codex Space Marines are italic. This list has exactly 5000 points in it. Firstly, I based it on a double FoC, but since then expanded it into something bigger.

However, this still isn't all there is to my army. I've got a third Predator and a Damocles Rhino waiting, as well as a Deathwing command squad and five Iron Armour marines to form Sternguard Veterans.



HQ
Chapter Master – Meltagun/Relic Blade/Artificer Armour/Jump Pack/Digital Weapons - 215pts
- Honour Guard - 5 Marines/Chapter Champion: Thunder Hammer/4xRelic Blade/Chapter Banner - 320pts
Master of the Forge - Power Axe - 115pts
Company Master – Thunder Hammer/Artificer Armour – 140pts
- Command Squad – 5 Marines/Company Standard/Champion/Apothecary/Plasma Gun – 160pts
Belial – Lightning Claws - 190pts

Asmodai - 140pts
Ezekiel - 145pts

Elites
Contemptor Dreadnought – TL-Lascannon - 200pts
Venerable Dreadnought - 2xTwin-linked Autocannons – 145pts
Company Veterans - 10 Marines/Power Axe/2xPower Sword/3xCombat Shield/PlasmaPistol/Chainswords+Bolt Pistols - 255pts

Troops
Tactical Squad - 10 Marines/Vet. Sergeant/Power Fist/Flamer/Missile Launcher - 195pts
Tactical Squad - 10 MarinesVet/Vet. Sergeant/Power Sword/Meltagun/Heavy Bolter - 185pts
Tactical Squad - 5 Marines/Vet Sergeant/Power Maul/ - 95pts
Deathwing Terminators – 5 Terminators/4xTH+SS/Cyclone Missile Launcher - 265pts
Deathwing Terminators - 5 Terminators/1xLightning Claws/Assault Cannon – 240pts
Scouts - 5 Scouts/Sniper Rifles/Vet. Sergeant - 70pts

Fast Attack
Storm Eagle - 2xTL-Lascannon/TL-Multi-Melta. - 300pts
Ravenwing Attack Squadron – Power Maul – 95pts
Land Speeder Tempest - 110pts
Vanguard Veterans - 5 Marines/Jump Packs/Power Fist/Power Weapons - 230pts

Heavy Support
Contemptor-Mortis – 2xKheres Assault Cannon/Cyclone Missile Launcher – 215pts
Predator – TL-Lascannon/Lascannon Sponsons - 140pts
Predator - Autocannon/Hvy Bolters - 95pts
Whirlwind - 65pts
Devastator Squad - 5 Marines/Heavy Bolter/Plasma Cannon/Multi-Melta/Missile Launcher - 120pts
Land Raider Redeemer - Multi-Melta - 255pts
Land Raider Terminus Ultra - 300pts

5000pts

Grand Master Xandor Solaceon,
Lord Guardian and Chapter Master of the Guardians of the Covenant.