Kitbashed Whirlwind.

Oh boy. This is a story about how an old Ultramarines Rhino transformed into a kitbashed Whirlwind!

After giving it a nice matte black spray coat, I intended to re-paint it as a rhino. However, after going through  my extensive bitzbox, I came across some Typhoon missle launchers from the Ravenwing sprue. I just had to do something with it. Seeing as I've always been too greedy to buy a proper Whirlwind, I went about making the old Rhino into one.

As you will see, it's fairly easy. It uses bits from the Quad-gun from the Aegis Defence Line, glued to the stem from that kit are both missle launchers. It fits neatly into the razorback/predator hatch. And, tadaa.

I agree, it's a bit slim looking, but conversions are the lifeblood of the hobby they say!

Storm Eagle in the works. Part VI

Finally, the base has been done.
For the base I used a large oval resin "Temple" base by Micro Art Studio. With a hobby knife and lots of exotic files, sweat and ters, I cut out a cross for the flying stem in the resin base. After several faulty glue sessions using a glue gun, I bought some ultra strong super glue, which finally did the trick.

The Recon marine on the base has been made to look like wearing a hooded cloak, Guardians of the Covenant-style, while holding a sniper rifle from the Space Marine Scout set. A little gimmick is the chainblade attachment, which is from the Forge World bolters. It stuck right to the barrel. Very nifty.

A thousand points of warfare

For tomorrow night's Warhammer Night, I made the following lists. I wonder how either will do. I used every point available. Boo-yah!

HQ
Ezekiel - 145pts
Chaplain - Plasma Pistol 105pts

Elites
Venerable Dreadnought - 2xTwin-linked Autocannons - 145pts

Troops
Scouts - Sniper Rifles/Vet. Sergeant - 70pts
Tactical Squad - Meltagun/Heavy Bolter/Vet. Sergeant - 170pts
Tactical Squad - 70pts

Fast Attack
Land Speeder Tempest - 110pts

Heavy Support
Predator - Twin-linked Lascannon/Heavy Bolter sponsons - 120pts
Whirlwind - 65pts

_____________________+
1000pts


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HQ
Company Master - Thunder Hammer/Storm Shield/Artificer Armour - 155pts
Librarian - 65pts

Elites
Company Veterans - 2xPower Sword/2x Combat Shield/Heavy Bolter - 135pts
Company Veterans - 2xPower Sword/2x Combat Shield/Multi-Melta - 135pts
Deathwing Terminator Squad - Assault Cannon - 240pts

Troops
Tactical Squad - Vet. Sergeant - 80pts
Tactical Squad - Vet. Sergeant - 80pts

Fast Attack
Land Speeder Tempest - 110pts

Heavy Support
-
_____________________+
1000pts

Vehicles of the 6th Company.

Vehicles. Oh how I love to paint vehicles. The bigger the better. I decided it was time for a group shot of my Guardians of the Covenant armoury.
Joining the group soon: a Land Raider Terminus Ultra, a kitbashed Whirlwind and last but not least a Damocles Rhino.
The one thing that's missing, is the chapter and company icons and heraldry. Those are on their way, however. As I'm experimenting with printing my own decals.
More info on this soon.

Storm Eagle in the works. Part V

And finally, the cockpit's done. Tough it looks nice, I'm not a fan of object source lighting, so I didn't apply it there. Anyhow. I like how the cockpit has turned out. That, and the robed, hooded pilot was a must and finishes the whole aesthetic. Here are some pictures I took with the last clear daylight today had to offer.

Storm Eagle in the works. Part IV

Almost done.
Those two words mark the end of one of my most frustrating, but in the end most satisfying project to date.
The Storm Eagle has been one heck of a build and a huge thing to paint. I painted it by hand, and slathered almost half a pot of Badab Black wash over it's metallic areas, it's the last pot and it's almost gone now (too bad!).
Though some people didn't like the little conversion I did, I think the added tail section really, really finishes the model. It's more of a little brother to the Thunderhawk now. I'm really happy with the result so far. Though it's not yet finished. There are a few lenses and lights that still need work and the metal itself needs some highlighting. Last but not least, the chapter heraldry and company markings need to be added, but I will  wait with that stuff until the very last (I'm really bad at freehanding).

For the sense of scale, I added a Land Speeder Tempest and a vanguard veteran. The Tempest really fits with the Eagle's aesthetic, especially when looking at the wings.

Anyway, here are some pictures I took (without flash) in broad daylight. Hell yeah, a Guardians of the Covenant Mortikah-pattern Storm Eagle!

Storm Eagle in the works. Part III

It's been a while, I know. Have had little time for the hobby last few weeks. Nevertheless, today was a productive day. I spent some hours further finishing my Storm Eagle. The final layers, shaders and washes are on. All that remains now is the cockpit, some detail on the pilot, highlights and ofcourse heraldy. May sound like a lot, but believe me. Compared to bulk painting and the awful building process, it's peanuts.
I guess I have right to say that mine is the first ever Guardians of the Covenant Storm Eagle.
Anyway, here are some pictures.