The model's head is from the Blood Angels Sanguinary Guard kit. I went through a lot of different head options, helmeted and bare, and settled on this one. It just felt right for this character. As usual, I skipped painting eyes on the model, as they're downright miniscule on models of that generation, and you can't see them from table distance anyways.
The chest and legs are from the Forgeworld Shadow Captain Korvydae model. The right shoulder pad is from the Marine Commander kit, while his sword is a Grey Knight weapon. The powerfist is from the Command Squad kit, and the left shoulder pad came out of the Sternguard box. The jump pack is a standard Vanguard Veteran bit. I cast the base myself from my custom made molds, and then decorated it with sand, rock, and moss.
The armament might seem strange to some. A powerfist and relic blade really gain nothing in being paired together. In fact, it loses out when compared to other options. Relic blades are Two Handed, so no bonus attack for a second weapon or pistol. The common option to min/max a powerfist on a Captain is to pair it with a lightning claw, as both are Specialist Weapons and would provide +1 attack due to having two of them. Problem is, I didn't want to use the best armament that everyone else uses. I'd written Beck's fluff before I built him. He prides himself on being a flexible commander who can duel at range like a swordsman or pummel an opponent in close like a brawler. So, to embody that he uses a long blade and a powerfist. It looks awesome at least.
I have a little fluff piece that I'm writing to accompany Beck into my Completed Projects tabs, but it's not done yet. Look for it in the coming week or so.
I've already started work on my Vanguard Veteran Squad who'll join Captain Beck on the table. I armed the sergeant with a sword and shield, and then one Marine with a powerfist and bolt pistol, another with dual lightning claws, and then two who are gunslinging with a grav and bolt pistol each. Then jump packs and melta bombs for everyone. After those are done, it'll be a squad of Sternguard to finalize my Shadow Force formation.
My wife bought me a Forgeworld Leviathan Siege Dreadnought for my birthday last week, but he's still in the mail. I can't wait to build that model. I'll be he weighs a ton! I am dabbling with the idea of buying him a Dreadnought Drop Pod to ride in, but am balking at the price. It's a $100+ model. The rules are interesting (the Dread isn't required to jump out when he lands, but can still fire out since it's open topped, and can then assault straight out of the thing the next turn), but I'm not sure if they're THAT interesting.
I'm continuing to phase out my Ultramarines, and have sold off all my Tactical Marines. Fifty-plus models with various weaponry. The bulk of my playing force is made up of my Terminators now. Once I can field a full 1500 points or so of Raven Guard, I think all the Ultras will go away.
Nice work. I like your take on the power weapon, energy on both ends, instead of the typical approach. The lighting is a bit dark though. I imagine a lot of your subtle work is getting lost in the shots.
ReplyDeleteYeah. My trusty camera I've been using for years shit the bed a while ago, so I'm trying to master the use of my wife's fancy Nikon. The thing can take macro shots from across the room, but I can't figure out the focus, balance, and stops for the damn thing.
DeleteHey there o/ look's cool especially the power weapon is very well done! Can I ask how did you paint the brown / copper on the torso and back ?
ReplyDeleteWhich part are you seeing as copper? It might just be the terrible lighting I used when taking the photo playing tricks on the screen.
Deletesome parts shine like a copper but it may be the lighting that does the trick. What paints/colors did you use to paint the brown main color on the torso and backpack if I may ask ?
ReplyDeleteI think it is a trick of the light. The only brown I used was on the holster and leather straps on his belt. That's Reaper Master Series Ruddy Leather washed with Agrax Earthshade, and then brought back up to Ruddy Leather.
DeleteThe black armor is Reaper Grey Liner, washed black, and then edge highlights with greys.