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Miniatures Adventure => Future Wars => Topic started by: Pizzagrenadier on November 28, 2015, 04:47:11 PM

Title: Pizzagrenadier's Horus Heresy Project: Ultramarines Half Squad, Contemptor Arms
Post by: Pizzagrenadier on November 28, 2015, 04:47:11 PM
Howdy folks! I picked up a box and a half of Betrayal at Calth and shared my thoughts on the contents (though not the game).

My conclusion is that if you are into the Horus Heresy and want a nice sized force of great plastics right off the bat (at slightly better than normal GW prices), this is for you. The models and options are just excellent. If you aren't into the Horus Heresy and you hate everything GW does just because GW does it, then obviously this isn't for you.

I remain indifferent to them as a company, but continue to buy models and play my own games with them in the world they created. And that's good enough for me.

So, if you are the first type, head on over and check it out!

http://thisveryblog.blogspot.com/2015/11/horus-heresy-project-betrayal-at-calth.html

Here's some pics of the models I have finished.

(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sLS7-naoPFA/VlnLMFAzE8I/AAAAAAAAQFs/wtYzeTngO84/s1600/20151114_182753.jpg)

(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AS9T_8lz5x4/VlnO0R5SZZI/AAAAAAAAQGQ/BNetwASndEc/s1600/20151122_092019.jpg)

(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pN_kLSpQRq8/VlnSqjegSSI/AAAAAAAAQGc/ShQtQ9FAVXA/s1600/20151120_151519.jpg)

(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rPXGrA10p4s/VlnUxuJYRNI/AAAAAAAAQGo/-SWo9wMlYK0/s1600/20151126_155600.jpg)

Hope you enjoy. Thanks!
Title: Re: Pizzagrenadier's Horus Heresy Project: Betrayal at Calth Box
Post by: noigrim on November 28, 2015, 05:05:09 PM
I got my box yesterday and I'll turn them into sons of horus, adding Horus himself enough for 1700pts plus a spare veteran squad.
I'll paint them in February 'cause my 30K imperial fists'll come first!
Title: Re: Pizzagrenadier's Horus Heresy Project: Betrayal at Calth Box
Post by: von Lucky on November 28, 2015, 09:26:09 PM
Some nice painting. Tempting - but I know they'll sit unpainted for years (that old school missile pauncher isn't helping in keeping me level headed!).
Title: Re: Pizzagrenadier's Horus Heresy Project: Betrayal at Calth Box
Post by: grant on November 28, 2015, 10:50:05 PM
Really nice; also loving the missile launcher!
Title: Re: Pizzagrenadier's Horus Heresy Project: Betrayal at Calth Box
Post by: Major_Gilbear on November 28, 2015, 11:21:17 PM
As a game or an introductory boxed set, I'm not remotely convinced it works. However, as a way of getting the core of a 30k Marine army for a reasonable price, I think it's fantastic.

I really like your models so far as well, and I hope we get to see them all togther later on?  :)
Title: Re: Pizzagrenadier's Horus Heresy Project: Betrayal at Calth Box
Post by: Pizzagrenadier on November 29, 2015, 02:09:00 AM
Thanks everyone!

I know what you all mean by the missile launcher. That was a huge sell for me. I'm using heavy bolters for my Sons of Horus and setting aside three of those launchers for my Badab War Mantis Warriors.

Noigrim: Nice! Post some pics of those Imperial Fists. I would love to see that. They're one of my favorite loyalist chapters.

I'll be posting more updates as I work my way through the box.

Thanks!
Title: Re: Pizzagrenadier's Horus Heresy Project: Betrayal at Calth Box
Post by: Pictors Studio on November 29, 2015, 03:33:31 AM
"As a game or an introductory boxed set, I'm not remotely convinced it works."

The game isn't bad.  It is no Space Hulk but it isn't a bad game to play a scenario over dinner.  I've played the first three scenarios and the first one is a really neat little game, the other two were okay.  I don't think it was particularly well play tested.  The Terminators aren't very useful, for example, because you can't put enough of them on one hex. 

I haven't played a game where they were mixed with marines yet so it might work differently if you had a marine and a terminator on one hex, then their shooting might do enough.

We had the most success with two marines and a heavy or special weapon in one hex.  That was the way to accomplish some killing. 

Title: Re: Pizzagrenadier's Horus Heresy Project: Betrayal at Calth Box
Post by: horridperson on November 29, 2015, 06:14:48 AM
Great stuff pizzagrenadier!  Sons of Horus and and Ultramarines look sharp!  Your detailing, like the launcher rounds is really impressive.  I got bit by the bug too and couldn't resist picking up a set myself.  Please share more as you finish them.  Once I get the test model ready for action I'll post my Night Lords too.   
Title: Re: Pizzagrenadier's Horus Heresy Project: Betrayal at Calth Box
Post by: Gibby on November 29, 2015, 09:38:57 AM
Great painting. It looks like an ace box set!
Title: Re: Pizzagrenadier's Horus Heresy Project: Betrayal at Calth Box
Post by: Suber on November 30, 2015, 12:44:33 PM
Cool, they all look gorgeous! :-*
Title: Re: Pizzagrenadier's Horus Heresy Project: Betrayal at Calth Box
Post by: Mason on November 30, 2015, 02:46:58 PM
Great stuff!
 8) 8)

I love the Horus Heresy, so this is so tempting.
 :-* :-*

I will look forward to updates on this.
 :D



(That power armour looks great and your close-up of the missile launcher really is not helping me resist.
You bad man, you!
 >:D >:D ;))

Title: Re: Pizzagrenadier's Horus Heresy Project: Betrayal at Calth Box
Post by: Tactalvanic on November 30, 2015, 03:06:29 PM
Nice work, I have resisted the temptation so far, but your making a strong argument not to.

I look forward to some more of this.

Thanks for sharing  :)
Title: Re: Pizzagrenadier's Horus Heresy Project: Betrayal at Calth Box
Post by: Elbows on November 30, 2015, 03:09:29 PM
It is a great value for money as far as GW or even normal gaming go.

-Dreadnought with a couple of arm options
-Two command figures (as-is unless you modify them personally)
-Three full tactical squads, including heavy weapons, special weapons (flamers, meltas, power swords, power fists, chainswords, a "build your own combi-weapon" on each sprue, various heads, heaps of holsters, knives, pouches, grenades, etc.) --- I'm going to see if you could actually make an assault squad...might be missing enough bolt pistols but those could be scrounged somewhere...
-Five man terminator squad (my only beef with this is the over-prevalence of lightning claws) w/ some good weapon options

For around $120 USD...and that doesn't include the fact that it's a game as well.  It's very much a "buy a nice HH starting force" box.  And what's nice is this isn't like some GW starter boxes where the models are snap-together or dumbed down.  These are full standard build-your-own sprues.  The dreadnought is the only thing which is a bit on the skinny side, and I suppose the characters (just consider them like metal minis, you get what you get).

I'm so tempted to break into mine, just don't know what I'd do with them... lol
Title: Re: Pizzagrenadier's Horus Heresy Project: Betrayal at Calth Box
Post by: Pizzagrenadier on November 30, 2015, 06:54:32 PM
Thank you for the compliments! The quality of the models really helps them paint up pretty quickly and smoothly. Putting them together is the normal hassle associated with plastic multi pose, but no more so than normal. They are pretty cleanly cast and the mold lines are minimal.

Agreed on the box. I was really pleasantly surprised with what it came with.

I did look into making one of the squads assault but came up short on bolt pistols and chainswords. You could outfit the squad with a mix of chainswords, power fists, and power swords, but I personally don't like mixing. I'm probably going to scrounge and bitz order to do that.

More pics soon as I finish the first Ultras squad.
Title: Re: Pizzagrenadier's Horus Heresy Project: Betrayal at Calth Box
Post by: majorsmith on November 30, 2015, 08:55:04 PM
Nice! I need some vets for my Crimson fists and these will do nicely I think
Title: Re: Pizzagrenadier's Horus Heresy Project: Betrayal at Calth Box
Post by: Pizzagrenadier on December 05, 2015, 07:01:17 PM
Thanks everyone! Here's a progress shot of the Tactical Squad so far. Sergeant, Missile Launcher, Flamer, and two Bolters. Also, I magnetized the arms on the Contemptor Dreadnought so that I can swap weapons (as well as added new engine exhausts).

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AZfbWY7nhbs/VmMyKrkH92I/AAAAAAAAQRw/dJapfAX1U9g/s1600/20151203_151335.jpg)

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4kSRyiNsu9c/VmMyobgRV2I/AAAAAAAAQR4/6vfhWXn681E/s1600/20151203_140504.jpg)

More to come!

http://thisveryblog.blogspot.com/2015/12/horusy-heresy-project-ultramarines-half.html
Title: Re: Pizzagrenadier's Horus Heresy Project: Ultramarines Half Squad, Contemptor Arms
Post by: pocoloco on December 05, 2015, 07:23:48 PM
Great stuff!

I got myself a box as well and so far I have got five marines built. I will make my force a non-canon legion/chapter so something post-heresy but still close enough to happening of heresy to warrant the MKIV armour plus some other bits. Of course, I will happily use some official legion list for them :)

Currently plan is to wield a 1000 points list and it seems I will not be using the terminators or dreadnought... yet had to buy some drop pods though.

Do post your progress, maybe I will get to paint mine at some point as well.
Title: Re: Pizzagrenadier's Horus Heresy Project: Ultramarines Half Squad, Contemptor Arms
Post by: Major_Gilbear on December 05, 2015, 09:15:41 PM
They're looking great, well done! :)

Also, good to know that the Dread arms can be made swappable without much fuss. Are you likely to do the same trick for special and heavy weapons on the troop squads?
Title: Re: Pizzagrenadier's Horus Heresy Project: Ultramarines Half Squad, Contemptor Arms
Post by: Mason on December 05, 2015, 09:33:55 PM
Lovely smooth paintwork on those Ultras.
I really like that blue that you have used.
Nice work.
 :-*

Title: Re: Pizzagrenadier's Horus Heresy Project: Ultramarines Half Squad, Contemptor Arms
Post by: Elbows on December 05, 2015, 09:40:53 PM
They're looking great, well done! :)

Also, good to know that the Dread arms can be made swappable without much fuss. Are you likely to do the same trick for special and heavy weapons on the troop squads?

The arms do not appear to be done that way for the heavy troopers.  The missile launcher's arms are each specially built for that figure, appears the same for the heavy bolter.  Special weapons you perhaps could?

PS: Pizza, loving the paint work on your marines.  Super crisp and attractive.  What are your thoughts on the head of the contemptor?  It looks hugely plain to me and I want to do something silly with it if I build mine.  I would likely add a bunch more "junk" to the contemptor to make it more clunky and smoky/cabled.  Please do keep posting progress, you have excellent brush skills and a refreshingly simple/clean style (something I'm amazed that these figures allow, considering their origin).

Title: Re: Pizzagrenadier's Horus Heresy Project: Ultramarines Half Squad, Contemptor Arms
Post by: Major_Gilbear on December 05, 2015, 09:57:33 PM
The arms do not appear to be done that way for the heavy troopers.  The missile launcher's arms are each specially built for that figure, appears the same for the heavy bolter.

I was thinking one peice is the weapon, arms and shoulder pads, and one peice is the marine with head, torso and legs. Magnets in the arm sockets, and you just slide the appropriate heavy weapon assembly onto the torso. Might need an extra pair of shoulder pads though.
Title: Re: Pizzagrenadier's Horus Heresy Project: Ultramarines Half Squad, Contemptor Arms
Post by: horridperson on December 05, 2015, 10:08:35 PM
That squad is coming along well.  Crisp paint really befits the Ultramarines and your transfers look like they were applied masterfully; Not even an ugly glare when photographed.  Well done! I'd be honoured to shoot them in the back at Istvaan V if they had been one of the hardworking legions and not Guilliman's glamour boys :) .
Title: Re: Pizzagrenadier's Horus Heresy Project: Ultramarines Half Squad, Contemptor Arms
Post by: Elbows on December 05, 2015, 10:43:55 PM
I was thinking one peice is the weapon, arms and shoulder pads, and one peice is the marine with head, torso and legs. Magnets in the arm sockets, and you just slide the appropriate heavy weapon assembly onto the torso. Might need an extra pair of shoulder pads though.

The support arm though, and the direction of the bodies for each weapon are different, or did you mean additional heavy weapons which aren't in the box?  It just doesn't appear to work or be worthwhile with what you get in the starting box unfortunately.

EDIT: I think I see what you mean now...that'd be a lot of work if you tried to make sure both arms magnetized nicely.  Gotcha though.
Title: Re: Pizzagrenadier's Horus Heresy Project: Ultramarines Half Squad, Contemptor Arms
Post by: Major_Gilbear on December 05, 2015, 11:26:36 PM
@ Elbows:

Both arms and shoulder pads are glued together to the heavy weapon, making a single peice. Magnets go where the arms would glue to the torso if you were assempling them normally. You then just slot the weapon+arm assembly onto the trooper. I think all the weapons arms are different anyway, so you would only need a set of extra shoulder pads for either the ML or HB (as you only get enough pads for 10 Marines on each sprue).

The only downside is that the head cannot look in the weapon's firing direction for both weapons, but that's not actually a big deal (for example, the head looking across the HB pose is fine).
Title: Re: Pizzagrenadier's Horus Heresy Project: Ultramarines Half Squad, Contemptor Arms
Post by: Elbows on December 06, 2015, 12:02:26 AM
Yeah.  The only hiccup is that with the rocket launcher, there is a special back-pack which mates to it (missing one side).  I do think you could get away with it if you had some more weapon options though.
Title: Re: Pizzagrenadier's Horus Heresy Project: Ultramarines Half Squad, Contemptor Arms
Post by: Pizzagrenadier on December 06, 2015, 06:59:30 PM
Thanks guys!

Elbows: The head is cast into the chest. It could be cut out and replaced but I doubt you could scavenge the part enough to really do much with it and you'd be into some work to put a different one in. Not impossible, but I don't think it's really conversion friendly either. However, like you mentioned, you could add to it pretty easily as the model is pretty plain and would be a great blank canvas.

As far as heavy weapons...with the way the arms are built and how the missile launcher has it's own backpack, you'd be in for a ton of work just to be able to magnetize the parts. It'd be easier to just pick up an extra few Marine bodies and parts and use the leftover weapons to add extra Marines.

The missile launcher and arms are actually four separate parts. The missile launcher itself is half the launcher attached to the shoulder pad, the other half attached to the arm. The other arm is half attached to the scope for the launcher and the other half from the elbow up is its own piece. It's rather odd, but probably designed to prevent people from recasting more than anything.

The heavy bolter just slips over a normal bolter arm.

I personally don't think magnetizing is the way to go unless you don't mind a lot of work. The missile launcher would have to have three magnetized points alone (the two arms because they are both holding the launcher) and the backpack. That'd mean magnetizing both arms and the backpack for the heavy bolter.

I'm actually saving my missile launchers from my Sons of Horus for my Badab War project (toted by my Mantis Warriors), and giving the Sons heavy bolters. My Ultras have the 4th launcher from what I bought.

More to come! Thanks for the compliments!

 
Title: Re: Pizzagrenadier's Horus Heresy Project: Ultramarines Half Squad, Contemptor Arms
Post by: Major_Gilbear on December 06, 2015, 11:05:41 PM
@ Pizzagrenadier:

Sorry to derail your thread there, but thanks for the info.

For me, personally, magnets are only worth it if (1) the models in question are expensive/unusual and (2) it's easy to swap the part with one or two magnets. Otherwise I aagree it's not worth the work - for example, I never bothered magnetising sergeants and captains for that very reason (better just to make a new model with a different loadout).

I admit that I really like the HH stuff, but have resisted so far... Yours and Agis' threads make it really hard for me though!
Title: Re: Pizzagrenadier's Horus Heresy Project: Ultramarines Half Squad, Contemptor Arms
Post by: Pictors Studio on December 06, 2015, 11:54:46 PM
I magnetized my dread too. 

The first squad is looking good.  We'll definitely have to have a go with them at Cold Wars, if the Host is even still there then.

I'll email you about it.