Baalwing: Showing My love for the new SH Terminators

First off, let me begin by saying that I am sorry for my recent absence! I have been trying to get more done during the day, which means my computer is getting used a lot less. The time I do spend on here is usually writing the odd list or getting references for our Dark Heresy games. I'll try to keep up with it again, but by now you probably know that I am fickle!

I've finally been trying to get a 1750 pt. "counts-as" army based on Deathwing Terminators painted up, and I'm about 1/2 way there. I was inspired to try this by two things: The sheer beauty of the Space Hulk Terminators, as well the Deathwing-based army made by Ron at From The Warp. He talks about how it suits him in this article.

Why do I think that this army-style might fit me? First off, Terminators are my favorite SM unit. They are what space marines are supposed to be, if you were going by the fluff, the few that defy the multitude and frequently still come out on top. Secondly, despite having two armies that technically are meant to be played as horde (my IG and Tyranids), I don't particularly enjoy playing horde armies. I prefer to have fewer models to transport to the gamestore, as well as less to remember on the tabletop. Lastly, this army just looks pretty if painted up properly. The Space Hulk terminators seem to scream "Use us as Deathwing because we are such handsome vampires!" They have more bling than 50 Cent!

So, between counting as Space Wolves, or Dark Angels, I figured it was less of a stretch to go for Dark Angels. At least that way I can still incorporate a lot of the vanilla Codex units like Dreadnoughts and assault squads, to keep the BA flavor.

So here's what I'm tinkering with lately:
HQ-
Belial w/thunderhammer and storm shield
Librarian in Terminator Armor

Elites-
Dreadnought with Multimelta

Troops-
Deathwing Terminator Squad w/ Assault Cannon

Deathwing Terminator Squad w/ Assault Cannon

Deathwing Terminator Squad w/ Assault Cannon, Sgt. Chainfist

Deathwing Terminator Squad w/ Heavy Flamer, Sgt. Chainfist

Fast Attack-
Assault Squad (10 Man) w/ Sgt. Powerweapon, Sgt Combat shield

Heavy Support-
Predator w/ TL Lascannon, Pintile-mounted Stormbolter, Extra Armor






Seems a bit light on the anti-AV14 weaponry, but hopefully enough powerfists, chainfists, and even the rending assault cannons should close the gap up a bit. I need a Land Raider pretty badly, and I could use some assault terminators as well, but I don't know if I'll be able to pull those together any time soon. My buddy might be able to pull me together a land raider, if I trade him enough of my other stuff. We'll have to see about that though!

Well, feel free to discuss. What kind of problems will I face with a list like this? What are its strengths? What kind of strategies have you seen work for this kind of army?

Valk Retrofit: Vendetta conversion

Bits used for this conversion:
-Leman Russ side sponsons
-2 Twin-linked Lascannon Dreadnought Arms
-2 Razorback Lascannons

And voila! Vendetta. Unfortunately, now I have to move the name to the rear somewhere.

4 Dollar Tyranid Mycenetic Spore Pod

You too can create a spore pod for a fraction of the cost that you would think!

Materials:
"Poof" Brand Football, Jumbo Size (Walmart = $4)
Hot Glue sticks (Walmart = 100 mini sticks for $3)
Jumbo Paperclips and Toothpicks (Walmart, about a dollar)
Total: 8 dollars for 2 spores, 2 dollars per spore after that as long as you have the glue and paper clips.

STEP 1: Cut the football in half.



STEP 2: Peel back petals


STEP 3: Use Jumbo Clips and Hot Glue to support the Petals


STEP 4: Add gooeyness and tentacles with Hot Glue, and spikes with Toothpicks

STEP 5: Base, Prime, and Paint!



I am not finished painting this, as you can see, but I am desperately trying to get people to get away from those lousy Plasma Hatcher toys that they have been using as pods. I hate those things. They are not representative of a spore pod at all, in my opinion. This method provides a gooey, organic looking pod at a fraction of the cost. I hope this provides you guys a decent alternative to pre-bought or sub-par spore pods for your tyranids.

Until next time,
--FP135

Valkyrie is Named! Results are in!

With only a half-hour left to vote, and an overwhelming majority, it is pretty clear that the winner of the naming contest is... (drumroll please...)...

... 3 Year Gambit!

Apparently a lot of people thought it was fitting tribute to my wife's 3 year wedding anniversary gift to me. Credit goes to 08ak1 for the great suggestion. Coincidentally, he is also an Alaskan, and I'll have to be sure to show him the result of his suggestion personally the next time we meet to battle it out!

The second-choice was my old platoon nickname: Nightstalker. It also is the name of a couple of famous units, like an AC-130 and the unit of special-operations Black-Hawks used in Mogadishu (as made famous in the movie Black Hawk Down).

Neck-and-neck with that was the name Alascadian Glory, paying tribute to the regiment. Warhammer 39,999, Also an Alaskan, voted for it to pay tribute to the best state in the Union. Ok, ok, we may not be the best, but we ARE pretty awesome!

So, I'm off to design the nose art now that I have a name for this vessel. Also in the works, expect to see a new design for a Mycenetic Spore Pod for all you tyranid players out there. But first... today is game day! I have a game to prepare for.

So until next time...
--FP135

Valkyrie Naming Poll, Vote Today!

Ok, here are the Creme de la Creme of the suggestion box names for my Valkyrie:

"3 Year Gambit" (This valkyrie was my 3 year anniversary present)

"Discendo" (I descend)

"Occumbo Ex Caeli" (Loosely Latin for 'Death from the Skies')

"Nightstalker" (coincidentally the nickname of my old platoon in the service)

"Volatilis Pango" (Flying Hammer)

"Alascadian Glory"

I'll be keeping the polls open for less than one week, so get in there and give me some votes! I need to get this vehicle named, so I can get to painting on some nose art!

Until next time:
--FP135