The Word is Iron!

  Remember from my last post that I'm back to working on my Chaos Space Marines.  I quickly finished both the units from that post and this one in the same week because, well, you'll see.  But I'm happy to be ripping through these units trying to get back on track for all these projects.


  I needed some fire support for the advance-heavy portions of my Chaos Marines and I already painted the unit with the Missile Launcher.  Sometimes, though, you need something just a little more powerful than Strength 8, so I dug for a Lascannon.  While digging, I found an old Iron Warriors conversion kit and decided to use those in this army.  I even took the drastic step of painting them as Iron Warriors because they're easy.  And eye-catching (who doesn't love silver marines?).

Chaos Space Marine Squad
  This unit also costs less than 100 points and brings that punch that is needed when my opponent brings heavy tanks and big monsters.  Armed with the heaviest weapon in the Imperial arsenal (from whom they originated), this squad just sits back and provides that heavy support.  And just like I noted in the last post- sticking these guys in cover can turn them into a frustration for their opponent, forcing them to commit just a bit more firepower than they want to.

  The metal bitz that go onto the plastic parts of these models makes them very top-heavy.  But the torsos and heads are so full of character to the Iron Warriors that I couldn't resist.  I originally wanted to paint the squad red to match my Word Bearers, but with bits like these, you have to stay true.  Plus, this kit isn't available anymore, so a little homage from the paintbrush seemed appropriate.  

  My Lascannon invited a bit of experimentation, as I wanted to get a pulsing, glowing look on the coils.  It would add some color to these otherwise bland models.  Unfortunately, I didn't quite get what I was looking for, but it came out alright anyway.  I'm not complaining!

  The Aspiring Champion also got a Chainsword to make him a bit of a beast in a fight.  Hopefully, he never has to prove it...

  They may not be the most 'Chaosy' that they can be, but the Iron Warriors are always a cool-looking scheme on the tabletop.  Mixing them in with my Word Bearers (that I play as Red Corsairs because duh) adds some narrative element that I like to sneak into my army lists.  If you remember, I did the same thing with my Black Templars...

   And that's it for this post!  Back to the painting table...  Happy Hobbying!

Back to Chaos

  I made the goal, at the beginning of the year, to paint four armies by the start of 2020.  It's not going well as I've only completed two and I only have two-and-a-half months left.  Besides the Ultramarines, my Chaos Space Marines were the definite priority.  After all, I've used them in so many games that they deserve a little color. 

  After getting many warbands painted for an Underworlds spree, I finally returned to those Chaos Marines.  I'm thinking if I can finish this army by the end of the month, I might be able to meet my goal...



Chaos Space Marines
  This unit costs less than 100  points (maybe FAR less, depending on the Chapter Approved) and brings just a little bit of pain.  With only five marines, the squad depends on cover (especially in ruins or woods) and provides that heavy weapon support for the advancing portions of the army.  Even better, they make great 'campers'- claiming objectives in the backfield. 

  At Toughness 4 and with a 3+ save (2+ in cover), they force the opponent to have to commit to killing them, which can be frustrating to the opponent with only 5 wounds.  The Missile Launcher allows the squad to engage any target, from armored to massed infantry, and that range works very well with the Boltguns.  And when the squad doesn't move, they get to shoot those bolters twice out to max range- that's some firepower!  Finally, the Aspiring Champion (squad leader) is armed with a Chainsword, giving him another attack on top of his leader bonus- that's three attacks at Strength 4, hitting on 3's (and don't forget "Death to the false emperor").  And remember that Chaos Marines get an extra attack when they charge or get charged, so that means four attacks and possibly more.  I enjoy rolling lots of dice in a fight, especially from a fire support squad...

  The ridged horns of the trooper models were so much fun to paint.  Unlike the two models below, these allowed me to quickly blend the colors and still show off the texture.  Painting can be so rewarding in the weirdest ways.  When I was building this unit, I had to scrounge for bits.  Some of this squad are made from Berserker bits, which is certainly ironic considering this unit's mission is to sit back and snipe vehicles and such...

  The Aspiring Champion was a blast to paint, just for the concept of having a beast in combat for a little 'ol squad.  Plus he has a more dynamic pose due to the Berserker bits noted above, and that little bit of character builds quite a bit of attachment.

  The Missile Launcher marine is a 'recover' from my older versions of this army.  You can notice the vehicle spikes that I lined up on an Imperial Missile Launcher to give it that 'chaos' look.  The pic unfortunately shows off the opportunities in this model too well...

  One more unit in this army down.  Let me know what you think and what projects you have been working on lately in the comments below.  

Happy Hobbying!