Deathwatch are done(ish)

Finally I am ready for FBX in December (how I'm going to transport the army notwithstanding)

I ended up painting an extra boltgun/power sword model (Blood Drinkers) as well as the Dark Angel from the Overkill box set as I read my list incorrectly - but that's a positive as in one less model in the long run.

I also finished a second Drop Pod (not pictured). Everything is based and varnished so now I'm printing off easy reference sheets and cribbing secondary missions. I'm hoping to get in a few more games before I go but we will see.

Aaand... back to the Deathwatch

And with that hobby scratch itched (or more realistically, taking a break) I am back into the Deathwatch.

Here we have the last of my combi-melta guys (a Space Wolf from Krom Dragongaze's Great Company).

I painted his skin darker than usual to reflect the other tribes from Fenris ("The people of the southern isles are dark of skin and ill of temperment").

And I now have a painted Watch Master.

One of the few remaining marines from the Astral Knights (who were wiped out as a Chapter by the Necrons of the World Engine), he is now devoted to the Deathwatch for the rest of his life.

Now I'm starting on my 10-man Indomitor unit... and that should be all for the immediate future unless I'm still possessed to do more!

Two more... White Scars

Firstly... apologies for the rubbish photos. The reason for this is that I have been painting these two models on and (mostly) off for nearly 4 weeks, and I just couldn't quite face getting my lightbox set up.

Lazy I know. 

Still, now it's time to maybe take a break and build some HH models whilst I gather up the courage to start the next squad.

I take great satisfaction in completing each model. It's all contributing to reducing the mountain of unpainted models!

Deathwatch Drop Pod #1

This is a rescue Drop Pod from my collection... not my greatest work but I was trying to work with the scheme that it already had.

I have another one that will be more black and red rather than red and black ...

A break in the production line (still Deathwatch though)

As I went through the process of drybrushing 20 models yesterday I baulked a bit at the thought of starting another bike or infantry model... so today's reward (for 4x full Kill Teams) I thought a transport with guns might provide a nice change.

This model is quite deceptive - I thought to myself "hey there's only half a dozen colours, that'll be quick..."

Of course I needed to do some battle damage to hide some of the rough and ready drybrushing.

Famous last words. Still, at least it's done now. Looking forward to it being an integral part of my list(s).

Deathwatch... halfway there (ish)

I'm about halfway through the army (model-wise) so a good opportunity to take a picture of where I'm at so far.

I've calculated the painted models coming to approximately 1500pts, which is great. 4x characters, 4x full Kill Teams...

Looks cool when you put them all down in one place

So that leaves to "finish":

• 6x Heavy Intercessors
• 3x Eradicators
• 1x Inceptor
• 2x Aggressors
• 5x Terminators (plus some I think)
• 4x Veteran Bikers
• 13x Veterans
• 5x Vanguard Veterans
• 1x Primaris Chaplain on bike
• 1x Chaplain
• 1x Captain on bike
• 1x Watch Master
• 1x Captain in Terminator Armour 
• 2x Librarians (don't ask)
• 1x Venerable Dreadnought 
• 1x Corvus Blackstar 
• 2x Drop Pod
• 1x Rhino
• 1x Land Raider if I can finally figure out how it might work (modelling wise that is... I want something unique that leverages the Deathwatch's access to more esoteric 'stuff')

I also have in my box of unassembled Deathwatch:

Indomitus characters and 5x Assault Intercessors, 4 or so Sternguard, some Terminators, another Drop Pod and probably enough bits and pieces for another 4 DW marines. And probably some more characters (I need to build a Techmarine...).

Phew!

Fortis Kill Team assemble... I mean, complete

So I've had a productive 24hrs despite finally testing positive for COVID-19. I have finished the 4 Primaris Outrider models and now that means my Fortis Kill Team is complete!

I used a few bits to make them more interesting including an Assault Intercessor arm, and some different helmets.

L -> R, front to back: Tigers Argent, Iron Snakes, Sons of Orar, Disciples of Caliban

In all their glory...

Captain Markus She'don of the Iron Hands gets an update

I've had a couple of friendly games with the Deathwatch, and based on this I decided to update my Captain Markus She'don of the Iron Hands model.

Previously I was using him as a "counts as Artemis" but I've been having a little more fun with this combo:

Deathwatch Captain: Master-crafted boltgun, Relic blade

Stratagem: A Vigil Unmatched, The Imperium's Sword

Warlord: Castellan of the Black Vault: Adamantine Mantle

Relic: Purgatorus

Purgatorus has been such a fun pistol to use - with an 18" range as well it's in use quite quickly, and the times where he's been stuck in combat and unloaded 3x S5 AP -3 D2 shots before has been hilarious (for me) and a surprise (for my opponent). And then the Relic Blade has more fun.

I dithered about choosing the Adamantine Mantle (5+++) vs Resolve of Iron (+1W & 6+++) but think the 5+++ is a better deal (although Resolve of Iron sounds cool).

It's not all about the meta if you're having fun.

The Relic Blade comes courtesy of the Dark Angels Firstborn upgrade pack (converted to have an Inq symbol on it), whilst the Purgatorus is made from one of the noticably smaller Deathwatch bolters as well as changing the sickle magazine to a smaller straight to resemble the bolt pistols.

I did consider a pistol from the Sternguard sprue but they looked a bit small to be honest. 

I also changed out the Artemis backpack for the old (old? hey it was only 3rd Ed.) Captain backpack (with Artemis's Iron Halo transplanted because it looks cool)

Deathwatch - a hero and two veterans

Another three models completed... this time a Company Champion (interesting fact: this is one of the models I built in my original DW frenzy, with the intention for him to be a Blackshield. Now that the DW is a subset of the Marine Codex it fits my vision even better as a Champion), Dren Redblade from Kill Team Cassius (or as I prefer, a regular DW Boltgun/CCW Veteran) and an Exorcists Chapter Assault Intercessor for my Fortis Kill Team.

"You looking at me?"

Bit of knotwork to make his head interesting

This shoulder pad is from the Librarian with Force Staff (plastic set)

Next is probably the 4 Primaris Outrider bikes so I can tick off the Fortis KT. 

At the moment I am doing the drybrushing last, I am going to try doing it as the first stage (maybe after I do the eyes...) and see how that goes. My challenge here is that I am a "start messy and tidy it up as you go" painter - I don't have the eyesight or brush control (possibly due to quality i.e. using my brushes until they are dead) to paint neatly à la the painting guides from GW!

Deathwatch Shotgun unit

Cracked through these 4 models this week - yes it's just 4, but they would be paired with either an Infernus Heavy Bolter or a Frag Cannon (which I've already painted).

Great unit for a Drop Pod... just saying

Silver Skulls, Brazen Talons, Taurans, Angels Porphyr

I'm pretty happy with the drybrush results on the back armour... Will also blend off when it gets varnished.

Company Champion, an Assault Intercessor and Dren Redblade are next!

Deathwatch ... Stalker bolt rifle unit

FINALLY .... finished this squad of 4 Stalker Rifles and Missile Launcher. I'm pretty happy with the highlighting - I've been using small makeup brushes and finding them really good for the black armour.

Fiddly nonsense

Stereotyped Raven Guard Sniper

Mk IV armour is rad

An Apothecary comes to town

Painting has been a bit slow lately but I HAVE finished a model.

The yet unnamed Mentor Legion Apothecary.

Yes you can trust him with your geneseed.

Yes I know he only has 4 wounds (min 2 failed saves vs guns these days....). But he looks cool and it's another model moved from one ledger to another.