Tyranids: Beyond Leviathan

A bit of  roundup of a mixture of models I've painted throughout the 10th edition of Warhammer 40k.

First up is the Norn Emissary. I have to admit I was a bit disappointed with the overall size of this model. I have wanted a plastic super-heavy for Tyranids for many years and had hoped this would fall into that category. Sadly it's another mid-range monster joining an already bloated range.
 

She's pretty though

Having said that, I do like the style of the model, I just wish it filled a different role in the Tyranid range.

I particularly like the large ventral spires.

In game terms, this model has seen the shelf far more than the tabletop. To me, the price point seems prohibitive when compared with other, cheaper monsters. I have found its 'singular purpose' ability rather underwhelming too.

Lots of cool details.

Next up is a group of Zoanthropes. I had these 3d printed and they are an excellent facsimile of the official sculpts.

Good quality prints.

Unlike the Norn Emissary, I can always find a use for Zoanthropes. They have punishing firepower, an oppressive overwatch threat (particularly when combined with a Neurotyrant) and the 4+ invulnerable save can be difficult to break through.

Pretty little brain bugs.

Somewhere down the line I want to paint up three more of these as well as a second Neurotyrant so that I can try fielding two groups. Still I'm working on other projects at the moment so they will have to wait.

Moving back to plastic kits we have the new(ish) pyrovore model. I have lots of Biovores already, so I elected to construct the kit in this format. I really like the latest sculpt and it helps bring the Biovore/Pyrovore model much more in line with the unified look of the Tyranid range.

Big flame bug.

On the tabletop I haven't really found a use for Pyrovores (in any edition!) They are rather ponderous and the mediocre flamer they carry isn't much of a threat to anything. Still I like the concept and the miniature.

Much more insectile than the previous sculpt.

Back to some basic infantry with the humble hormagaunt. I've always loved hormagaunts, from the weirdly terrifying (and poorly balanced) metal sculpts to the long-running 3rd edition plastics. These are the most modern version of the sculpt and they are really delightful.

Looks more like a swarm close-up.

My Tyranid armies have always featured hormagaunts and that continues to this day. These have been regularly fielded alongside the older sculpts and, apart from the different base size, aren't noticeably different at tabletop level.

Just a humble group of ten infantry really.

The Neurolictor is something of a different sculpt. It's gangly, and oddly posed. I did alter the posing of mine slightly by twisting the waist joint. I'm not sure how much of a difference that's really made though.

Just plain weird.

I've fielded the Neurolictor a handful of times, but for my purposes I'm usually better off with a regular Lictor. I understand it's a synergy piece for other Tyranid units and I've never really managed to pull this off in practice. In my hands its just a weaker, more expensive Lictor.

Sorry Neurolictor, better luck next edition.

Finally we have the Parasite of Mortrex. I like this model a lot and it's fun to use on the tabletop. Not especially competitive, but just amusing to create ripper swarms from your opponents models. This has certainly never been a game winner for me, but I take it every so often just for the annoyance factor.

Definitely looks cool.

This was my first time trying something different for the wing membranes on my Tyranids and I liked it so much that I've adopted it going forwards.

"flap flap screech!"

Despite not loving the game as much as I used to, I'm still regularly playing Warhammer 40k. My Tyranid collection has been a big part of keeping me interested in the game. It also helps enormously to be a part of a fun, casual, gaming group.

I am feeling the desire to add more Tyranids to the collection, so hopefully will make a further update post soon.

Horus Heresy Night Lords - Painting Showcase

I'm back with some more Night Lords. There's a real mix here, some of these were completed prior to the release of the Age of Darkness box; some are miniatures from the boxed set; and some are new kits that I've since bought and painted.

First up is a unit of Tartaros terminators which I've had ever since the Burning of Prospero set was released. I wanted to get these done before the second edition of the game and I'm pleased to say I did exactly that.

The first three squad members

They've been constructed with a bit of a strange mixed loadout, I think I just went for whatever I thought was cool at the time. Not the most efficient by any means and, as I've yet to try them out in battle, I can't really comment on their tabletop prowess.

And from the side

As with all my Night Lords I added trophies taken from a variety of different sources. I'm particularly pleased with the flayed skin cape on the power sword wielding model.

The unit as a whole

Next up is the Spartan Assault Tank from the Age of Darkness box. Like many Heresy players, this was the model I was most excited to get my hands on and it certainly didn't disappoint.

A big chunky beast

The below shows some more photos of the Spartan.

I've added an apothecary with a jump pack in an effort to keep my assault marines alive.

Then there's this fun little graviton rapier carrier proxy. I got this from Anvil Industry years ago.

I also built a terror squad using the mk6 bodies from the Age of Darkness box. A variety of other parts were used to make these look legion specific.

This rhino was made from a chaos rhino kit which I picked up on the cheap along with some (now OOP) legion specific upgrades from Forgeworld.

The recon squad are another purchase from Anvil Industry which I made on a Black Friday several years ago. I added a beaky helmet from an old marine sprue.

A second apothecary made from a mk6 body with a smattering of other parts.

I love volkite weapons, so a full squad of volkite culverins was a no brainer. These have been absolutely lethal on the tabletop.

I built myself some Contekar using 3d printed parts and plastic Tartaros bodies. I'm pretty happy with how they turned out.

The below is just the current plastic predator kit. This was lovely to build and has been a powerhouse on the battlefield. A source of cheap anti-tank is always useful.

Then we have the Kratos, the not-quite superheavy of the plastic tank range. I love the way this thing looks and it's an absolute menace on the table.

From large to small, next is a sabre strike tank. This was 3d printed by a friend and then I added a couple of plastic bits. A great little tank which I have used frequently.

Continuing with 3d prints, we have a Seeker squad. These have also proven quite effective with their rending bolts and high ballistic skill. Really good for removing key enemy infantry units.

Finally some dreadnoughts. The below is a plastic Leviathan fitted with resin weapons simply because I had them handy.

Very finally is a 3d printed contemptor with double power fists. I'm pleased with the print quality on this one and he's been very useful as a melee threat on the table.

If you made it to the end of this photo-dump, thanks for looking. I hope you enjoyed seeing an update on my Night Lords Legion collection.

Bjorn the Fell-handed

I've been messing around with second edition 40k recently, including building up a few armies painted in the classic, brightly coloured style. Over the weekend I finished off an old metal Bjorn to join my growing Space Wolves army.

In glorious technicolour.

It's not a direct copy of the original second edition paint scheme, but I feel I've captured the spirit of the thing. I even went so far as to make a banner pole from brass rod and add a paper banner, because it's not second edition without giant paper banners fluttering everywhere.

As many of you know, these old metal dreadnoughts are weighty things. I did have to give my wrist a break after a couple of longer painting sessions.

Stomp stomp.

As for other modelling choices, I went with a round base just because I felt it looked best. I'm sure many purists feel that this should be square or even non-existent. I also chose not to drill the smoke launcher as it felt more authentic this way; that and I was worried I'd misalign one of them and it would throw the whole thing off.

I've painted a few more Space Wolves to join this army as well as a bunch of old Necrons. I'm hoping to do some more posts this month to show them off.