Dark Angels Leadership

I had it in mind that at some point I might take my Dark Angels over to the Chaos side. Lets face it their history allows this. They have proved to be a great army to play. I want to get them to a full army before doing such a thing. All elements being brought to a decent scale. There are some cool leadership possibilities.

This picture has a few of the possible options some have had some green stuff applied to make them happen.

Land Raider

I thought that a more conventional vehicle would be a good place to start with Project Deathwing so I opted for a Landraider.

It is still a work in progress but coming along nicely. I have left the back end Dark Angels green for effect. I can't wait for the opportunity to have some Deathwing spill out of this baby and cause a bit of chaos!!

Project Deathwing

Well, I have been thinking about a direction for the Dark Angels. I have a few Deathwing models. They have always proved difficult to play. I thought that it was about time to take the brave step and advance the cause. Project Deathwing has begun.

This is the extent of my current painted models. So a lot of potential then - eh? i have a number of ways to go so lets see where this takes us.

Dark Angels

I have made a trip into the garage and reviewed a number of armies. My Dark Angels are my most successful tournament army having scored maximum points at my last outing. I have always enjoyed them.

I just love this model. I spent ages assembling and painting it. I got it second hand and not all the parts are present but I think it is a real presence on the battle field.

Rokkit Launcha

Many models on the painting table at the moment in various stages of development. This morning I painted up the first of the new rokkit launcha models. I have a hunch that this guy will have some luck and become a bit of a character do I gave him some eyes. Always helps to have eyes if you are going to find the target :-)

The Painting Bug

Well I have been bitten again and find myself painting. This tends to happen in fits and starts. I have a number of ork characters and a few ork squads that are in need of a little love and attention. I like to play with painted models so I have 2 stages that I take models through: -

1. Build, base and undercoat the models. Then I apply the green skin in layers and washes, and a basic brown to the clothing. I black the metal and dry brush with bolt gun metal and then apply a wash. At this stage the models can be used in battle. But they are not really painted.

2. Paint the models, pick out the detail and pay some attention to the look of the model.

I have been looking forward to painting these guys for a while and they are coming along nicely. They still need tidying up but they are really cool models.

Same goes for this bad boy. You got to love a Big Mek!! Areal pleasure to paint.

A little 'Panic!!!" in the ranks

Creating a little panic in the first round or two can be great fun. In a lot of games the first couple of rounds are tactical with armies jousting for position. My Speed Freaks adopt a swarming tactic pushing forward in great numbers, presenting multiple targets and making it difficult for the enemy to decide what to shoot at. In response the enemy often wants to adopt a defensive stance and bunch up.

Enter the Basilisk. Placing this big gun at the back of the line up and dropping template shots on the enemy can create real panic.

What to do? What to do? They want to shoot at all the targets presenting themselves but they also want to take down the big fellow at the back. They want to bunch together to keep away from the advancing Speed Freaks and allow themselves to counter the hand to hand combat that they know is coming but in doing so they are presenting a wonderful opportunity for the Basilisk. Shall they break ranks and send a unit to deal with the big gun? Will one unit be enough to get through the advancing Orks? So many things to think about.......

And all the time the Boyz advance. With Orks it is nearly always boils down to the Boyz and their Choppas. In truth, lots of shiny targets are a distraction to get the Boyz into range for the Waagh!

Adopting these tactics is a real joy to play. You can really get into Ork character and dish out the damage. Its all about slaughtering the enemy to the last man and having bragging rights for the next couple of weeks!!!

And in true Ork style if you are going to go down, go down fighting. In my experience the choppa is a wonderful weapon and can deliver the perfect side parting for any haircut ;-)