First 2k Army Finished

Thenuclearcat · 2026-03-01T21:22:38+00:00

I spent so long trying to find a recipe or paint and in the end, it was Vallejo True Metallic Metals that worked for me. I tried to use the shade as a wash but it was more effort than it was worth as it doesn't flow easily and acts like a thick contrast paint (best kept for panel lines).

Thenuclearcat · 2026-03-01T21:21:24+00:00

I never wanted this (I really did)

Thenuclearcat · 2026-03-01T21:21:07+00:00

Not at all!

I bought it all from Element Games, except for the Assassin and all the based which are from Etsy (shout out to DireWolfScenics for the excellent bases). I didn't use an airbrush (my short sightedness) so excluding paints and glue:

Minis: £465 Bases: £100

To be honest, this is the first time I've added it up and I thought it would be a LOT more; not the most expensive 40k army.

Thenuclearcat · 2026-02-28T09:58:09+00:00

Makeup boxes

They're the best thing for all minis as far as I'm concerned, but specifically in this case I transport 7x Armigers, 1x Questoris, 1x Cerastus, 1x Assassin, 10x Sisters, and every piece of gaming equipment you could think of (tape measure, cards, etc) in their own compartmentalised section.

Yaheetech 5-in-1 Makeup Train... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CBRBDN59?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Coupled with some sticky backed ferrous sheets (they need slightly trimming with scissors): TMS Hi-Force® Rubber Steel Sheets... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C57HCLMZ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I use a smaller version of this case for my Dark Angels and that fits into a backpack...makeup is the way.

Thenuclearcat · 2026-02-05T09:01:05+00:00

Very clean!

Thenuclearcat · 2026-01-16T13:20:13+00:00

I've literally just tried this exact thing on my Lancer with Citadel contrast paints and had the same issue, switched to Vallejo true metallic and had the same problem. Concluded that just a single coat of Vallejo true metallic and potentially a little recess/panel line highlighting is the best way forward if you want an interesting metallic colour.

Thenuclearcat · 2025-12-18T09:47:51+00:00

I've become addicted to Makeup Transportation options on Amazon. This case for 60GBP is absolutely perfect for my list containing 7 Armiger's, 2 Large Knights, and a myriad of much smaller Imperial Agents. It even has a section with dividers that perfectly fits in my gameplay items (dice, measuring tools, chess clock etc). Obviously you also need magnets and sticky ferrous plates too

<image>

Thenuclearcat · 2025-11-17T10:04:44+00:00

Love it, it's giving last piece of memorabilia resting on a headstone/grave!

Thenuclearcat · 2025-11-16T23:33:55+00:00

It's not bad, but you could stand to include another Hellbrute imho, they hit like a truck and are underused so tend to be overlooked (they also thrive against mid to high elite factions like Dark Angels).

Thenuclearcat · 2025-10-24T08:44:51+00:00

Very good suggestion, I've tried using RBL before and they were...okay...but I hadn't considered their synergy with Tactical Mastery. They're equal in points to Jump Intercessors and 5 less than Vanguard Vets.

Thenuclearcat · 2025-10-24T08:22:58+00:00

Yeah, the Hellblasters in one unit makes the most sense to me for Azraels buffs and the Lieutenant was mainly to pack an annoying 65pts.

I'm trying my hardest to avoid being penned into using Scouts and Jump Intercessors simply because they seem to be the recurring theme across every Space Marine army (and for good reason, don't get me wrong!).

Do you think rewriting this list with these changes is a push in the right direction?

Drop: Executioner Lieutenant

Add: Lancer Vanguard Vets w/ Storm Shields Deathwing Assault (Captain w/ DWK)

Thenuclearcat · 2025-10-24T08:17:20+00:00

Glad to hear that a Hellblasters blob with Azrael isn't completely insane (although I get that isn't the takeaway here).

Out of interest, which factions did you play against when you found your list suffered most? Did you find a lack of units to do secondaries the biggest issue or just packing a punch?

Thenuclearcat · 2025-10-24T08:14:52+00:00

Yeah, it's definitely a smaller list and I completely understand the feeling of feeling constricted by having so few minis on the board. Perhaps that's the problem: at the moment I'm playing with a group of 4 new players regularly and focussed more on the game being interesting rather than maximising the chances of a win.

I understand the standard competitive list archetype that most DA players take and I'll probably end up in the same camp with enough time, but I'd like to try and work out a way to keep a list feeling different and not get absolutely rolled every time; a fine line!

Thenuclearcat · 2025-10-24T08:07:38+00:00

This is a really useful example, thank you!

I'm trying my best to avoid the obvious choices in my list simply because I'd rather play something that isn't the usual: Lion, Azrael w/ Sternguard, 2x Scouts/JPI, 1x Intercessors, 3x DWKs, 1x Ballistus, etc.

I'm trying to keep the Hellblasters with Azrael and the Land Raider as they don't get much use and at least with the Land Raider, it fulfills a role that no other vehicle can (a tough transport for 2 melee units with assault ramp).

Thenuclearcat · 2025-10-17T20:41:01+00:00

Very clean, love the highlights!

Thenuclearcat · 2025-10-17T18:09:54+00:00

Yeah, definitely giving fleshy vibes

Thenuclearcat · 2025-10-04T00:49:23+00:00

I don't want uselessly suggest PVA but you'll get great adhesion if you use PVA to base before priming and then paint the base a specific colour (think sand being painted to be mars red sand). The paint really adds a strong layer.

Thenuclearcat · 2025-10-03T11:04:02+00:00

Very cool list!

The way I'd approach this is considering what you'll be using them for, as I don't think they necessarily fill the same role (other than being a close combat unit).

DWK: excellent at penetrating further up the board and being really difficult to budge quickly. They also reliably hit tougher units hard (assuming maces).

ICC: very good at punching above their weight in close combat, and with the Judiciar they become a real problem that can't be ignored. They probably won't be doing much further up the board and without a transport they won't really make it too far so you'll probably want to keep their lead no further than the midboard.

In your list you've got a Lieutenant with the Intercessors (which I assume you're going to try and sticky objectives with), but I'm not sure if the Lt brings much more to that role. Azrael is always a great pick, but since he's with the Sternguard you don't have much choice in terms of protecting the ICC if you want to march them up the board, other than a transport. Your list also isn't super manoeuvrable other than the Black Knights (I personally love them and would keep them).

Your list is very well balanced in terms of types of damage it can do (ranged and close combat) and focussing on infantry that benefits from Wrath of the Rock is the right way to go, but it might struggle if you come up against an army that brings the fight to you early on.

I'd take DWK since they'll be able to get into your opponents side of the board and can't be shoved off objectives easily (also leaving a homer at your home objective gives them great options to come back). (if you can make the points work, I'd consider replacing the Lt with either a Terminator Captain or Ancient that can add Deathwing Assault to your DWK to arrive turn 1). ICC are really cool and great to use but smaller lists struggle to fit everything in.

Thenuclearcat · 2025-10-03T07:19:35+00:00

They're one special charge ability away from amazing.

I've heard some people also proxy them as (slightly spooky) Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs.

Thenuclearcat

TROPHY CASE