You will never find a more undiluted expression of internet distain than when you show off your new Vindicator.
"Not optimal, mate. Random shots, random damage. I suppose if you've already got every other unit in the codex, you might as well."
Naysayers aside, I love the Vindicator's look (and have often been tempted to start an Iron Warriors army just to field a fleet of them). And besides, fretting about random damage just shows a lack of confidence about the ability to roll 6s.
This was another eBay rescue (in the wake of my no-buying models year, I did a lot of rescuing in January). It was a bargain, but not quite the fire-sale prices I was expecting, so it's reassuring to know that they're still in reasonable demand.
This model was a loyalist type, but that was fine, since I wanted it for The Scourged. These are my 'shooty' Chaos Space Marines, so I'm looking to give them gun options. They're also renegades (rather than the original 30k traitors), so I am looking to given them 'conventional' units (rather than, for example, daemon engines).
The only concessions I made was to throw a few chaotic panels on the side and add a pintle stormbolter (just in case something small and insignificant tries to tag the big blast cannon).
The real treat was the siege shield - a nice canvas to work on. I did a freehand eye of Tzeentch (the same one I do for all the infantry pauldrons) and drybrushed a corona effect around it. I also added some decal symbols to the other side - I wanted them to look a bit random and swirly, but my inner sense of organsation took over and they look a bit too ordered for me.
And if you're doing one unpopular tank, why not do two?
The Predator was an even cheaper find than the Vindicator (I guess a shooty Helbrute is just better), but it's another classic that I've long coveted.
In terms of painting, I'm well into my stride with vehicles now - an overbrush of Kantor Blue on a black undercoat, with Wazzdakka Red and Carroburg Crimson wash for the red bits. Gold and steel details to follow - the biggest challenge was trying to avoid it looking like either a Crimson Fists or a Night Lords vehicle.
If I were building it from scratch, I would have been tempted to ramp up the firepower with a combi-weapon and a havoc launcher, but I went with what I had (I was lucky enough to find a model with moving turret and sponsons).
So now The Scourged is really starting to take shape as a warband. But I couldn't have a Tzeentch-themed army and not add some Rubric Marines.
I'm a sucker for first-born vehicles and do think the Vindicator does look extremely cool. I love the eye on the dozer blade too!
ReplyDeleteIt's a heady mix of nostalgia and a damn good design.
DeleteI'm digging the colour scheme. Different, but fun.
ReplyDeleteThanks! The colour scheme sold me on them, and they're building up to a nice little army now.
DeleteLove it - both the paint and the tank itself. It's still one of my missions to get hold of an even less-loved tank for the Mantis Warriors, the almost-unfielded Stalker/Hunter chassis.
ReplyDeleteBecause I'd never seen one, when I first read the datasheet, I assumed a Stalker/Hunter was just some marine with a big rocket launcher.
DeleteI love a heavy choice.
ReplyDeleteA game of 40k tank wars beckons.
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