Jerre Posted May 5, 2011 Share Posted May 5, 2011 I have been thinking a while about starting a CSM army (I already have a Xenos and Imperium army) but it all came down to painting more rhinos and after a full mechanized blood angels army, I can't see a rhino chassis anymore. Recently my eye fell on an image in the CSM codex : Skyrar's Dark Wolves. Although it might be seen as jumping on the bandwagon, I took a look at the Space Wolf codex. The basic units are similar to CSM units but the Space Wolf codex has some interesting units that don't appear in the CSM codex: drop pods and thunderwolf cavalry. The latter I immediately envisioned as space marines riding juggernauts and with the new plastic kit that came out, it would even be affordable. (I googled this and discovered I wasn't the only one who was thinking about this!) I put together a list (in another thread here on the forum) so now comes the hard part: deciding what models to use and how to paint them. The idea is that although they should look chaosy, my opponents should immediately see that they will be up against space wolves and not against CSM. My first idea was to use the space wolves models (looks like a great kit!) and give them a chaosy look by adding at least one CSM shoulder pad and giving them CSM backpacks. I have some AoBR space marines lying around and was painting one up when I had a look at the Space Wolf Terminator painting tutorial on Beast of War. I really liked the look he was trying to get and will propably try to get that color for the blue on the picture. But as I was painting it, it seemed a bit bland (spelling?) - too dark with only small parts of blue - so I took a look at the CSM models. The legs and gloves all have these nice ridges and iconography. If I adjust the paint scheme a bit so that these parts are also blue, I would get a more space wolfy feeling. http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/3732/csmca3kr2q0.jpg But I still need to make them look like spacewolves! So I thought (although I have shyed away from it in the past) to give them all bare heads (no helmets) as the space pups are known for that. I was thinking to paint the hair in the bright orange (for contrast) like it is shown on the box and the GW site but since I will not be fielding blood claws and only grey hunters and longfangs, this might not be a good idea? I will try to get my hands on some of the space wolf bits (tail talismans and weapons with wolf iconography) and add those as well. I might even buy the space wolf battleforce as it also includes a drop pod and scouts. I have not yet decided how to chaosify the scouts. Any ideas? I am also not sure about which color to use for the bolters/pistols/chainswords. Since the wolf chapter symbol will propably be red (as it is in the CSM codex), I might use the same red for the weapons. Any thoughts on this? As soon as I have painted up some test models, I'll post some pics... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
subtlebrush Posted May 5, 2011 Share Posted May 5, 2011 I think your going in the right direction. If your quite good with a paint brush I suggest painting their skin a paleish blue and then giving them a orangeish red for their beards and hair which should give you a nice contrast if your going that route with your armour. Keep the Chapter symbol red and have a few parts here and there red and it should give you a very nice vibrant Dark Wolves army. Oh and I'm also a Chaos player using the Space Wolves list, there is no shame in it, the list just feels very Chaosy :o Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerre Posted May 9, 2011 Author Share Posted May 9, 2011 I've started on my AoBR test figure. I didn't clean the model up properly as this is only a quick color test. The effect will not be completely the same as the CSM figs have much more trimmings on their armour which I intend to keep blue-grey as well. The basecolor of the blue-grey is a mix of 7/4/7 of space wolf grey (GW), mordian blue (GW) and dead white (vallejo game color). http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/3848/dsc03644it.th.jpg http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/1507/dsc03641g.th.jpg I then washed the model with Asurmen Blue (GW). http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/6683/dsc03649l.th.jpg http://img802.imageshack.us/img802/9819/dsc03647i.th.jpg Followed by a wash of Badab Black (GW). http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/9171/dsc03654h.th.jpg http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/2995/dsc03651v.th.jpg To highlight, I drybrushed with the original mix. http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/119/dsc03658ec.th.jpg http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/161/dsc03655rj.th.jpg Next up is painting the dark parts of the armour. I am going to give Charadon Granite (GW) a go. As soon as I have painted it, I'll post some new pics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NightHunters Posted May 9, 2011 Share Posted May 9, 2011 I reckon these could look really rather smashing, keep em coming. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerre Posted May 10, 2011 Author Share Posted May 10, 2011 I got to do some extra painting last night. Basecoat of Charadon Granite (GW). Sorry for the bad pics. I forgot to put my extra light next to the figs. http://img546.imageshack.us/img546/5691/dsc03662g.th.jpg http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/4458/dsc03660m.th.jpg And then a Badab Black wash (GW) on the those parts. http://img845.imageshack.us/img845/4750/dsc03666w.th.jpg http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/1700/dsc03665jf.th.jpg I think I am getting close to what the CSM codex shows http://wh40k.lexicanum.com/mediawiki/images/thumb/3/3a/Skyrar Or should I go with a more grey color for the dark parts ? What about the grey-blue? Isn't it too blue ? And maybe a bit too dark ? Perhaps I shouldn't do the Asurmen Blue wash and stick to the Badab Black wash ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Volgon Posted May 10, 2011 Share Posted May 10, 2011 I think you are linking the thumbnail, the pictures are super small :D It would be helpful if you would link the full picture but from what I can tell the color scheme looks quite nice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerre Posted May 10, 2011 Author Share Posted May 10, 2011 These are the last images ... http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/1700/dsc03665jf.jpg http://img845.imageshack.us/img845/4750/dsc03666w.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MNONE Posted May 10, 2011 Share Posted May 10, 2011 Blue looks good. Maybe make it a little more grey, closer to the loyal SW colour used by GW, but as-is it looks fine. It'll be more clearly 'chaos' when you paint up a model with chaosy bits and rims and add the red insignia. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerre Posted May 10, 2011 Author Share Posted May 10, 2011 Blue looks good. Maybe make it a little more grey, closer to the loyal SW colour used by GW, but as-is it looks fine. It'll be more clearly 'chaos' when you paint up a model with chaosy bits and rims and add the red insignia. And that red insignia is what worries me. I have not idea how to get it done. I am not a fan of decals (never get them to work properly) and even than I would have to make them myself. My freehand is not up to the task as the surface of the shoulder pad is just too small. I tried to draw the symbol on a shoulder pad with a micro pen and the result wasn't really good. And that's in black, not red. Sculpting is also beyond me. I have no green stuff experience. I am considering trying to make a mould using something similar to instant mould based on existing space wolf shoulder pads. I have contacted some sculptors but having the shoulder pads custom made is going to be too expensive. Anyone any better ideas? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gizur Posted May 10, 2011 Share Posted May 10, 2011 For the Chapter Symbol is practise the only Key. Look in the Tutorial Section for Ragnars Symbol for freehand painting it will help you by your Task. I like this Army Concept once i Bad my own Army of the Wolves maybe i Start a New One in Time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cathar the great Posted May 10, 2011 Share Posted May 10, 2011 You've pretty much explored every option. Now I don't want to insult you in any way, but most of them, when people say "I'm not a fan of X" or "I can't get X to work", they've tried once and failed. There is nothing in this hobby that can't be done with a bit of patience and practice. Of all your options, trying with the decals again might be the best thing. This symbol is rather similar to those of the Space Wolves. You could take the Wolves decal that fits best and simply add the tongue thing in a similar color with a fine detail brush. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerre Posted May 10, 2011 Author Share Posted May 10, 2011 You've pretty much explored every option. Now I don't want to insult you in any way, but most of them, when people say "I'm not a fan of X" or "I can't get X to work", they've tried once and failed. There is nothing in this hobby that can't be done with a bit of patience and practice. Of all your options, trying with the decals again might be the best thing. This symbol is rather similar to those of the Space Wolves. You could take the Wolves decal that fits best and simply add the tongue thing in a similar color with a fine detail brush. I tried decals with my necrons and they looked horribly. For my blood angels, I bought the GW sculpted pads and they are great for my meager skills. I tried some freehand on vehicles and as long as I have an outline and the detail is not too small, I see myself doing it. I'll try to get my hands on a space wolf transfer sheet and give it a go on this test model. But even if I succeed in getting the decal on the mini in a decent way, I will still have to paint over it as the decal will propably be black and I need a red one on a dark background. Why oh why did I choose this scheme :wacko: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerre Posted May 10, 2011 Author Share Posted May 10, 2011 After seeing this picture I'm considering changing the painting scheme ... http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BABzy9YUd8M/TNwK0mEgKUI/AAAAAAAAAIs/n8DnF1iAz50/s1600/Red%20Corsairs%20Colorscheme%20example.jpg I googled around and there's another Chaos Space Wolf option: some of the crew of The Wolf of Fenris joined Luft Huron's Red Corsairs ... After my blood angels, this would be another red/black army but I can take advantage of my experience with those colors. Also, the wolf paw decal on the space wolf transfer sheet could be used as a Space Wolf Red Corsair chapter marking. Choices choices ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wildonion Posted May 10, 2011 Share Posted May 10, 2011 Tough call, because both schemes look pretty good. The easy answer would probably be to do up another test mini, this time in the Corsair Wolf colors, and compare the two. That way you can figure out which you like more based on colors and ease of painting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Volgon Posted May 10, 2011 Share Posted May 10, 2011 I quite like the direction your first mini is going, the blue looks spot on to me. I guess the question is do you like red or blue better? -_- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerre Posted May 10, 2011 Author Share Posted May 10, 2011 I quite like the direction your first mini is going, the blue looks spot on to me. I guess the question is do you like red or blue better? :P For the moment, the blue is too blue for me. I think if I give it another try, I'm going to go without the asurmen blue wash. I do like red (although it can be a pain to paint) combined with black and gold ... hence my blood angels army :) For my new army I would like to try to give it my best in modelling and painting, a sort of culmination (spelling?) of my painting experience so far. And the current blue paint scheme doesn't look that striking so far. I'll give the red a try and maybe paint another blue/grey one and then decide. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nomus Sardauk Posted May 10, 2011 Share Posted May 10, 2011 I'd say stick with Skyrar's Dark Wolves, I've seen other Red Corsairs armies out there but I have yet to see a Dark Wolves force. Besides, if you really wanted to do Red Corsairs you can always include a squad or two into a Dark Wolves warband, given how the Space Wolves would most likely be rather keen on exterminating any traitors sullying their Primarch's good name it seems only logical that Skyrar would form alliances with other, more established Chaos Lords like Huron Blackheart. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerre Posted May 11, 2011 Author Share Posted May 11, 2011 When I do the next one, I will try to get it more like this ... I will do the shoulder pad in red and try to put on a black decal. And for the Red Corsair version something like this ... Thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RamrodMC Posted May 11, 2011 Share Posted May 11, 2011 You know, Jerre, GW makes shoulder pads for Ragnar's company. The symbol looks awfully similar to the Dark Wolves, just missing the tongue. Since, as you've stated, you hate decals and are not confident with your freehand abilities, this could be an option for you. Otherwise, I like the splash of colour that the red adds to the shoulder pad of the Dark Wolf. However, I would suggest that to keep the symbol as it is supposed to appear, the other shoulder should be the one in red (especially if you go for the Ragnar's company shoulders). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerre Posted May 11, 2011 Author Share Posted May 11, 2011 You know, Jerre, GW makes shoulder pads for Ragnar's company. The symbol looks awfully similar to the Dark Wolves, just missing the tongue. Since, as you've stated, you hate decals and are not confident with your freehand abilities, this could be an option for you. I had a look at those as well but the images (unpainted) are very difficult to fully see. The right side of the shoulder pad, is that the mane of the wolf or a moon? If it is a moon, I don't think I will be able to use it ... Otherwise, I like the splash of colour that the red adds to the shoulder pad of the Dark Wolf. However, I would suggest that to keep the symbol as it is supposed to appear, the other shoulder should be the one in red (especially if you go for the Ragnar's company shoulders). I think the red is on the correct shoulder pad, no? See the image in a few post up ... I just would have changed the color from red on black to black on red. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rik84 Posted May 11, 2011 Share Posted May 11, 2011 Why not do an army of both? do a few squads of the blue and black, and a few of the red and black, that way your not painting the same for the whole army and you get to make the most of both, im guessing your using codex space wolves, so doing it this way you can have 2 wolf lords that look very diffrent. as for the fluff, you can Huron has sent out his traitor wolves to work along side other traitor wolves who he has had to pay as hired guns, they dont wear the red and black so there for cant be fuly trusted. rik Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerre Posted May 11, 2011 Author Share Posted May 11, 2011 I did a quick new test model. The dark areas are still Charadon Granite (GW). http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/289/dsc03684y.jpg The left side of the pic (right side of the model) is the same base color as before but without the Asurmen Blue wash. http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/4372/dsc03683p.jpg The right side of the pic (left side of the model) is my previous base color but with more grey added (and also no Asurmen Blue wash). http://img809.imageshack.us/img809/4986/dsc03681v.jpg I didn't drybrush yet but everything got a Badab Black wash. This should give some idea yet. For comparison, my old test model ... http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/1700/dsc03665jf.jpg http://img845.imageshack.us/img845/4750/dsc03666w.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wicced Posted May 11, 2011 Share Posted May 11, 2011 i'd go with the wolves, i've seen a lot of nice red corsair armies, but not one of Skyrar's Dark Wolves. the latest blue looks good and seems to be very close to the color shown in the CSM dex :D (i was a little scared of the mold lines, but i'm sure you left them cuz it's test model) can't wait to see more! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gizur Posted May 12, 2011 Share Posted May 12, 2011 Nice work. Keep this Theme and go forward to build your Army. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerre Posted May 13, 2011 Author Share Posted May 13, 2011 I've put together a full test model using CSM and space wolf parts. I started painting it today in the Dark Wolves scheme. I'll post a pic as soon as I am back home (on holiday for the weekend). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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