"I remember the first time I witnessed the White Scars battlecraft well. On Ethros, the Heptarchs had broken their vows of Compliance, and I was permitted to accompany the Brotherhood to the surface along with Theld, the renowned Pictorist. Bathul kept us well clear of any actual combat, but we did once find ourselves on a ridge, overlooking a wide river valley, where the Heptarchs' forces were engaging a large contingent of the Brotherhood. All were mounted, and to see the surety with which they handled their Jetbikes and Speeders was breathtaking. Weaving a web of contrails and firelines, they systematically picked apart the massed infantry, feigning retreat on several occasions to draw the rebel forces out, only to turn in an instant, decimating the much more numerous Ethrossians with almost contemptous ease. When the rebels were broken and destroyed, an Arban of Jetbikes passed us close by, their ululating cheers echoed by Bathuls own warriors"

Pict-capture showing Brother Halcheg, astride his Scimitar Jetbike, a vehicle almost synonymous with the White Scars across the Crusade. This particular craft bears a considerable amount of superficial damage, concentrated around the front.
Like all warriors of the Khagans Ordu, Halcheg bears numerous honour-markings, picked out in red.
The last thing many an enemy of the Emperor and the Khan will ever see.
The powerful thruster, along with the anti-grav capabilities, allows the Scimitar Jetbike unparalleled speed and acceleration, qualities that makes it a highly prized steed by the V. Legion.
"As I spent more time amongst the V. Legion, I was soon to learn that what I had at first perceived to be a reserved and insular character among the Chogorian contingent, was rather a consequence of their self-deprecating ways. On our journey to the Mehradian Straits, I was introduced to Brother Tonju, a member of Bathuls Brother-arban, with whom the Sergeant often sparred in the training cages. Outside of training and combat, Tonju was good-humored and humble, almost embarrased by praise, or indeed his very being as an ascended Astartes. When engaged in battle though, he revelled in his role, laughter coming to him naturally both in the cages and on the open field"
So, slow progress, but it is happening.
Tonju was singled out to show off my tweaked method of painting the White Scars, now with added sponging and metal added to scratches and damage. He's got 4 friends all done, and another 5 on the cusp of completion, meaning I can focus on the absolutely lovely the Scimitar Jetbikes, of which I have another 3 on their way for the
ETL.
Love the markings...love everything
Thank you! Still enjoying doing them!
These are some seriously good looking White Scars, especially in regards to the posing. Reminds me of the concept of the "Noble Savage". I can't wait to see some fluff and more progress on the army. 
High praise! That'll definitely be the way to go, also following the lead from Chris Wraights writing, there's definitely a duality to the Scars that I'm keen to push into the foreground, every chance I get 
Don't actually have or use any powders, but I'll try and tone down the gravel.
I'd suggest a good wash of AP Strong Tone to tie it all together. 
I tried it on one of the older models, but I actually like the contrast too much to change it for good. Might try out some powders down the line instead though.