Efficiently modeling large # of Combat Shields

[Indefragable]

For units such as Assault Marines that can take Combat Shields on every model...

 

...what are some efficient ways of modelling that? Considering that there are, what, 3x kits available that each have 1x Combat Shield in each? How the :cuss are you supposed to get 20 something of them?

 

...or is it the sort of thing that is widely accepted that you just say "this squad of 20 dudes all have combat shields?"

[Mackenzie]

For units such as Assault Marines that can take Combat Shields on every model...

 

...what are some efficient ways of modelling that? Considering that there are, what, 3x kits available that each have 1x Combat Shield in each? How the :cuss are you supposed to get 20 something of them?

 

...or is it the sort of thing that is widely accepted that you just say "this squad of 20 dudes all have combat shields?"

Use these http://anvilindustry.co.uk/Spartan-Shield?search=Shields

[Grotsmasha]

For me I'd aim for 50% and be sure to tell any opponents pre-game that the entire unit is equipt that way. It's how I've handled my squads with extra h-t-h weapons :tu:

 

Cheers,

Jono

[Gorgoff]

Shapeways is a very good source for legion shields.

[Ranulf]

Starting point: https://www.shapeways.com/shops/popbits?section=--+Marine&s=0

 

-Ran

[Marshal Rohr]

The shapeways shields are really weak most of the time, and look half-completed. It would be easier to take the combat shield you want and make a mold for it.

[Cadmus Tyro]

For units such as Assault Marines that can take Combat Shields on every model...

...what are some efficient ways of modelling that? Considering that there are, what, 3x kits available that each have 1x Combat Shield in each? How the :cuss are you supposed to get 20 something of them?

...or is it the sort of thing that is widely accepted that you just say "this squad of 20 dudes all have combat shields?"

Use these http://anvilindustry.co.uk/Spartan-Shield?search=Shields

I was unsure about the size of the anvil shields but I bought them for my Assault squad any they turned out pretty well I think:

There’s shed loads of pics and close ups on my blog if you’re interested. They were built using the plastic MKiv kit.

Tactically, meltabombs and combat shields always seem to do well for me!

Cadmus

[Marshal Rohr]

The anvil ones are great for greek themed chapters. Love those.

[Brofist]

Yeah the Anvil shields are a good value. I can't really recommend POP because his prices are way too high

[Brother Pheidias]

I used these for some Scars Veterans, from the Fantasy Skeleton-kit. Might be difficult, but I'm sure there's a Historicals-line out there with a similar design?

 

[Gorgoff]

The shapeways shields are really weak most of the time, and look half-completed. It would be easier to take the combat shield you want and make a mold for it.

Untrue.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhyQoztDf-T/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=105smdkewktlw

 

Puppetswar sold epic SW shields.

[Marshal Rohr]

Its a personal preference of mine. They look like LEGO shields to me.

[Gorgoff]

Its a personal preference of mine. They look like LEGO shields to me.

No worries.

Everything we write here is our own unique and equally worthy opinion. I like them and don't have to keep on searching. :)

[carlisimo]

I’ve never seen anyone claim that their squad had combat shields when they weren’t modeled with them. That would be weird, imo.

 

Pop Goes the Monkey says he’s going to have a Black Friday sale - that’s in a few days. He also warns that Shapeways has made changes that increase the price on any new items by ~60%, and in 2019 that’ll apply to all of his old items too.

 

ML Shields (which only has a Facebook page, I think) is another option. They tend to be more textured than some people like.

 

But… is it really a good idea? You’re paying 20% more to save 17-33% of your wounds taken while giving up 33-50% of your attacks. I’d rather just take more Assault Marines. Alternatively, an Apothecary with a jump pack costs the same as 20 shields, and you get all those attacks back plus the Apothecary’s (and he can have a power sword).

[Vykes]

While I'd definitely agree with Carlisimo (I like more bodies, not more goodies :P) when it comes to combat shields I think that there is definitely a case to be made for some pretty great suggestions here.  Frater Domus Cadmus's fantastic alphas really show that hopilte shield works (especially with a legion that just so happens to use Greek lettering).  Buuuut then again, kinda going on what brother Pheidias mentioned, getting thematic shields from historicals and other lines might suit units perfectly.  

 

My own experience with Pop is that the shields are often what I like, but as I dealt with Shapeways materials for 40K and for SW Armada, the material is brittle and hard to repair.  The shield failure I had didn't involve a crack so much as the whole surface splintered and shattered completely.  They still look pretty cool to me, at least, and they were broad enough that I could add whatever transfers I wanted and some of the symbols are just fun. 

 

But all in all, it depends... what legion are we talkin' about? 

[Varyn]

The anvil round shields look great!

[Varyn]

But… is it really a good idea? You’re paying 20% more to save 17-33% of your wounds taken while giving up 33-50% of your attacks. I’d rather just take more Assault Marines. Alternatively, an Apothecary with a jump pack costs the same as 20 shields, and you get all those attacks back plus the Apothecary’s (and he can have a power sword).

 

You don't lose attacks by taking combat shields.

[carlisimo]

Dang, you’re right. Thanks for the catch.

[Cadmus Tyro]

Tactically/points efficiency depends on the role of your squad. I wouldn’t use shields if I’m using the squad to hunt infantry, as others have said more bodies is a better trade here as you are also potentially getting access to more power weapons.

 

I would however argue that IMHO assault marines are best used to hunt vehicles. When hunting infantry, if you go after elite infantry you will get your ass handed to you. If you go after lighter infantry, it’s a lot of points investment to remove something that other units can remove more efficiently.

 

Assault squads are a massive threat to vehicles with melta bombs. When equipped with melta bombs the shield becomes the more points efficient choice, when you consider each additional model must take a melta bomb at 5pts each. So as the average value of each model goes up it makes more sense to invest in protecting each model. Secondly, when hunting vehicles I want a unit with a small foot print, this helps me take advantage of LoS blocking terrain more effectively.

 

My melta bomb assault squad has always got its points back, apart from when I played custodes and depoyed them poorly. Essentially a great counter assault unit vs vehicles.

 

Cadmus

[Vykes]

Cadmus, you're answering questions as I'm typing them.  Dost thou not adhere to the council of Nikea?!  -laughs- 

And aye, Carlisimo, the 'no extra attack' is the boarding shields.  That said, the FNP from an apothecary along with the extra attacks and power weapon option does feel like a good option so long as you're not up against power fist termies. 

 

I do have a bit of a question though about the small footprint assault marine combat shield melta-bomb unit: is it really a more effective choice than an equal unit of Scimitars with melta bombs? (quick math is what 10 assault marines vs. 6 Sky hunters?)

[Cadmus Tyro]

Brother, I abide by the edict, although, I cannot say the same for the XXth legion agents currently following you.....;)

 

Here’s my reasoning, I’m not saying jetbikes don’t have an awesome place but:

 

1) x6 skyslayers are more expensive

 

2) they have no invulnerable save in combat, there are less of them. So when you charge that leviathan and swing last, you will take more hits than the assault squad and have less dudes to fight back with.

 

3) I can run assault squads in my compulsory troops slots, meaning I’m not paying “tactical tax”.

[Vykes]

Hah, agents of the twentieth in my court.  Surely not here, safe among my loyal bodyguard cohort.  Yes, indeed. 

 

It's a good point especially with the tac-tax, and I can see combat shields being pretty decent against things like plasma squads wanting to do them in, too.  Just seeing about the delivery system is all, assault squads are great but the moment combat shields pop into the equation, power axes do, then melta bombs, artificer sergeants, and suddenly I'm wondering why they're a hop skip and a jump from breachers palling around in a raider. Again that might be just be the cascade effect of trying to take advantage of flat cost upgrades.  Very good points though, I may have to consider some for the XI and XVI. 

 

Back on the subject of access to combat shields: what is the consensus on aesthetic?  Do they need to be sufficiently techy, or would, say, the old empire heater shields work just as well?  Or is it too engrained in the 40K Black Templar look? 

[Indefragable]

My weird non-WYSIWYG question comes from the fact that I've never seen a large unit (30k or 40k) all with Combat Shields before. Guess I was looking in the wrong places.

 

For the record, I'm looking at it from a IX Legion Assault Squad lens.

 

Big blocks of ASM with 5++ and 5+++ FNP from an Apoth attached seems like just the sort of PITA that takes a Troops choice from "annoyance" to " these guys are not dying." As you mentioned, @Vykes, add in some melta bombs and your Troops units become a legitimate threat as opposed to a tax that must be paid.

 

I was thinking of more square-ish shields, like the SM Company Champion kit, but I'm warming up to the idea of round hoplite-esque shields. Just graceful enough for the IX aesthetic to be plausible and also stands out from the more modern designs.

 

Not gonna lie, @Cadmus pics inspired me as well.

 

@Phedias I really like the look of you V Legion shield. If I still played WS I would have loved that idea, but alas I had to move on.

[Cadmus Tyro]

IMHO I think the rounded spartan shields would work well for the BA with their asthetic.

 

Do it!

[Charlo]

IMHO I think the rounded spartan shields would work well for the BA with their asthetic.

 

Do it!

 

Yep, it's all about the icons you put on them too.