Rebuilding the Ultramarines

[The Pounder]

Hello.

 

I haven't worked on Ultramarines for a fair while now (I previously had an army for Horus Heresy)

 

I really wanted to reboot them but other projects got in the way, as always happens!

 

My son has just turned 8 so I want to get him in to the hobby. He's a bit young for painting and modelling but has shown an interest in playing some games.

 

After showng him all the options he decided to go for the boys in blue.

 

So with that in mind, I went through my bitz box and found I still had some Intercessors left over from my now aborted Black Templars project.

 

I've steered him towards Primaris. The way I figure these are probably the future so less likely to be dropped.

 

I've now finished the first 5 Intercessors. Pics below:

 

 

Ultramarines Intercessors

Ultramarines Intercessors

Ultramarines Intercessors

 

I've also bought Marneus Calgar.

 

Any advicwe on where to go next?

 

I was thinking maybe some Aggressors?

 

[BLACK BLΠFLY]

Tigurius is great.

[Rik Lightstar]

The "start collecting vanguard marines" is a pretty solid choice, it'll give you some Infiltrators, Eliminators and Suppressors it's relatively good value and the models are really nice.

 

Rik

[War Angel]

3 intercessors squads, a captain, LT, and ancient (all Primaris) will come in under 480. This gives you points for wargear, is cheap to get started, quick to get on the table, and will let you start playing games fast. You’ve got 8 command points and you can start looking at directions to upgrade to get to 1000 points.

 

 

Or if you just want the next squad to make, I like inceptors over aggressors. Drop em where you need em, and put a lot of shots to clear an objective.

[BLACK BLΠFLY]

For troops I’m running two five Intercessor squads and one ten man Infiltrator squad (typically combat squads). A Librarian is very important so you have some psychic defense. Ultramarines are super shooty so you’ll want to upgrade a Captain to Chapter Master.

[StraightSilver]

These are looking really nice.

I have to say though that the sergeant with Thunder hammer looks like he is checking his watch and now all I can think of is him turning to the other marines and stating "It's hammer time".......

[The Pounder]

LMAO!!!! Can’t touch this!

 

From now on he’ll be MC Ultra!

 

Thanks for the advice guys.

 

I’ll add a squad of Inceptors next I think.

 

He’ll mainly be playing vs my Tyranids so would the bolter version be best?

[BLACK BLΠFLY]

Plasma can wreck big bugs.

[Aothaine]

Something to keep in mind is that Stalker Boltguns are very strong with Ultramarines as well. D2 bolters are not something to be ignored imho. The Ultramarines tactical doctrine was something that kept me from settling on Iron Hands for a good few months. Only recently deciding to switch to Iron Hands for lore and modeling reasons. Though mainly because I suck at painting and black and silver is fairly easy to make look decent with little work lol!

 

In regards to playing against Tyranids. You'll want to decide if you want to tailor his list or not. The best approach for the long game, imho, is to give him a wide range of units to play around and test things with. But depending on his excitement and behavior with new hobbies you might want to make his army heavily favored to win initially and then break him into experiencing the hobby through trial an error. Get him excited and winning. 

 

Really recommend playing with narrative rules and using the power ratings and not points initially as well.

 

Anyway, great looking start! Intercessors are amazing with Ultramarines. The boys in blue are the army that GW likes to introduce to new players for a reason. Good choice imho!

[The Pounder]

Thanks Aothaine.

 

 It's still a work in progress as I'm building both armies at once! 

 

I'm laying the groundwork by introducing him to Blood Bowl and risk, if he can handle those he should be able to play 40k.

 

I'll be adding a unit for each force every month. That way he can see them building and ramp up his excitement.

 

Hopefully I can start playing games with him in the autumn.

 

I'll continue to update as I finish a unit.

 

Thanks again to everyone for the advice.

[The Pounder]

Well, I've finished the first HQ for my boy's Ultramarines!

I went straight for the Chapter Master, Marneus Calgar.

He's a bit rough round the edges (bit like me!) but I'm pleased with him.

Marneus Calgar

Marneus Calgar

Marneus Calgar

 

Next up will be a Repulsor Executioner (don't forget I'm catering for an 8 year old so it's rule of cool all the way!!)

 

After that, not sure, should probably get some troops. I have the 5 Intercessors above but I'm wondering whether to get more Intercessors or try out the

new Phobos troops? 

 

Has anyone had a good experience with Incursors or Infiltrators? Or should I just get another box of Intercessors?

[Marcus Arias]

Great JOb on Calgar, I especially like the white on the helmet, a callback to Heresy!

[BLACK BLΠFLY]

Calgar looks great !

Incursors cruising in Impulsors is hotness.

Edited February 13, 2020 by Black Blow Fly

[The_son_of_Dorn]

Beast.

[The Pounder]

Marcus Arias, thanks very much! I was going for a Heresy style for him!

 

Black Blow Fly, cheers, I hadn’t thought of the Impulsor. What makes them so good?

 

The son of Dorn, he really is! Great model to work on.

[BLACK BLΠFLY]

Impulsors have a 4++, has fly and can transport Primaris... profit.

[The Pounder]

Cool! I’ll have to add it to my to get list!

[Ishagu]

Nice Calgar, I've only just seen the pics.