Hey all,
Its been some time, but I'm back with a WIP of the first of two Techmarines I'm making for my Black Templars army.
The process started with me wanting a unique kitbash for my Techmarine, as the base sculpt was too simple for my tastes (but will still be utilized). After being inspired by someone else's work (see pic #11, Original in comments), I tried using extra Sword Brethren torsos, but the poses of the torsos I had on hand didn't work for what I wanted. This lead me to the Crusade Ancient's torso. I cut off the moulded arms, slapped on the base Techmarine's backpack and we're good! Once that was done, because he's a character model I added the option of magnetized heads (pics #5 & #6). The unhelmeted head is from the Iron Hands upgrade, and the helmet is the standard Techmarine's. In time, I do want to replace the helmeted option with a classic Mk III helmet with an augmetic eye; but I've yet to obtain one. If y'all know of any good places to find it, I'd be happy to hear about it!
Next, I knew I wanted him to have a relic in his off-hand; but I also wanted the Grav Gun to be physically represented on the model. I think grav weapons are a really awesome, but seemingly dying weapon in modern 40k. So I used the Combi-Grav from a firstborn Tactical Squad (RIP), and modified it to work as a custom Forge-Combi(?), along with a couple extra bits and a servo skull. Attaching it to the backpack took sanding and shaving away to round out the backpack's connection point until it looked normal.
The Omnissian Axe was made using the base Techmarine arm/staff, a HH Melee Upgrade axe, and the piece that's added to the Sword Brethren's power mace. I used a file to create the cog-teeth in the axe head, and the SB bit was simpy glued to the back of the axe after I cut away the power-supply bit. Lastly, the spike on top was made using a piece I clipped off of a sprue and sanded down to fit.
After test fitting and seeing how the staff of the axe wasn't touching the base, I decided to add an Ork skull underneath, which I then lightly cut up to represent that he had jabbed his staff into the xeno's skull. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out, and will definitely be using the idea again on other projects!
Lastly, in terms of what still needs to be completed: I need to finish some small decorations, such as adding chains to the axe-wielding arm, and possibly another purity seal of two. I'm planning to remove the SB icon off of the shin and replace it with bonding studs (possibly on both shins?). I'm also considering rolling out some greenstuff wires to attach to the torso, as I feel the torso needs a little more tech-y flair. I've also thought about putting cog-teeth in the flared bits on the knees, but I'm not sure if it'd look good, or if its feasible, since the pieces are already glued in place.
I'd like to hear y'all's thoughts on those last few ideas, and if you think they would be good additions/changes to the model. I'm happy to hear any other questions, comments, or feedback as well! Thanks!