Now that I'm done with the readings I can also get caught up with the Swarm building blog.
Thanks, glad you like the idea. The mini claw idea developed as I was drawing it. Slowly the fingers fused together the thumb became an elongated dagger, creating the claw(lite). I found it also quite reminiscent of old school terminator chain fists for some odd reason...
Let's get the simple things out of the way. Knowing I have to get an army for a 2.5k battle on the 17th, I have to balance conversion work with the drudgery of mass building. In trying to get enough spare Termagants for 2 Tervigons, I've had to buy more of the little gribblies. The only way to power through them is to set up the production line.
Then I realised they were all too light so out came the air rifle pellets. Thankfully I bought a big tin because at 2 pellets per base it adds up pretty quick. It also requires a lot desk space.
I did some math from reading Battle Reports and it seems that on average, when running 2 Tervies, (which should also make for great conversion projects) you can poop out about 44 Termagants before pregnancies get aborted by the dice gods. Therefore, counting the 20 that one needs to field the 2 Tervies as a troop choice, I need a minimum of 64 to make I don't run out. Maybe I could cut down on costs if I just converted some Hormogants? Mind you, if i do that then I'll never have enough to field the Apoc Without Number formation <le sigh> Still a long ways to go...
Speaking of swarms, I did some counting and realised I finally had enough rippers to start making bases. The production line was setup and ready to go.
I also found a use for those seemingly useless plastic sphincters GW includes on most Nid sprues. There are 2 designs, a 2 "cone" and a 3 "cone" base. Considering I had enough to create 2 squads of 8 bases, the squads will be differentiated by which "cone mound" it is glued to. Another possible use will possibly be an orifice through which Termagants will be delivered into the world. More on that once I start converting the Tervigons.
After the tedious bits were out of the way I finally could get back to the Tyranid Prime.
Try as I might the original deathspitter mod just wasn'nt working. It was too bulky and took away the focus from the bonesword. Furthermore, the empty lower arm was also in the way of the sword arm so I scrapped that one too. Instead, I opted for a Plain Jane deathspitter with standard feeder arm. This design changed opened up some much needed space on the model for a Lash whip more in keeping with the Sword, something that could make use of the sketch I posted at the start of the weekend.
Starting with a Ripper as a base, and following the fluff from my last post, I ended up with this final design.
While that was curing I turned my attention to the torso. It just didn't seem to have enough height and bulk, which meant it was time to add some extra armour.
Following this I realised the Warrior's head should also reflect its stature and status.
Here then is a close-up of the bulked up cranium and the beginnings of a bigger, more muscular throat and neck to connect the piece to the torso.
Once it cures I'll finish off the throat and bulk up the ribcage so that it all fits visually.
C&C welcome as always.
Cheers,
Dark_Gear