AQRF Chimera Progress, KB Test Models

Now that my work has started to level off, I've had the ability to devote more attention back to 40k. First off, I've been able to make quite a bit of progress on my AQRF Chimera. After spending lots of time wondering what weapons I was going to give it (since everything was the same points cost), I just decided to give it all the options! I magnetized all the weapon options so that I can switch between them as I need to (thanks, Mom!). So far, I've completed the magnetization process and all the work on the turret. take a look and let me know what you think!

The completed turret. I love how the crewmember turned out!

All the weapon options

Multi-laser turret with nothing on the hull.

Heavy bolter turret with another heavy bolter on the hull.

The back of the turret. I think it came out pretty well!

I've also been working on my Knights Bellicose test models. Right now, I'm only finishing up one last color option. I'm switching the weapons to red instead of brown so they stand out a bit more on the battlefield. Since the sergeants' helmets are going to be red anyway (to fit in with the codex rules), I think it will look pretty good. Here's my current progress:

The torso and legs are done. I have two models prepared in this manner. One will be a regular tactical marine and the other will wear a sergeant's helmet. After these two models are done, I'll be able to see just how the army is going to turn out and can finally start on the army itself. I'm pretty hopeful!

Keep checking back to see how these two projects turn out!

Coteaz Complete, AQRF Chimera

After all the time spent on one single model, I'm pleased to present to you Lord Inquisitor Torquemada Coteaz! You can see him, as well as the rest of the Inquisition sideboard, on the Other Models page.

With Coteaz complete, it's time to work on the final part of my Inquisition sideboard: the AQRF Chimera. This is, obviously, going to be the transport that takes my Arbites into battle. Since they're modeled to be a kind of a SWAT team (AQRF stands for Arbites Quick Reactioin Force), I want the Chimera to look like a police vehicle. As such, I've made sure to recognize that it's primarily used on the road, in the city. I gave it a searchlight and specifically did not add on smoke launchers or a dozer blade.

I've made a few modifications to it as well. I've removed the lasgun ports from the back and replaced them with flat plasticard. Legally, they can still shoot out of the top hatch and I needed the flat parts to write AQRF on. Also, I added two police-style light bars onto the vehicle to complete the feel. The light bar itself is made from a section of sprue and they're propped up with little plasticard tubes.

I also built every possible weapon for it. I've ordered some tiny magnets so that I can switch between weapons depending on what game I'm playing

Lastly, I've made some conversions to the guy standing out of the hatch. He's been modelled to look like the rest of the AQRF. I gave him a regular IG helmet and shaved down his shoulder pads to give him the tactical vest feel like everyone else. I added the shoulder pocket so he fits in with the rest of the squad. I even shaved down the little nub on his back so I can write AQRF on him like everyone else has. I'm hoping that putting him in the hatch will really help make the vehicle look like it belongs to the squad.

Take a look at my progress! What do you think so far?

All the pieces of the AQRF Chimera.

You can see where I covered up the lasgun ports. I'm planning
on writing AQRF on those sections, and again just above the
front police light bar.

Close-up of the rear police light bar.

The little white rectangle on the right will be drilled out to house
a magnet. That way, I can swap out the hull-mounted weapons.

I've made a few conversions to make the crewman look like
the rest of the AQRF.

I'd love to hear what you think about the work so far!

As I work on this project, I'm also painting two Knights Bellicose test models. The point of these models is to test the weapons colors. I was never really pleased with brown guns over brown armor. I'm hoping that red weapons will stand out a bit more. After they're completed, I should be satisfied enough to start oficially working on the chapter! Keep checking back to see how it all turns out!