Veteran Guardsman Options + Hydra Alternatives

[SilentNight1647]

I am working on a new 1k IG + 500 SW list for a local tourney later this year. I have re-used the vast majority of my 5th 2k IG list with a few important changes. Namely the inclusion of melta vets and the requisite Vendettas and two Hyrdas. At this point I need 24x veterans and 6x melta toting vets, I am using Cadians for my main platoons but I want the vet squads to really stand out. Anybody got any bright ideas? GW alternatives are welcome as my group is about gaming not brand whoring. I am also needing a pair of Hydra alternatives, to be bluntly honest the FW model is ugly and expensive neither is an attractive point for me. Any and all input is welcome.

[Black Hydra]

Well for Cadian vets mixing Catachan bits would give them a sort of disgruntled or away mission look. But puppetswar and maxmini have excellent gas mask heads, tight seal helmets and even veteran heads.

Here are some of the head bits I would use but money restrictions don't let me:
http://puppetswar.com/product.php?id_product=128
http://puppetswar.com/product.php?id_product=121
http://puppetswar.com/product.php?id_product=116
http://www.maxmini.eu/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=12&products_id=131

[plasticaddict]

I like the Max Mini combat armour torsos and legs, they would give your vets a better equipped look. You could also give them some AK or M guns from Max Mini. Also the UAMC models from Defiance Games would give you a different look. http://defiancegames.com/index.php/shop#ecwid:category=1831024&mode=category&offset=0&sort=normal

[pauljc]

Yeah, the UAMC box is a decent alternative. They are kind of lacking in the pose department, and the armour detail on the legs isn't as crisp as GW, but they are dirt cheap for building up Guard. I was thinking of waiting for Defiance's Panzergrenadier set. Those look very spiffy.

I'm slowly working on an Air Cav drop list for shiz & giggles, and I kinda want the Elysian dudes, but I'm not sure if I can justify the expense to my imaginary wife..

[Filthspew]

I'm slowly working on an Air Cav drop list for shiz & giggles, and I kinda want the Elysian dudes, but I'm not sure if I can justify the expense to my imaginary wife..

Just get another and more expensive hobby.

My RC planes makes the plastic puppets seem so cheap and harmless :D

If you get some fantasy minis at a good price they do well with guard conversions.

Im thinking of skaven with guns as my nurglish cultists :cool:

As for Hydra alternative, the russian Shilka tank might be an option.

[SilentNight1647]

I like the Shilka design but I haven't been able to find one in 1/35 and the 1/48 is really just too big. I think I am going to use that UAMC box for my vets they have a cool look about them and I have enough bitz in the box to really make them the standout units I am after. Thanks!

[Chris*ta]

I'm slowly working on an Air Cav drop list for shiz & giggles, and I kinda want the Elysian dudes, but I'm not sure if I can justify the expense to my imaginary wife..

You're imaginary wife is in charge of the finances? How do I make that whipcrack sound? Oh yeah ... wcchhh!

Have you had a look at Mantic's Corporation miniatures? They're kinda similar to the Elysians.

Only cheaper.

[Mars Ultor]

Pig Iron miniatures also makes some cool enclosed helmets - like WWII german with gas masks. I use them on my vets and custom rough riders.