View Full Version : Tyranid Hierophant build log
With the pound falling to record lows, a friend of mine decided it was the perfect time to order the Tyranid Hierophant from Forge World to make a centerpiece for his growing nids army. My gaming group has very little experience in dealing with resin beyond a few dreadnoughts, fliers and a Necron Pylon, so a couple of us banded together to try and put this awesome model together.
The first problem we had was when we worked out the front legs aren't strong enough to hold up the body without bowing, leaving us with two options:
1. cut apart the legs and drill in support rods, or
2. have some piece of terrain holding it up
After going through our assorted terrain, we looked at the blastscape. It was almost the perfect size, so we headed out to buy one. In gw, there was a last minute idea change, and we went for a cities of death building we planned to mount on an MDF base. Once we got back home, we started the cleaning and scrubbing process, as well as mocking up the building.
After almost 2 days of work, and a tube of 2 part epoxy, we reached the stage we are in now, the almost completed model just about ready for painting:
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs222.snc1/6924_173227419917_531124917_3737325_3613531_n.jpg
http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs222.snc1/6924_173227434917_531124917_3737327_8102089_n.jpg
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs202.snc1/6924_173227444917_531124917_3737328_6967826_n.jpg
http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs202.snc1/6924_173227449917_531124917_3737329_5307020_n.jpg
(Sorry about the lighting, but it's night and I don't have a better spot)
We went for a building that the Phant is in the middle of destroying, so the front will be in good condition, and we're posing him as if he is launching through the remaining pieces. The building will be an imperial HQ/weapon dump, and will have a heap of imp guard in it running/dieing/being brave. It'll also have a heap of rippers and genestealers following in it's wake.
I'll update as more gets done, and I'll get some photos of it separate from the base when the epoxy on the front legs is completely dry.
Chaos
10-01-2009, 05:47 AM
WOW nice work
ssylyss
10-01-2009, 08:30 AM
The first problem we had was when we worked out the front legs aren't strong enough to hold up the body without bowing, leaving us with two options:
1. cut apart the legs and drill in support rods, or
2. have some piece of terrain holding it up
I have always wanted to get this model, but was afraid of what you have described here. The legs just look too thin at the end. I really like your solution.
Ferro
10-01-2009, 06:46 PM
Please say you haven't actually glued the 'phant down to the building! FWIW, I urge to reconsider this basing choice, as it's particularly odd/unfair/wrong to have an entire building moving around the board providing cover to everything behind it.
I totally agree the Heirophant is awkward at best, and I sympathize with your dilemma but there are other (I'd argue 'better') solutions.
I have one myself. My solution was to glue the fore-legs in a position such that the two talons touching the ground are as close to perpendicular as possible, and I also reinforced the two fore-talons with greenstuff ridges along them, to strengthen them. The hind-legs cannot install like the front ones, so they will always be prone to deflection unless you can support the body.
I have not based my beast at all yet, but I store it with a brace under the tail, which lifts the hind-legs off the ground. So for months at a time there's no weight on the hind-legs, but he can certainly roam around the game table for a few hours at a time without bending.
Alternatively, I have seen based Heirophants with a little post supporting the body, similar to what would be under a Flyer.
I'm just trying to be helpful, as I too struggled with the same problem. But I earnestly think you will have trouble trying to actually play games with an entire building on your base.
Please say you haven't actually glued the 'phant down to the building! FWIW, I urge to reconsider this basing choice, as it's particularly odd/unfair/wrong to have an entire building moving around the board providing cover to everything behind it.
I totally agree the Heirophant is awkward at best, and I sympathize with your dilemma but there are other (I'd argue 'better') solutions.
I have one myself. My solution was to glue the fore-legs in a position such that the two talons touching the ground are as close to perpendicular as possible, and I also reinforced the two fore-talons with greenstuff ridges along them, to strengthen them. The hind-legs cannot install like the front ones, so they will always be prone to deflection unless you can support the body.
I have not based my beast at all yet, but I store it with a brace under the tail, which lifts the hind-legs off the ground. So for months at a time there's no weight on the hind-legs, but he can certainly roam around the game table for a few hours at a time without bending.
Alternatively, I have seen based Heirophants with a little post supporting the body, similar to what would be under a Flyer.
I'm just trying to be helpful, as I too struggled with the same problem. But I earnestly think you will have trouble trying to actually play games with an entire building on your base.
The model is not glued down. It's going to be separate for painting.
We considered a lot of what you've brought up, but nothing really worked.
Using a clear perspex stand would work, but we realized it would look incredibly ugly.
Greenstuff lacks the strength to reinforce the legs while having it in an interesting pose
I also found the rear legs to be able to support the model no problem, while the front legs started to bow under the weight.
In the end, having a building move around the table is a little weird, but not much stranger then any other units moving around in highly dynamic poses. Also, the main consideration comes down to the fact that the model will be used only 3-4 times a year, So having it sitting in a cool looking diorama for the other 355 days of the year is a much better option.
EDIT:
And as for the cover thing, my gaming group is very relaxed, and it's all about having fun. There will be no argument that the building itself provides no cover to units around it, which is kind of a null point, as the Hierophant itself will provide cover.
You could have a bunch of strands of drool dripping from the mouth with one dripping all the way to the ground that concealed a wire. You could also do a long stream of blood from a wound somewhere along the torso. Just alternate ideas to help the support the front.
Abominable Plague Marine
10-01-2009, 09:01 PM
I also found the rear legs to be able to support the model no problem, while the front legs started to bow under the weight.
Ive seen one of these where one of the fore legs was hollow on the inside, snapped like a waffer biscuit the first time he put weight on it, Forgeworld were kind enough to send a new one. Another thing Ive seen on my own Warhound Titan is some of the pistons resin wasnt mixed properly or something and as a result was more flexiable than it should have been (like rubber, no joke).
Im still always amazed at the size of this monster, looks really impressive. I wouldnt worry about the building, use it or not, what ever you think is SAFEST for your miniature!
Mystery.Shadow
10-01-2009, 10:07 PM
I made my Hierophant's Stand like this:
http://album.warpshadow.com/d/36821-2/11060021.JPG
As you can see, it does not distract from actual gaming!
http://album.warpshadow.com/d/40180-2/01011375.JPG
http://album.warpshadow.com/d/40308-2/01011429.JPG
It's not very glamorous, but it's effective, and prevents Model Sag. I also have a very nice Display Base for it when it's not 'in use'.
Gregory
10-01-2009, 11:40 PM
When I get one, I was thinking of drilling out the legs and putting a clothes hanger up the entire thing... I'd have to cut the legs into sections though, which would mean I'd have to do extensive gap repairs afterwards, but I think the final result would be worth it. Has anyone else done this?
Ferro
10-02-2009, 06:26 AM
Not necessary, as only the lower third of each leg is weak. It's those thin scything talons that are the problem.
Cheers Gir, whatever works for you and your group.
Got a heap more done on the model today, including getting the front arms on, and adding some falling rubble to the front of the building. Also started on the Imperial Guardsmen to go along with it.
I have some more photos, but unfortunately Facebook has decided to not let me upload them, so I'll try and get them up in the morning.
Painting to start tomorrow, if all goes well.
L192837465
10-02-2009, 10:43 AM
Are you looking for real criticism, or everyone saying "wow, that looks great!"
If the latter, don't continue reading.
This is a little harsh:
Ok, the building looks like you just took your model and dropped it on it. I have seen numerous Hierophants at my local store and the front legs support it just fine. If you're worried, drill out the center and put a wire in it. You can get flexible drillbits for a Dremel tool at any hardware store.
Alternatively, instead of modeling it like it dropped out of a plane, why not make a huge mother explosion next to it, and have the flames wrap around (or even the smoke) and hide a full support rod up to the model (I'm not talking a wire, I'm talking a dowel rod).
Just thought I'd CC it for you.
Ok, the building looks like you just took your model and dropped it on it. I have seen numerous Hierophants at my local store and the front legs support it just fine. If you're worried, drill out the center and put a wire in it. You can get flexible drillbits for a Dremel tool at any hardware store.
That was actually a concern when we first placed the model, but now that the front arms have been glued to the model, and the rubble has been attached to the front of the building, it completely changes how the model looks.
So I finally outsmarted the Facebook uploading system, and here are the latest photos:
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs222.snc1/6924_175355639917_531124917_3754184_3993629_n.jpg
http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs222.snc1/6924_175355644917_531124917_3754185_4862310_n.jpg
http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs222.snc1/6924_175355659917_531124917_3754186_2965147_n.jpg
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs222.snc1/6924_175355679917_531124917_3754187_4225567_n.jpg
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs202.snc1/6924_175355689917_531124917_3754188_4191712_n.jpg
We're planning a full 10 man imp guard squad, plus a commissar. Here are the guardsmen so far:
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs202.snc1/6924_175360749917_531124917_3754342_5494775_n.jpg
Running Guardsman:
http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs202.snc1/6924_175360759917_531124917_3754343_2899949_n.jpg
Guardsman on patrol:
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs222.snc1/6924_175360764917_531124917_3754344_8291000_n.jpg
This one will be jumping from the building:
http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs222.snc1/6924_175360774917_531124917_3754345_2100065_n.jpg
Guardsman ****ting bricks:
http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs222.snc1/6924_175360784917_531124917_3754346_2539154_n.jpg
Commissar:
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs222.snc1/6924_175363084917_531124917_3754347_1354768_n.jpg
Guard with voxcaster, he'll be hiding in the building:
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs202.snc1/6924_175363104917_531124917_3754348_8112498_n.jpg
The Hirophant has been taken for painting, and I'm in charge of painting the building. Updates will come when I get some spare time to start painting.
(Sorry about multi-posting, stupid imiage limit)
Vorlon
10-04-2009, 12:32 PM
Very very cool. Love the "character" of the model and the guardsmen are the icing on the pwn cake!
Also... GIR? Whats the "G" stand for?
Ghoulio
10-04-2009, 12:47 PM
Its Gir...from invader zim...who rules!
Vorlon
10-05-2009, 11:53 AM
"Gir?" "Whats the G stand for?" is the first thing Zim said to GIR ;)
Sorry about the lack of updates, but uni has been killing me (1000 pages of software documentation due monday :()
The models being painted at the moment. I don't know how the Hierophant itself is going, because I'm on building duty.
Here's how the painting of the buildings going so far:
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs217.snc1/8419_193289004917_531124917_3925330_2586994_n.jpg
http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs217.snc1/8419_193289009917_531124917_3925331_922301_n.jpg
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs217.snc1/8419_193289014917_531124917_3925332_6432966_n.jpg
Now I'm stuck with a problem. I have no idea what colour to paint the floor of the building. Anyone have any suggestions?
icecube
10-24-2009, 09:19 AM
I think that if you place all those guardsmen on the base itīll be much more like an diorama than an gaming piece( you can decide is it an good or an bad thing:o). Also, why not paint them either an silvery metal or an brownish/orangeish metal?
Here's some update shots of the whole thing as it's currently painted:
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs028.snc3/11555_195780024917_531124917_3956162_4071234_n.jpg
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs028.snc3/11555_195780029917_531124917_3956163_4497369_n.jpg
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs008.snc3/11555_195780034917_531124917_3956164_5695021_n.jpg
Unfortunately, some things we ordered showed up, so it may be a little while before the Hierophant is finished:
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs008.snc3/11555_195784554917_531124917_3956215_3690230_n.jpg
And for some fun, here's the Hierophant duking it out with my new toy that showed up today:
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs008.snc3/11555_195780039917_531124917_3956165_79611_n.jpg
Stick with the 'phant... I love logs like this and would like to see you take it to completion. Looking good so far.
Oh and great choice of superheavy, my personal favorite! Hopefully you didn't have the nightmare I had trying to unbend the resin top plate to get it to fit into the tank... it was practically C shaped when it arrived!
As of next monday I will have finished uni, so hopefully a lot more will get done on the 'phant.
As for the Stormblade, I've always wanted one. I just love plasma weapons, and all my marines have them whenever possible. The actual top plat was only slightly misshapen, enough that I could put it on the chasis, then hair dry it flat.
icecube
10-27-2009, 07:19 AM
Love the stormblade:p But on a other note: if that is what i think it is, where do you need 7 tyranid battleforces!And i wish youd keep with the Hierophant.
Love the stormblade:p But on a other note: if that is what i think it is, where do you need 7 tyranid battleforces!And i wish youd keep with the Hierophant.
All the Tyranid stuff is not actually mine :P
We basically took advantage of the dead pound to get then for $70AUD each (As opposed to $150AUD from GW)
We're doing some more work in the morning, so hopefully we can get the Hierophant done in a couple of weeks.
Aldramelech
10-27-2009, 09:16 AM
Oh woe is England! Our economy is in the toilet!
Oh woe is England! Our economy is in the toilet!
And on behalf of Australia, we thank you :)
Don't worry too much, the US isn't far behind. Copies of Rogue Trader are around $100 here, or $45 if you get it off amazon.
Vorlon
10-27-2009, 05:43 PM
Ugh Gir that is depressingly amazing work. Mind if i ask how long you've painted/modded?
I started 40k when 3rd edition was first released (I was 10-11 at the time), then I stoped for all of 4th ed, and start again last year when 5th ed was released.
The only painting I've done on this is the building, the model itself is done by my friend (who owns it), he is much better painter then me :P
Here's some photos of today's progress so far. Managed to get the floor painted
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs028.snc3/11555_196467924917_531124917_3963650_1885165_n.jpg
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs028.snc3/11555_196467929917_531124917_3963651_1086956_n.jpg
The project is not dead! We've been working flat out on getting it painted and finished in time to enter the Highpoint conversion competition before Christmas.
Here's the progress so far:
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs048.snc3/13566_237162129917_531124917_4324542_8077719_n.jpg
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs048.snc3/13566_237162134917_531124917_4324543_4652246_n.jpg
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs068.snc3/13566_237162144917_531124917_4324544_7411404_n.jpg
http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs068.snc3/13566_237162154917_531124917_4324546_6280049_n.jpg
http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs068.snc3/13566_237162164917_531124917_4324547_7543065_n.jpg
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs048.snc3/13566_237162174917_531124917_4324548_570696_n.jpg
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs048.snc3/13566_237162179917_531124917_4324549_6049572_n.jpg
My first ever attempt at using the Forge World weathering powders (and weathering powders full stop)
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs068.snc3/13566_237162149917_531124917_4324545_7392462_n.jpg
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs068.snc3/13566_237162184917_531124917_4324550_4713806_n.jpg
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs068.snc3/13566_237162199917_531124917_4324551_2294609_n.jpg
Just a bit more carapace work, some detail on the building and all the imp guard and it'll be done!
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