Just_Me's Red Scorpions

[Just_Me]

This project originally started over on this thread (http://www.lounge.belloflostsouls.net/showthread.php?32476-A-new-Space-Marine-project&p=338519#post338519) in an effort to decide on a Space Marine chapter for a new army. I ended up deciding on the Red Scorpions (for a variety of reasons) and as I've since made more progress on the army I figured they deserved a dedicated thread of their very own.

First, a little background on what I have planned. I've always been captivated by the idea of the iconic Drop Pod assault so I decided I would build this army around that concept, specifically representing elements of the 4th Battle Company with components of 1st Company support. Because the project is fluff driven the army will include only choices which can take a Drop Pod or otherwise deploy via Deep Strike and I intend to make each unit as flexible as possible, able to cope with any potential foe. The projected list will be:

Captain & Command Squad w/Drop Pod

Tactical Squad w/ Drop Pod

Tactical Squad w/ Drop Pod

Devastator Squad w/ Drop Pod

Terminator Squad

I'm also considering the eventual addition of a Dreadnought, Librarian, and an Assault Squad.

Thus far I've completed one of the Tactical Squads and their Drop Pod:
http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh16/Just_Me_Images/Red%20Scorpions/RedScorpionTacticalSquadampDropPod1_zps16f09803.jp g (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/Just_Me_Images/media/Red%20Scorpions/RedScorpionTacticalSquadampDropPod1_zps16f09803.jp g.html)

I've also completed my Captain and finished the bulk of his Command Squad (I'm still waiting for bitz from eBay for the Champion):
http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh16/Just_Me_Images/Red%20Scorpions/RedScorpionCommander_zps8e4fe1da.jpg (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/Just_Me_Images/media/Red%20Scorpions/RedScorpionCommander_zps8e4fe1da.jpg.html)
http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh16/Just_Me_Images/Red%20Scorpions/RedScorpionCommandSquad2_zps3dbc23e4.jpg (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/Just_Me_Images/media/Red%20Scorpions/RedScorpionCommandSquad2_zps3dbc23e4.jpg.html)

I'm considering giving all the veterans Combi-flamers. Despite the expense I think they fit well with the requirements of a drop assault for a little boost of firepower during the critical first moments of the drop.

Most recently I've finished the first two Terminators:
http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh16/Just_Me_Images/Red%20Scorpions/RedScorpionTerminators1_zps5eab41f6.jpg (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/Just_Me_Images/media/Red%20Scorpions/RedScorpionTerminators1_zps5eab41f6.jpg.html)

I plan to give them all Chainfists, again not the most points efficient option but I like how they look and it will mean they can potentially butcher any vehicle in the game if they have to.

I will post more progress as I go. All questions, comments, compliments, criticisms, advice, and other input are welcome.

[ElectricPaladin]

These are really excellent. I'm looking forward to seeing more from you.

[Just_Me]

Finished my Terminator squad and I think they came out rather well:
http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh16/Just_Me_Images/Red%20Scorpions/RedScorpionsTerminartorSquad_zps48185db1.jpg (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/Just_Me_Images/media/Red%20Scorpions/RedScorpionsTerminartorSquad_zps48185db1.jpg.html)

I also made some subtle changes to my Commander's pose once again. I think the end result is an improvement, it manages to convey both stillness and dynamism in a way his previous pose didn't:
http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh16/Just_Me_Images/Red%20Scorpions/RedScorpions4thCompanyCommander_zps7ad92740.jpg (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/Just_Me_Images/media/Red%20Scorpions/RedScorpions4thCompanyCommander_zps7ad92740.jpg.ht ml)

I also finally got the parts to complete my Company Champion today so that will be my next step. I will probably make the Command Squad's Drop Pod next and then move on to either the second Tactical Squad or the Devastators, although I have a pretty cool idea for the Devastator Sergeant which will require some bits from the Master of Relics model I'd need to get my hands on...

[Just_Me]

My Command Squad is finally complete:
http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh16/Just_Me_Images/Red%20Scorpions/RedScorpions4thCompanyCommandSquad_zps97ee4ef0.jpg (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/Just_Me_Images/media/Red%20Scorpions/RedScorpions4thCompanyCommandSquad_zps97ee4ef0.jpg .html)

Those with particularly keen observation may notice that the Commander has received a new Iron Halo, after some thought I felt that the bit from the nemesis warding stave looked more like it might house the force field generator.

I've also built a model for my Librarian from an incomplete Sevrin Loth I picked up on eBay a while back:
http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh16/Just_Me_Images/Red%20Scorpions/RedScorpionsLibrarianWIP_zps01aa467f.jpg (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/Just_Me_Images/media/Red%20Scorpions/RedScorpionsLibrarianWIP_zps01aa467f.jpg.html)

The Librarian will probably have to wait a while for me to get to painting it because I have so much other stuff to work on for this project which will take priority, but I'm pleased enough with the model I wanted to show it off.

[Just_Me]

I've begun work on my second Tactical Squad and completed the first three models:

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh16/Just_Me_Images/Red%20Scorpions/RedScorpionTacticalSquad2WIP_zps1e570375.jpg (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/Just_Me_Images/media/Red%20Scorpions/RedScorpionTacticalSquad2WIP_zps1e570375.jpg.html)

I am really busy so this project is going very slowly but the recent release of the new Codex gave me the kick I needed to start working on it again. Once this squad is completed I intend to finish two more Drop Pods, for them and the Command Squad, and eventually move on to the Devastator Squad.

[White Tiger88]

Very nice man! i love the helmets however i think the shoulder pads could use a bit more shine to them. (But that is just my personal taste)

[Just_Me]

Very nice man! i love the helmets however i think the shoulder pads could use a bit more shine to them. (But that is just my personal taste)

I appreciate the feedback. I was going for a weathered look which is a bit of a departure from how I used to paint. I personally like how the dingier worn appearance turns out but I may do some highlighting on the shoulders and insignia to make them stand out a bit more.

I'm debating the wargear for my Commander, I originally built with the idea of his sword being a plain Power Sword or a Relic Blade depending on what I eventually decided on, but I like the idea of equipping him with the "Teeth of Terra." I'm debating however if it is suitable, I wouldn't envision it as the LITERAL Teeth of Terra but rather a counts as relic weapon which uses the same rules. My worry is that people might object or be unclear as the what it represents even if informed.

[White Tiger88]

I appreciate the feedback. I was going for a weathered look which is a bit of a departure from how I used to paint. I personally like how the dingier worn appearance turns out but I may do some highlighting on the shoulders and insignia to make them stand out a bit more.

I'm debating the wargear for my Commander, I originally built with the idea of his sword being a plain Power Sword or a Relic Blade depending on what I eventually decided on, but I like the idea of equipping him with the "Teeth of Terra." I'm debating however if it is suitable, I wouldn't envision it as the LITERAL Teeth of Terra but rather a counts as relic weapon which uses the same rules. My worry is that people might object or be unclear as the what it represents even if informed.

If it looks cool most people will let it slide i think, But you can always just magnetize the marines arms?

[Just_Me]

A brief update, I've taken a break from tactical marines to do a little more work on my Commander. Specifically I ended up adding the cape from the Ivanus Enkomi model. I think it gives him a bit more flair and makes him stand out very clearly as something special:

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh16/Just_Me_Images/Red%20Scorpions/RedScorpion4thCompanyCommanderArdal_zpsd54723ca.jp g (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/Just_Me_Images/media/Red%20Scorpions/RedScorpion4thCompanyCommanderArdal_zpsd54723ca.jp g.html)

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh16/Just_Me_Images/Red%20Scorpions/RedScorpion4thCompanyCommanderArdalright_zpsa0f045 34.jpg (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/Just_Me_Images/media/Red%20Scorpions/RedScorpion4thCompanyCommanderArdalright_zpsa0f045 34.jpg.html)

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh16/Just_Me_Images/Red%20Scorpions/RedScorpion4thCompanyCommanderArdalleft_zpsd128df0 a.jpg (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/Just_Me_Images/media/Red%20Scorpions/RedScorpion4thCompanyCommanderArdalleft_zpsd128df0 a.jpg.html)

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh16/Just_Me_Images/Red%20Scorpions/RedScorpion4thCompanyCommanderArdalback_zps263a007 2.jpg (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/Just_Me_Images/media/Red%20Scorpions/RedScorpion4thCompanyCommanderArdalback_zps263a007 2.jpg.html)

In game terms he is a captain with Artificer Armour, a Plasma Pistol, and the "Teeth of Terra" (or rather a Red Scorpion's relic blade and set of special rules that replicate the "Teeth of Terra).

[Thaldin]

Random Thought -- What the hell are Space Marine cloaks made out of that they can withstand their pack exhaust?

Not Random Thought - Very nice paint job and cloak addition... it gives the model a feeling of forward movement with it blowing behind him like that.

[primeministersinister]

Nice work. I like the grey you've got going on. The RS are some of my favourites in terms of fluff. I'm keeping an eye on this.

[Just_Me]

Random Thought -- What the hell are Space Marine cloaks made out of that they can withstand their pack exhaust?

Not Random Thought - Very nice paint job and cloak addition... it gives the model a feeling of forward movement with it blowing behind him like that.

You make a good point on the cloaks, they must be tough stuff. I figure if the Imperial Guard used the same material for their uniforms they'd get a boost to a 4+ save. ;) I actually originally decided against a cloak for this model because I thought it represented a frivolous accessory and I wanted to get across a rather grim and no-nonsense feel to this army. In the end I decided it would help him visually stand out from the "rank and file" marines and look more aesthetically on par with the other models of Astartes characters out there, an important note because the new codex has reawakened the my desire to create allied detachments for other famous chapters now that I can really capture their flavor through the new chapter tactics.


Nice work. I like the grey you've got going on. The RS are some of my favourites in terms of fluff. I'm keeping an eye on this.

The grey was tricky to get right, I went through a lot of trial and error with different paints and spray paints to get what I wanted. In the end I used a granite spray paint and two coats of black inkwash. The end result is a surprisingly easy dark charcoal color that also looks weathered and has a lot of depth.

I actually had a very negative impression of the Red Scorpions for many years after reading The Anphelion Project where Forge World brought them back into the limelight in their current incarnation. I thought they behaved rather poorly in that book and left a bad impression in my mind. However, as they have been further expanded and we have seen them in different actions my opinions on them changed. When I decided that I wanted a brand new Space Marine army from the ground up I debated long an hard on which chapter to build. I decided I wanted an established chapter rather than one of my own devising but I couldn't decide on WHICH chapter. The problem for me was that I couldn't decide on which one I like best, after reading the Horus Heresy books and getting into the Heresy Era expansion from Forge World I have a new insight and affection for each of the Primarch and their unique genetic/cultural legacy. I wanted to build them ALL and knew that whichever chapter and Primarch legacy I chose I would at some point regret not choosing one of the others. I finally decided on the Red Scorpions because they are a very old codex chapter who DON'T have a known Primarch so I could get at a "pure" Astartes force without the Primarch baggage.

Another benefit is that the Red Scorpions have an abundance of lavish iconography and upgrade components available from Forge World to make a very distinctive looking force.

[primeministersinister]

That recipe for the grey is really surprising. It looks a lot more involved. But I'll never argue with results. Do you basecoat the white helmets separately?
I loved how they handled themselves during the Anphelion Project. It was a great example of how autonomous some chapters believe the Astartes should be. I thought the Inq came out looking like the heels in that one.
I understand the want to do a less established chapter. Hell, I founded my own.

[Just_Me]

That recipe for the grey is really surprising. It looks a lot more involved. But I'll never argue with results. Do you basecoat the white helmets separately?

As I said, surprisingly easy... And yes, I did basecoat the helmets separately in white. I find it is very difficult to get a good looking white over any other color so wherever possible I prefer to basecoat components I intend to be white separately.


I loved how they handled themselves during the Anphelion Project. It was a great example of how autonomous some chapters believe the Astartes should be. I thought the Inq came out looking like the heels in that one.

How interesting, I agree about the Inquisition but I had the opposite impression about the Red Scorpions. The way I interpreted it after an otherwise honorable engagement the Red Scorpions force under Culln suborned themselves to internal Inquisitorial politics when they colluded (knowingly or not) in hanging Lok and the Imperial Guard forces under him out to dry. The whole thing smacked of an attempt by the Inquisition to sweep the Detachment D-99 and the disaster that the Anphelion Project became under the rug. Somewhere along the line the one of Lok's political enemies threw him under the proverbial bus as a bonus, recall that Lok was clearly unaware of the surgical modifications to the Elysians under his command. All-in-all fairly typical nasty Inquisition shadow politics which an Astartes chapter like the Red Scorpions should have been able to stay above. At best they allowed themselves to be manipulated by the Inquisition, at worst they involved themselves willingly.


I understand the want to do a less established chapter. Hell, I founded my own.

I did the same for my first ever 40k army. They are still near and dear to my heart but I wanted this project to be brand new.

[knas ser]

LOL. I've never heard of the "Red Scorpians" chapter. I was expecting a photo of someone's Striking Scorpians painted red. :D

Great work. Looks fantastic!

[Just_Me]

It's taken a while but I finally have a second Tactical Squad complete:

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh16/Just_Me_Images/Red%20Scorpions/RedScorpionTacticalSquad2_zps7c9e6db7.jpg (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/Just_Me_Images/media/Red%20Scorpions/RedScorpionTacticalSquad2_zps7c9e6db7.jpg.html)

Next I have the daunting prospect of at least 2 more Drop Pods to finish...

[Just_Me]

A quick work in progress, here is a conversion for my Devastator Sergeant:
http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh16/Just_Me_Images/Red%20Scorpions/DevestatorSeargentWIP_zpsc7f0c662.jpg (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/Just_Me_Images/media/Red%20Scorpions/DevestatorSeargentWIP_zpsc7f0c662.jpg.html)

[Just_Me]

With the new Forge World Chapter Tactics pdf released, my Red Scorpions are able to make their Tactical Squad Sergeants into Apothecaries. I've had the bits laying around to make a few Apothecaries for my Red Scorpions for a while now so I've gone ahead and built them to swap out for sergeants in my squads:

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh16/Just_Me_Images/Red%20Scorpions/RedScorpionTacticalSquad1Apothecary_zps79e8e44d.jp g (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/Just_Me_Images/media/Red%20Scorpions/RedScorpionTacticalSquad1Apothecary_zps79e8e44d.jp g.html)

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh16/Just_Me_Images/Red%20Scorpions/RedScorpionTacticalSquad2Apothecary_zpsde02e386.jp g (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/Just_Me_Images/media/Red%20Scorpions/RedScorpionTacticalSquad2Apothecary_zpsde02e386.jp g.html)

I'm still pretty fond of my two veteran sergeants though, and feel a little disappointed at having to shunt them off to the side in favor of Apothecaries:

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh16/Just_Me_Images/Red%20Scorpions/RedScorpionsTacticalSergeants_zps6a1d09ba.jpg (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/Just_Me_Images/media/Red%20Scorpions/RedScorpionsTacticalSergeants_zps6a1d09ba.jpg.html )

On the topic of sergeants, while I was painting the Apothecaries I decided to work on my Devastator sergeant as well:

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh16/Just_Me_Images/Red%20Scorpions/RedScorpionDevastatorSergeant_zps10f1c307.jpg (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/Just_Me_Images/media/Red%20Scorpions/RedScorpionDevastatorSergeant_zps10f1c307.jpg.html )

[phil035]

Ok a few things about the sergeants. Sergeants could be apothacaries before hand its just now they have chapter tactics. Second they look great but they stand out a bit too much from the rest of the unit. And finally they can take all the normal equipment as they just get a nartheseium they don't become an apothacary in game terms anyway. on another not thats a heck of a lot of Mk4 though in some bits from other Mk armour to change it up

[Just_Me]

You COULD include Apothecaries before, but only if your army was led by Carab Culln and I wanted to make my own character. They do stand out but that's just how the Apothecary livery for the Red Scorpions works, it was depicted in the Badab War books that only their shoulders and backpacks follow standard chapter livery, the rest of their armour is white. I actually like that they stand out, makes them very unique and it's very clear at a glance that they are something different. I could also give them all the war gear options (and make no mistake, I'm glad they spelled that out) but I wanted to keep them as a simpler cheaper alternative to my existing sergeants, plus the Narthecium on one arm makes some equipment options difficult to model. Finally, I really like the Mk4 armour, being able to field it exclusively was one of the things that attracted me to the Red Scorpions, they are one of the very few chapters still capable of manufacturing it and they field a LOT of it (although technically not exclusively).

[phil035]

XD its just the helmets and the torsos that they could (or atleast the ones forge world released D=) got to love the Red scorpions and on the plus side once you have 10 squads with an apothacary and sergeant each you can have a vanguard veteran squad all ready

[Big_jon]

Those look awesome, I love that helmet style too.

[Just_Me]

Truth be told, I enjoy the modeling and conversion aspect of the hobby over the painting and gaming. As a result my unpainted model projects usually far outstrip my painted collection. I don't know when I will get around to painting these guys, but I'm pretty pleased with how they came out:

Red Scorpions Librarian
http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh16/Just_Me_Images/Red%20Scorpions/RedScorpionsLibrarianWIP2_zpsb1917d18.jpg (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/Just_Me_Images/media/Red%20Scorpions/RedScorpionsLibrarianWIP2_zpsb1917d18.jpg.html)

Red Scorpions Dreadnought
http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh16/Just_Me_Images/Red%20Scorpions/RedScorpionsDreadnoughtWIP_zpsc2236c13.jpg (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/Just_Me_Images/media/Red%20Scorpions/RedScorpionsDreadnoughtWIP_zpsc2236c13.jpg.html)

As you can plainly tell the Librarian is based on an incomplete the Sevrin Loth model I got on eBay, a bit ironic as Loth is a Red Scorpions special character (and arguably the best Librarian around rules-wise) but I want to avoid special characters at least for the core of this army.

The Dreadnought is the awesome Red Scorpions Venerable Dreadnought model with an assault cannon from the plastic venerable dread kit and one of the Salamanders Dreadfire close-combat arms, I like the Dreadfire arms because they look a lot sturdier than the standard MkIV and even MkV Dreadnought arms. I think I managed to give him a slightly more dynamic pose than Dreadnoughts typically have and I think it has quite a nice effect.

[Darren Richardson]

Love the conversion work on the Dready, have you painted it up yet?

Have you made any more vechiles for your army as well?

[Just_Me]

Love the conversion work on the Dready, have you painted it up yet?

Have you made any more vechiles for your army as well?

Thanks! Unfortunately I have not had the opportunity to paint up either the Dreadnought or the Librarian, graduate school and a full time job haven't left me with a lot of hobby time for a few months...

I'm currently trying to finish up the 1k "core" of this army; the Captain & Command Squad w/ Drop Pod, the two Tactical Squads w/ Drop Pods, and the Terminator Squad. I want to completely finish that up before I move on to other elements. The army is meant to be a fully Drop Pod/Deep Strike capable force so I don't have many (i.e. any) vehicles. I'm finishing the last of the Drop Pods for the core elements of the army, but they are fairly complicated models with a lot of moving parts and tend to take time and care to paint:

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh16/Just_Me_Images/DropPodWIP_zpsbe499f1a.jpg (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/Just_Me_Images/media/DropPodWIP_zpsbe499f1a.jpg.html)

I also have other army projects to distract me (a lot of my older models need to be touched up and brought up to par), but I really enjoy working on this army a lot. Next in line I think will be the Devastators and THEIR Drop Pod after which I'm not sure. I'm really excited about painting the Dread but I need to equip him with a Drop Pod to fit into the army, which might in turn mean I will need a Dreadnought Drop Pod from Forge World...

[Just_Me]

I recently completed the Drop Pod for my Command Squad. This gives me a solid core of exactly 1,000 points for this army upon which I can build. I've discovered that building to specific points "shelves" is a helpful way for me to keep my new projects coordinated. My next goal will be to expand it to 1,500 points with the addition of the Librarian, Devastator Squad, and Dreadnought which might take me a while because grad school starts up again next week. In the mean time however here are all of the units completed so far:

4th Company Commander & Command Squad:
http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh16/Just_Me_Images/Red%20Scorpions/RedScorpions4thCompanyCommandSquad_zpsa567142f.jpg (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/Just_Me_Images/media/Red%20Scorpions/RedScorpions4thCompanyCommandSquad_zpsa567142f.jpg .html)

4th Company, 1st Tactical Squad:
http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh16/Just_Me_Images/Red%20Scorpions/RedScorpions4thCompany1stTacticalSquad_zps2d21a293 .jpg (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/Just_Me_Images/media/Red%20Scorpions/RedScorpions4thCompany1stTacticalSquad_zps2d21a293 .jpg.html)

4th Company, 2nd Tactical Squad:
http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh16/Just_Me_Images/Red%20Scorpions/RedScorpions4thCompany2ndTacticalSquad_zps6fe8cfe5 .jpg (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/Just_Me_Images/media/Red%20Scorpions/RedScorpions4thCompany2ndTacticalSquad_zps6fe8cfe5 .jpg.html)

1st Company Terminator Squad, seconded to 4th Company:
http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh16/Just_Me_Images/Red%20Scorpions/RedScorpions1stCompanyTerminatorSquad_zps3aebe523. jpg (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/Just_Me_Images/media/Red%20Scorpions/RedScorpions1stCompanyTerminatorSquad_zps3aebe523. jpg.html)

As I've mentioned numerous times before the assault drop is to me one of the coolest concepts of the Astartes and as you can see, the entire army is equipped to Deep Strike via Drop Pod or Teleport. I intend to keep that theme going as I expand the army.

[Darren Richardson]

marvelous work as always Just_me, really digging retro armour marks in your army.

[spaceman91]

Wow. Great models and painting.

[ka2lu]

Love that Librarian. What a pose.

[Just_Me]

So it's been a while, but I painted my Librarian and Dreadnought. (actually painted them a WHILE ago, but I've been bust with other stuff).

My Librarian alongside my Commander with newly magnetized weapons options:
Tear of the Scorpion (Sword):
http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh16/Just_Me_Images/40k%20Showcase/IMG_2851_zpsghlzdd77.jpg (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/Just_Me_Images/media/40k%20Showcase/IMG_2851_zpsghlzdd77.jpg.html)

Tear of the Scorpion (Axe). I think I like the sword better, but the rules for the Axe are just WAY to nice not to have the option:
http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh16/Just_Me_Images/40k%20Showcase/IMG_2852_zpszn5uutfv.jpg (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/Just_Me_Images/media/40k%20Showcase/IMG_2852_zpszn5uutfv.jpg.html)

The Dreadnought. One of my personal favorites for how the model, pose, and subtle conversion work came out:
http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh16/Just_Me_Images/40k%20Showcase/IMG_2853_zpssiwuqxdb.jpg (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/Just_Me_Images/media/40k%20Showcase/IMG_2853_zpssiwuqxdb.jpg.html)

I've also painted my Devastator Squad, and I will take some pics later...