Truescale Space Wolves

[40kGamer]

Hello fellow BOLS members!

I thought I would post up some pics of my large (pun intended) truescale Space Wolves WIP. Every marine is converted and Bjorn is a complete scratchbuild. I use GW Thunderwolves as the fenrisian wolves. Lots more to come as I finish up the infantry and move into the vehicles properly. :)

Full WIP Army...

http://i.imgur.com/FsjRMRYl.jpg?1

WIP Bjorn: My freehand has suffered a bit as a 2 year break from the hobby has hurt my brush control. I added the wolf rampant over the diamond and Bjorn's pack marking over the past weekend.

http://i.imgur.com/SHI03un.jpg?1

WIP Harald Deathwolf: My putty work has also suffered from my time away from the hobby. I started with a Scibor Giant Celtic Wolf and decided to scratch sculpt a new head and tail as I wanted a closer aesthetic to the GW ThunderWolves. Still struggling with the head but I'm ok with how it is turning out. Already reworked the jaws/teeth 7 times! :o

http://i.imgur.com/SCEbzua.jpg?2

http://i.imgur.com/q5lVut1.jpg?2

http://i.imgur.com/ykR4Gph.jpg?2

This early pic of Harald gives an idea of scale. The painted wolf is Harald's official GW sculpt.

http://i.imgur.com/Buqzu3m.jpg?3

and finally here is a couple early WIP shots for some add ons.

http://i.imgur.com/K330cNdl.jpg?1

http://i.imgur.com/vOy8PX6l.jpg?1

[40kGamer]

Wanted to show the dirty side of freehand, otherwise known as the ugly hot mess I start with. The way I learned to do freehand is


1. Rough out the shape with some thin paint
2. Block in the colours
3. Clean up the design
4. Shade/Highlight and add details


I'm still old school so no airbrushing, no decals, no templates or masking... just thin paint, a small brush and very little breathing. This is a pic of step 1 where I am trying to paint Bjorn slaying the Serpent on his Leg armour. Does anyone have any thoughts on how this may look best? Should it be finished in muted grey tones, use the actual colours from Bjorns original back banner design that this is based on or should I just make up some new colours and move to step 2.


http://i.imgur.com/2JbaQve.jpg?2

[interrogator_chaplain]

Can you show us your True-Scale marines along side the standard scale marines?

[40kGamer]

Can you show us your True-Scale marines along side the standard scale marines?

Thanks mate! Here are a host of comparison shots. I'll get some with better lighting soon.

Grimnar next to old metal model

http://i.imgur.com/kWJy2.jpg

Painted Grimnar next to a Fire Dragon

http://i.imgur.com/jbKJOre.jpg?2

Truescale Termies next to an out of the box Termie

http://i.imgur.com/FoG1j.jpg?1

Truescale Long Fang next to his counterpart

http://i.imgur.com/8gGBd.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/5XNGx.jpg

Early WIP Grimnar Truescale Marine to Eldar Guardian

http://i.imgur.com/N5Q7t.jpg

Wolf Guard next to a couple Kreig Guardsmen

http://i.imgur.com/wVHYK.jpg

and a very early WIP Bjorn next to the original metal Dread

http://i.imgur.com/MzW3j.jpg

And here's one of Bjorn next to a ruler. He clocks in around 90mm without his base. His Lucius Pod is going to be massive!!! :D

http://i.imgur.com/J1cFIew.jpg?1

[interrogator_chaplain]

*Impressed whistle*
Wow, now that really commands presence. You've done an amazing job.

Would it be too much to ask for a breakdown of how you would go about taking a standard space marine and go about true-scaling him?

[40kGamer]

*Impressed whistle*
Wow, now that really commands presence. You've done an amazing job.

Would it be too much to ask for a breakdown of how you would go about taking a standard space marine and go about true-scaling him?

I would be happy to help! Back in 2009-2010 I scoured the net for months aggregating data on the various methods people from around the world were using to upsize marines. A couple chaps with usernames Doghouse and Synapse on some other forums were early pioneers. (I go by Wargamer43210 on other forums... I've never put much thought into my screen name)

A later entry into the field was Lamenter who started a website called Master of the Forge. His work is absolutely brilliant although I believe he has moved into sculpting professionally and does unique work nowadays he posted a great tutorial. Here's the link to Lamenter's tutorial.

http://masteroftheforge.com/tutorial-artscale-space-marine-v2/

I mainly follow Lamenter's method to create basic marines which he refers to as "Artscale" instead of "Truescale". The only place I vary from his method is with the boots. I use the same plasticard strips to create the new thicker boot that I use to wrap the shoulder pads. Just a minor quibble.

He also has a Terminator tutorial although I developed my own method for Termies at the same time he did his and the way I create Termies is very different. I have 10 sculpted/converted and need to do more so I will document what I do as I go along. It's likely that I won't get to the Termies until October as I'm scrambling to get the army ready for a late Sept tournament. :D

- - - Updated - - -

Hi everybody! I started working on a freehand design on Bjorns remaining leg armour. I wanted to pay homage to the original Bjorn back banner from way back in the day so I'm using the traditional colours.

Here is step 2 completed... time to break out the detail brush and move onto the nerve rattling steps 3 & 4. the US Penny is for scale reference and you can see where this is going to fit in the earlier pic. Cheers! :)

Block painted colours.
http://i.imgur.com/Qq5WE9f.jpg?1

[Honu]

Simply amazing! a toast to you my fellow wolfbrother. I wish I had the time, patience and skill to do that

[TheyStoleMyName!]

Looking awesome. Might be the best Truescale project I've seen. I don't tend to like the look of a lot of them, but these guys manage to be properly scaled while still maintaining a classic Power Armour look!

[sparti67]

Amazing....

[40kGamer]

Simply amazing! a toast to you my fellow wolfbrother. I wish I had the time, patience and skill to do that

Thanks brother! It's a big commitment to get into truescaling no doubt. Most hobbyists have a go at a squad or two but not many make it to the level of a fully playable army. I started this project back in 2010 and the rails came off when a couple close family members passed away within a year of one another. Now after a 2 year hiatus I'm back in the saddle and going to move this along until the Deathwolves ride! :p

- - - Updated - - -


Looking awesome. Might be the best Truescale project I've seen. I don't tend to like the look of a lot of them, but these guys manage to be properly scaled while still maintaining a classic Power Armour look!


Amazing....

Thanks mates! It's still very much a WIP as I have to round it out with a few more squads, some vehicles and a proper Thunderwolf Cavalry unit. :)

- - - Updated - - -

Here's a link to an easier to see army picture.

http://i.imgur.com/FsjRMRY.jpg?1

[Victus Mortecarium]

I want to commission someone to do that...

[40kGamer]

I want to commission someone to do that...

It's actually a lot of fun to make them once you get the hang of it! :p

Ramping up for the weekend with another set of 10 legs started. Also got a base coat on 4 Wolf Claw Termies that will flush out my Void Claws when they are done.

http://i.imgur.com/jQxgGn9.jpg?2

http://i.imgur.com/qrPJjdl.jpg?2

[gijoe1313]

Simply amazing, you have lifted the realms of possibilities and put in a lot of hard graft to expand the scope of our hobby! I can only wonder at the long term goals you have envisioned for this grande armee! The size of RH1NOs and other vehicles would be tru-scaletacular! :)

[40kGamer]

Simply amazing, you have lifted the realms of possibilities and put in a lot of hard graft to expand the scope of our hobby! I can only wonder at the long term goals you have envisioned for this grande armee! The size of RH1NOs and other vehicles would be tru-scaletacular! :)

Thanks Mate! Vehicles will be the biggest challenge (no pun intended!) :D

I'm looking forward to starting the vehicle work soon. I already roughed out the Rhino and a Dreadnought Drop Pod for Bjorn. Hopefully I'll make some progress! :p

- - - Updated - - -

Some Better Comparison Shots.

Long Fangs compared to Devastators

http://i.imgur.com/hpZ3xEo.jpg?2

http://i.imgur.com/2mUJGhL.jpg?2

Long Fang Missile Launcher group showing articulated robotic arms. They actually are not that bad to cut off and rework!

http://i.imgur.com/pQZF5Lr.jpg?2

Long Fang pack with Multi Meltas

http://i.imgur.com/zYEQwcc.jpg?2

[40kGamer]

Updated Bjorn photos. I'm almost finished with the freehand design on the leg armour. Need to clean it up a little but I'm sort of happy with how it is turning out. I also relettered Bjorn's name in white... The Black just didn't work. Any C&Cs are very welcome!

http://i.imgur.com/RiQvu2M.jpg?2

http://i.imgur.com/mqbjbyl.jpg?2

For reference here is the Original Back Banner Design from the 90's that I am trying to scale down and replicate on the leg armour.

http://i.imgur.com/4ortqj7.jpg?2


And here is a clear comparison shot of Bjorn next to a standard Dread. These are really good for scale purposes. :D

http://i.imgur.com/fZSbQFK.jpg?2

[40kGamer]

And a few more scale comparison shots...

http://i.imgur.com/xHgthzU.jpg?2

http://i.imgur.com/Pkc8iyl.jpg?2

http://i.imgur.com/Offhena.jpg?2

http://i.imgur.com/Ka2updp.jpg?2

[40kGamer]

Hi guys. Finally made some real progress on Harald Deathwolf. It was definitely time to get the WolfLord of the Great Company on the field! Please let me know what you think. I had a lot of trouble working the colours on the giant wolf!

http://i.imgur.com/jPtNFCS.jpg?1

http://i.imgur.com/ykI0XKT.jpg?1

http://i.imgur.com/6xjVgyU.jpg?1

http://i.imgur.com/uBdhjvI.jpg?1

and to finish off a scale comparison shot with a regular Space Marine.

http://i.imgur.com/2ntxTSz.jpg?1

[40kGamer]

Started work on an army display base and had to make a supply run to the local DIY store to find some epoxy that bonds plasticard to a wooden base. So as soon as this gets glued the first piece of the puzzle will be ready. Now I need to figure out what else to do with it! :D

http://i.imgur.com/TX7dAFe.jpg?1

[40kGamer]

Made a little progress painting the big design. I still have no idea how to incorporate this into a full display board and I only have 1 weekend left to do something. If anyone has any ideas please share! I have gathered the mdf board for the base and have plenty of foam lying about.

http://i.imgur.com/4Xe9xGA.jpg?1

[defiantworkshop]

These are epic. For display, if you're limited on time, I'd just pick a centerpiece model (the dreadnought maybe?) and surround him with subsequent minis getting larger as you go outward, leaving your base design open.

[40kGamer]

These are epic. For display, if you're limited on time, I'd just pick a centerpiece model (the dreadnought maybe?) and surround him with subsequent minis getting larger as you go outward, leaving your base design open.

Thanks mate! Definitely been a labor of love. :)

I may cut a 30" x 24" piece of mdf to serve as a base for the whole army and position this design in the middle. Maybe I could cut a couple of patterns like the one below and glue them to the main board facing inward toward the circle. :confused:

11106

[energongoodie]

These are Ace! :D

[defiantworkshop]

Thanks mate! Definitely been a labor of love. :)

I may cut a 30" x 24" piece of mdf to serve as a base for the whole army and position this design in the middle. Maybe I could cut a couple of patterns like the one below and glue them to the main board facing inward toward the circle. :confused:

11106

Hmm. 30x24 is rather large. You might do better to add just a bit of scenics to the base maybe? Like, some cut up foam or plastercloth in small shapes to make it a bit irregular, and coat with some kind of turf, just around the edges? Just spitballing. Or make it a bit more industrial...and cut up some squares and rectangles of sheet styrene and lay them out randomly for some interesting flooring, add some rivets to the wolf's head design? Maybe something will inspire ya. Can't wait to see what you end up with.

[40kGamer]

These are Ace! :D

Thanks mate! As soon as I survive a local tournament outing on the 20th I'm going to dig into finishing the Rhino design. I would love to be able to roll out a half dozen Rhinos/Razorbacks for these guys. :)

- - - Updated - - -


Hmm. 30x24 is rather large. You might do better to add just a bit of scenics to the base maybe? Like, some cut up foam or plastercloth in small shapes to make it a bit irregular, and coat with some kind of turf, just around the edges? Just spitballing. Or make it a bit more industrial...and cut up some squares and rectangles of sheet styrene and lay them out randomly for some interesting flooring, add some rivets to the wolf's head design? Maybe something will inspire ya. Can't wait to see what you end up with.

Rivets are always a good idea. :D I may try the base board with a layer of styrene with a center cutout for the circle design in the middle. I totally get your point about breaking up the large flat surface. I would really really like to build a drop pod launch bay board but after laying it out I realized it will take a long time to build out... I should probably start it asap for future events.

[40kGamer]

I am so not fond of display boards. I'll be glad when this necessary evil has passed. :)

Here's a set of rough WIP shots.

http://i.imgur.com/O8T0qJL.jpg?1

http://i.imgur.com/UZHmoxu.jpg?1

http://i.imgur.com/0Kwibdn.jpg?1

[defiantworkshop]

Looking good. Is that insulation foam? I'm about to have to get mine out for the landscaping portion of my diorama, and not looking forward to it at all.

[40kGamer]

Looking good. Is that insulation foam? I'm about to have to get mine out for the landscaping portion of my diorama, and not looking forward to it at all.

It is! I bought a couple of 1 inch (25mm) thick DOW Corning pink foam panels to work with. I got lucky and found precut 2 foot square "project panels" at Home Depot (the local DIY store). It is really easy to shape with a hot styrofoam wire cutter and paints up surprisingly well. I'm always shocked at how decent it can look with a few drybrushes and washes. The paint stays tacky for a long time though. I guess the foam acts as a wet pallet or something. :)

[defiantworkshop]

Cool, I might pop back by and pick your brain a bit on it. I tried Woodland Scenics plaster cloth and it came out an absolute disaster. I'm saving the terrain til the very end.

[40kGamer]

Cool, I might pop back by and pick your brain a bit on it. I tried Woodland Scenics plaster cloth and it came out an absolute disaster. I'm saving the terrain til the very end.

No problem! I love how great Woodland Scenics materials look in their displays but most of their products are a real pain to work with. I do still regularly use their snow/grass and water effects. :)

[40kGamer]

Almost ready to go!

http://i.imgur.com/H2IagaW.jpg?1

[Deathmage]

Did you true-scale the drop pods too?

[40kGamer]

Did you true-scale the drop pods too?

No sir. I did modify the guts to where each pod only carries 5 marines though. However, I do have a WIP Truscale Lucius Pod for Bjorn but I wondered off before I finished detailing it. Darn thing is around 30cm tall anyhow. :p