Sentinel Squadron
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| New arrivals! (I also got some cheap foam miniature carry trays from GiftsForGeeks |
Well fluff-wise as an Infantry Company, all they should have is more infantry. And cool though that would be, I can't face painting many more of them for now. I might buy up a load and hoard them, for fear GW will withdraw Mordians from sale, or even worse - make them Finecast! But for now, I thought a nice addition would be a Sentinel Squadron. Models I haven't had in a while, and that might give me a bit more mobile AT punch (my lascannons all being immobile emplacements).
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| The new Sentinels |
I bought three Sentinels from GiftsForGeeks - much cheaper than buying from GW direct. Unboxing them was a joy - so much so that I forgot to take photos. For those who haven't seen the latest box, they now come with every weapon and cabin option, so you can make open-topped Catachan variants, right up to the more protected Steel Legion versions and put a myriad of different weapons on them. But most excitingly, the legs are now fully posable. They come in four main parts that can be fit together so that the joints bend at almost any angle.
When I was putting these together, I almost wanted to go for the open-topped versions so you could see the lovely crew minis. But I decided not to, because I prefer the enclosed compartments of the Steel Legion variant. As for weapons, again aesthetic considerations prevailed and I plumped for the rather snazzy-looking rocket pods - although the 'sergeant' may get a lascannon or a plasma cannon. (Can you even do that?)
I modelled the legs to try and look a bit more dynamic and 'organic', like he's picking his way carefully over some rubble while looking cautiously over to one side. My next efforts might include one crouching behind a wall, something a bit different to the pictures you see on the front of the boxes.
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| My first Sentinel, picking its way through the rubble. |
In fact, I like these models so much, do you think I could do a 500 point Patrol Clash force of Sentinels? Sort of, an Armoured Reconnaissance unit side-project. It might involve a bit of making up units like a company commander, perhaps using costs for Knight Commander Pask? A commissar Sentinel? Not sure how over-the-top this would be. Most would have such flimsy armour that most ordinary squad weapons should be able to deal with them, what do you think? Anyway, thanks for reading and I'll get another update on these chaps up soon.
The Colonel
Aren't Sentinels fun! Yes, you can mix and match weapons in a Sentinel squadron by the way. Commissar sentinel, hmm would they execute other sentinels? LOL.
ReplyDeleteA sentinel patrol platoon would be pretty cool, I don't think they would have Commissars or anyone above the rank of lieutenant though. A commissar might get in the way of their rash and cavalier attitudes towards warfare. A command variant or sensor sentinel could be really interesting and fun to work on. I say you should give it a go.
ReplyDeleteIn my force, Sentinals are played by experienced Squat Heavy Weapons Trikes, of which I have two. Just need some Autocannons though as it seems the codex doesn't allow Sentinals with Multi-Meltas that are modelled onto the Trikes already.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to see an armoured recc Sentinal unit. Would they get a different, more camo-scheme to affect this?
@Col Ackland: Sentinels are indeed fun. Good about the mixing, I'll probably have the squads with blast weapons, then the Sergeants are trusted with the more powerful, precision weapons. I didn't even think about the execution rules. The one thing I don't like about all-vehicle armies, like the IG Armoured Company, is that it seems to be a bit of a cheat to getting out of morale all together. There should be a sort of crew morale, or an 'all on your own' test that makes vehicles withdraw.
ReplyDelete@Chris: Hmm, yeah thinking about it a platoon might have a commissar-subaltern but he wouldn't be going into battle, he'd probably just be looking after the HQ because they wouldn't give him his own Sentinel. I shall give it a go! The command sentinel especially. I was just in a bit of a quandary thinking it would be too uber, but I'll make sure they have some exploitable weaknesses.
@Dai: Are you in need of spare autocannons? I have about 6 of various types you could have, drop me an email if you fancy them. In answer to your question, I'd probably paint them first in the approved scheme, then do some improvised camo over the top of it like they've done some field modifications.
I love the Idea of a Sentinal only combat patrol team! for your commander you may consider modified rule for Lt. Sayid from Bell of lost souls macharian crusade pdf.
ReplyDeleteI may have to do something similar as I have 7 sentinals which rarely find their way into normal games.
as far as ld questions I think vehicles have a standard LD of 10 so you might start there.
this should be the link to BoLs:MC.
https://www.box.com/shared/2kdtqthn8a
Thanks! Yeah, sentinels only ever tend to get included as a 3-man fire support team, it'd be interesting to see them as a complete force. Thanks for that link, I hadn't seen that before! I like the idea of a special character like that in a sentinel.
DeleteI'm a huge fan of the new Sentinel kit - it's possible to get some really dynamic poses out of them, and there's tons of bits to choose from. I like the idea of having one crouching down all sneaky-like. Look forward to seeing what you come up with!
ReplyDeleteThanks, I'll keep you posted! Just something to buck the trend of 'ordinary' boring sentinel poses!
DeleteA sentinel was the very first IG model I ever built and convinced me to start an Guard army. A really fun kit with lots of good bitz. I have three myself, although one is the older kit with the roll cage instead of the armored cab. I also painted all of the interiors as well. Good luck, Colonel. i look forward to seeing them painted.
ReplyDeleteCheers Sixgun. That's another good point, you do get a LOT of bitz in there, especially in the weapons department. That's a big toss-up for me - I love the armoured compartments, but I also like the detail inside the compartment! As you can see the ACC won me over. Thanks, and updates to follow soon!
DeleteYou might do what I did and leave the tops off of the armored cab of one or two if you haven't finished them all yet. That or use the open hatches on the front. Either let some of the fun detail show.
DeleteSince there's no edit function, here is a link.
Deletehttp://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v97/sixgun45lc/Minis/?action=view¤t=IMG_4250.jpg
Thanks for the link! I think I might make a compromise with the Squadron commander, maybe have him leaning out the hatch so you can see him, as well as inside. That's a great mini!
DeleteThat would be very cool. Perhaps have him standing on the seat using some binoculars or something.
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