Hello again loyal readers (and/or those who are here for the
first time!)
Unlike my other 40k armies, I wanted the units in this force
to all be instantly distinguishable at a glance. The easiest way I could think
of doing this was a signature colour for each 'Skwadrun' of Deffkoptas. As you
can tell, I'm a long way from finished but Blu and Yella Skwadruns ready for
inspection!
Da Blu Boyz
Not the best group shot in history, but it gives you an idea
of their purpose. Blu Skwadrun was the first unit of Deffkoptas I worked on
properly, converting their Rokkits to Twin-linked Big Shootas and including a
single Buzzsaw. These guys are surprisingly multi-purpose, able to whittle away
infantry units or harass small vehicles with their high number of shots (and
decent accuracy, thanks to their rerolls). Outflanking with them usually gets
them round to the side or rear armour or up to those pesky long range units
that are so cruel to Ork mobs unmolested. The Buzzsaw also gives them a bit of
punch against the harder characters, monstrous creatures and better armoured
vehicles, particularly
as he isn't a character, so can't be challenged out! Speaking of whom, let's
take a close look
at him.
Very much "The World Is Not Enough", I know, but I
think this might be one of my favourite models in my entire collection. Not to
play with, because he falls over a lot. Top heavy-ness is bad! Still, he grabs
plenty of attention when I use him. I know a lot of tournament-style players
might complain that he is quite a bit taller than the original model on a
flying stand and that being bad for True Line of Sight purposes, but other
members of the squad are lower to balance that out and I almost always give my
opponents the benefit of the doubt when determining if he has LoS or a cover
save (though with Jink, that's often a moot point).
Across all four 'Koptas, I've tried to use a variety of
shades of blue and patterns. Whilst the overall scheme is very coherent, it
means each looks unique and individual.
For all four, I did a metallic base coat with a spray paint, worked on
the blue and then put in other details sparingly.
After the Blu Skwadrun, I worked on the Yella Skwadrun; as
much looking for a change of style as colour, having worked on some Warkoptas
and other vehicles in a similar style between the two. For the bulk colour, I
sprayed them white and did a heavy wash with Gryphonne Sepia. Again, who would
like to see another group shot?
Yella Skwadrun
I went for a lot more individual details and markings on
these guys, but fewer patterns in the yellows/main colours. As you can see,
these guys are more traditionally armed, based on the GW models from the
Assault on Black Reach starter box, with Twin-linked Rokkit Launchers. Again, I
included a single Buzzsaw, to help them out of trouble in combat. The Rokkits
mean they aren't as good at killing units of models; Taking out smaller, elite
units, monstrous creatures and even the most heavily armoured vehicles is their
forte. Again, being fast and outflanking makes them a danger, no matter where
enemy forces are deployed on the field.
Whilst I kept the Rokkits the same, I added plenty of other
conversions, altering the rotor blades and giving all the riders a side arm. I
also did a few head swaps which, with the plug-together necks from the AoBR
models, was harder than it might initially seem. Again, I tried to vary the height of each Kopta's flying stand. It certainly helps add visual interest to the group when they are on the table. Not to mention meaning that the unit can be placed closer together without the rotor blades getting in the way so much.
I have another couple of Kopta mobs, but I'll save those for another day. Got to give you something to come back for after all. That's it from me for today. Have a good weekend, one and all. Let me know what hobby projects you are working on in the comments below.
Matt
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