My 40k Journey: Kitbashing, Painting & Army Building

Diving Headfirst into the Grim Darkness of the Far Future

Alright, folks, buckle up because we're about to dive deep into the hobby of Warhammer 40,000, or 40k as we affectionately call it! Specifically, we're going to follow my progress on building a 2,000-point army. For those of you new to the game, 2,000 points is a standard size for a Warhammer 40k army, meaning it's a pretty sizable force. It’s enough to have a diverse set of units and strategies. I am about 3/5 of the way done, and I am excited to share my progress, challenges, and triumphs. For those of you who are new to the hobby, Warhammer 40k is a tabletop wargame set in a dystopian science-fantasy universe. The game involves collecting, building, and painting miniature figures representing various factions, such as Space Marines, Orks, and Necrons. Then, you use those miniatures to fight epic battles on a tabletop, using dice rolls and strategic thinking to determine the outcome. Think of it as a combination of model building, painting, and chess, all rolled into one incredibly detailed and immersive experience. I've always been drawn to the lore, the rich history, and the visual spectacle of 40k. So, I decided to finally take the plunge and build my own army. I decided to go with the Aeldari, the Eldar, as they are now known, and an army of space elves. They have sleek, elegant models, and a focus on psychic powers, making them a very interesting faction. It has been a journey full of learning, kitbashing, and painting, and I'm eager to share it all with you.

The Allure of Warhammer 40k: Why We Do This

So, why Warhammer 40k? What's the big deal? Well, guys, it's more than just a game. It's a hobby that combines creativity, strategy, and community. First off, there's the model building. This involves assembling plastic miniatures, carefully clipping them from their sprues, and gluing them together. The level of detail on these models is mind-blowing, and it's incredibly satisfying to see these figures come to life as you meticulously put them together. Kitbashing, the practice of combining parts from different models to create unique units, adds another layer of creativity. Next up, painting. This is where you bring your miniatures to life with colors, shades, and highlights. It’s a chance to express your artistic side, experiment with different techniques, and create a truly unique army. There's a huge sense of satisfaction that comes from seeing your painted miniatures take their place on the battlefield. Let's not forget the strategic aspect of the game. Warhammer 40k is a game of tactics and planning. You have to build an army that fits your play style. The game is about movement, positioning, and tactical decision-making, as well as using the units' unique abilities and weaknesses to outmaneuver your opponent. Also, the community. Warhammer 40k has a passionate and supportive community. It is a place to share your creations, get advice, and play games with like-minded people. This social aspect is a huge part of the hobby and makes it even more enjoyable. Building and painting your army, learning the game, and sharing that hobby with others creates a rich experience that is unlike any other.

The Kitbashing Adventure: Crafting Unique Units

Now, let's talk about kitbashing, because that's where the real fun begins! Kitbashing is the art of taking parts from different model kits and combining them to create something unique. I wanted my Aeldari army to stand out, to have a character that was all my own. So I decided to incorporate kitbashing into the build process. It's a great way to add personality and individuality to your models. For my army, I knew I wanted to create a squad of Dire Avengers with a unique look. The Dire Avengers are a core infantry unit for the Aeldari, known for their ranged firepower and disciplined fighting style. I gathered some spare parts from other Aeldari kits, and the kitbashing began. I was looking at the models, thinking about what could work. I wanted something that looked sleek and powerful, yet still retained the essence of the Dire Avengers. The results were incredible, and the Dire Avengers looked more unique than ever before. One of the biggest benefits of kitbashing is that it allows you to create something that no one else has. It is a way to put your own personal touch on the models. If you want to give your models a unique look, kitbashing is an excellent way to do so. I used some extra weapons, bits of armor, and even some extra helmets from different kits. The goal was to make them look like veterans with a bit of extra flair. The process was a challenge, but the end results were worth it. There is a certain satisfaction that comes from seeing your creations on the battlefield. Not only does kitbashing allow you to personalize your army, it also provides an opportunity to improve your modeling skills. As you work with different parts and try to make them fit together, you learn new techniques and develop a better understanding of how the models are built. If you are looking to add a bit of flair to your models, kitbashing is an excellent way to achieve that goal. It is also a great way to improve your modeling skills. This is a fun way to make your army stand out.

Tips and Tricks for the Aspiring Kitbasher

For any of you thinking about trying kitbashing, here are a few tips and tricks to get you started. First, do your research. Look at other kitbashes online, on forums, or in your local game store to get inspiration. See what other people have done and get a sense of what works and what doesn't. Second, gather your parts. Collect bits from different kits, and keep them organized. This will make it easier to find the parts you need when you're working on your kitbashes. Third, don't be afraid to experiment. Try different combinations of parts, and don't worry if your first attempts aren't perfect. Kitbashing is all about trial and error. Fourth, use the right tools. You'll need a hobby knife, clippers, glue, and files to shape and prepare the parts. The right tools will make your kitbashing experience much easier and more enjoyable. Be prepared to use green stuff or other modeling putty to fill gaps and sculpt details. These materials are essential for blending parts together seamlessly. Finally, practice patience and be persistent. Kitbashing can be time-consuming, so don't get discouraged if it takes a while to complete your project. Remember that the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process of creating something unique. Kitbashing is an art, and it is fun. It is a chance to make your army stand out, and it is also a great way to improve your modeling skills. Embrace the creativity, and enjoy the process! These are just some of the important things that will help you when you are kitbashing.

Painting the Aeldari: Bringing the Models to Life

Once the kitbashing was done, it was time to start painting. Painting is where you bring your miniatures to life. It's also where you can really express your artistic vision for your army. The Aeldari are known for their sleek, elegant designs, and I wanted to reflect that in my color scheme. I decided to go with a scheme of dark blues and vibrant purples, with silver accents. The process began with priming the models. Priming is a crucial step, as it prepares the surface for painting and helps the paint adhere properly. I used a spray primer that was designed for plastic miniatures. Then, it was time to start base coating the models. I applied the base colors with a brush, focusing on getting a smooth, even coverage. The base coating can take a while, but it's essential for setting the foundation for the rest of the painting process. Once the base coats were dry, I started adding highlights and shadows. This is where you bring out the details and add depth to the miniatures. I used a combination of layering and dry brushing to achieve the desired effect. Layering involves applying thin layers of paint to create smooth transitions. Dry brushing involves lightly brushing a dry brush over the raised surfaces to create highlights. I was very proud of the results.

Painting Techniques: Level Up Your Painting Game

Here are some techniques that I used to level up my painting game. First, layering. This is the technique of applying thin layers of paint to create smooth transitions between colors. It involves painting a base color, then applying a slightly lighter shade of the same color to the raised areas. Then, you repeat this process, adding more layers of lighter shades to create highlights. Secondly, dry brushing. Dry brushing involves lightly brushing a dry brush over the raised surfaces of a model. This is a great technique for creating highlights and weathering effects. To dry brush, you dip your brush in paint, then wipe most of the paint off on a paper towel. Then, you lightly brush the brush over the raised surfaces of the model. Also, washing. Washing is the technique of applying a thin, diluted paint to the recesses of a model. This creates shadows and adds depth. You can use a wash to bring out the details of your models. First, you apply a wash to the recesses of the model, and let it settle. Then, you wipe away any excess with a clean brush or paper towel. Finally, edge highlighting. Edge highlighting is the technique of applying a thin line of paint to the edges of a model. This adds definition and helps the model stand out. You can also use edge highlighting to create a sense of sharpness and precision. To edge highlight, you use a fine-tipped brush and apply a thin line of paint along the edges of the model. These techniques are essential for creating good models, and you can begin practicing them to level up your painting game. Using these will definitely help you. If you practice them enough, you will be well on your way to creating something great.

Army Composition and Strategy: Building a Force

Now, let's talk about army composition and strategy. Building a 2,000-point army is a balancing act. You need to consider a variety of factors, including the units you want to include, the roles they'll play on the battlefield, and the overall strategy you want to employ. For my Aeldari army, I wanted to focus on a combination of speed, maneuverability, and psychic power. The Aeldari are known for their speed and their ability to strike from unexpected angles. I also wanted to include some units that could deal significant damage, both in melee and at range. My army includes a mix of infantry, vehicles, and characters. I've got squads of Dire Avengers, to provide ranged firepower. I have a unit of Wraithguard, tough, close-combat units that can absorb damage and deal it out in return. I've also got a Fire Prism, a powerful vehicle with a devastating weapon that can target multiple enemies at once. When it comes to strategy, I like to focus on outmaneuvering my opponents. I use my fast units to control the battlefield, seize objectives, and harass my enemies. I also use my psychic powers to disrupt their plans, buff my own units, and deal extra damage. It's a combination of offense, defense, and mind games, which makes the Aeldari a fun army to play. One thing that I have learned is the importance of flexibility. The game is dynamic, and you need to be prepared to adapt to your opponent's strategy. Sometimes, you have to change up your plan. Building a well-rounded army that can handle a variety of threats is a good idea.

Strategic Considerations: Tactics on the Battlefield

When it comes to tactics, there are a few key considerations for the Aeldari. First, movement. The Aeldari are fast, so it's important to use that speed to your advantage. Use your units to move to objectives, and to engage and disengage from combat as needed. Second, positioning. Positioning is key in Warhammer 40k. Always try to position your units to maximize their firepower and to protect them from enemy attacks. Try to use terrain to your advantage. Finally, target priority. Know your enemy. Understand what each unit does and what they do best. Identify your opponent's key units and target them first. Focus your fire on them to neutralize them as quickly as possible. By following these key strategic considerations, you can increase your chances of success on the battlefield. Remember to always be flexible and adapt to the changing circumstances of the game. Warhammer 40k is a dynamic game, and the best players are the ones who can think on their feet and make the right decisions under pressure. Remember that this is a fun game and it is all for enjoyment.

The Road Ahead: The Finishing Touches and Beyond

So, what's next? Well, I'm about 3/5 of the way done with my army. I have several units painted, a few vehicles, and some characters ready to go. I still have a few units to paint and assemble, so the journey is not over yet. It's time to finish painting those final units, seal the miniatures, and start playing some games. Once the models are painted, I plan on varnishing them. This step will help protect the paint job from scratches and other damage. Then, it's time to play! Warhammer 40k is a game, and the best part is the actual gameplay. I'm looking forward to playing some games and testing out my army. I can't wait to see how they perform on the battlefield. I also have some plans for the future. I want to expand my army, adding more units and maybe even a new faction. I'm also thinking about starting a new project, like building a terrain set or entering a painting competition. The possibilities are endless. So, that's where I am. Building this army has been a long journey, and there's still a lot to do. I am excited about the future and all the challenges ahead. I am learning new techniques, making some mistakes, and having a blast doing it. I am excited to see where the journey takes me. Hopefully, this encourages you to start your own Warhammer 40k journey. It has been a fun time and I hope to keep going.