How to/how not to build a warhound titan (title will be amended based on final results)

[korocite]

Big and I are planning a large 40k game later this year, similar to what we did this time last year. At that time I was inspired by his Deathguard to redo my own scions of Nurgle and have spent many hours doing this. They are now a sniff away from being complete so we thought about combining our Deathguard armies and pitting them against a combination of Imperial guard and Astartes in a game sprawling across a fourteen foot table. We should have a few friends who are willing to help out. 

 

In our game last year, the Imperial players fielded a Shadowsword. It was brutal. Though I was playing on the chaos side, I have fond memories of watching it obliterate a Deathguard land raider in one shot. Targeting the Deathguard meant it was no longer shooting at my Iron warriors who had already been on the receiving end of much pain from its volcano cannon. We, on the chaos side had nothing to counter it, but I did recall that I had a warhound titan sitting in box in the garage. Now that the plans for a game this year are going ahead, it is time to get the titan assembled and painted. 

 

The kit itself is not fantastic quality. I seem to recall receiving it as payment for commission painting many years ago, but the details are hazy. My Deathguard are very rusty and corroded so I'm hoping to use my collection of weathering powders to hide the imperfections in the casting. Nurgle hobby is very forgiving.

 

Many warhounds appear to be very hunched and look like they are about to fall flat on their face. I'm hoping to avoid this, and have a unique pose. I always like models to appear to be interactive with the terrain they are on. This one will be on a rocky base (let's face facts, it will probably only ever see one game), that will be built up around the titan's feet. It is hard to know where to start with this project, but I think I have settled on constructing the feet/legs/hips first then attaching it to the base. The weapons, head and carapace will be done as sub assemblies. I'm not planning on painting the interior, preferring it to be sealed shut. The toes will be pinned, but kept movable to allow for better conformity with the terrain when I get to that stage. The end of June is my deadline for assembly. 

 

 

 

 

[korocite]

Starting with the feet and toes. I’ve built up some supports under the feet to keep them off the base (initially at least). A hole had been drilled in the centre of the sockets to allow for a screw to come up from underneath and then into the ball of the ankle for strength. 
 

 

[korocite]

[korocite]

Here is how the toes look after drilling out the points of articulation. 

Edited May 19, 2024 by korocite

[korocite]

 And then screw up #1. While forcing the brass rod through the holes in the right toe, I managed to break their point of attachment with the foot in two places. This should not be a major problem, but I am surprised how brittle the resin is. 
 

 

[korocite]

The feet will remain in this state until it is on a base. Then the pistons will go in. 
 

 

[korocite]

Drilling holes for the legs. I’m concerned about the strength of the middle section. Not sure how I will reinforce this yet. 

 

 

[BIG]

It looks tedious, this is why I like the Eldar titans, much less messing around, but then again I don't actually own one so am not entirely sure that statement is true.  Looking forward to seeing your progress and need to get to work on the Stormlord to try and help the infantry against the Nurgle tide.

[korocite]

I would not say tedious. I feel like it is a modelling challenge that I need right now. I’m quite enjoying the process. That being said, the Eldar titans are very pretty.

The legs are done. That took an entire tube of superglue gel. Onto the hips next. 
 

 

 

 

[BIG]

You really need something for scale, the legs don't look that big😁

[korocite]

2 hours ago, BIG said:

You really need something for scale, the legs don't look that big😁

Working on the pose

 

 

[korocite]

The legs are now screwed into the base. I’m planning to reinforce the middle section of the legs with 2.5mm brass rod. My local hobby shop didn’t have any so I’ve ordered some from BNA. I will also use this to replace the 0.81mm rod that is seen running through the legs/hips.The order should be here in a few days. It might be time to start on the base.

 

 

[BIG]

Ok now that makes it look stupidly huge.  I need to get some plastic glue to start building the Stormlord, I really should get on that otherwise the Warhound won't have enough company for the game.

What are you going to do with the base?

[korocite]

It will be a dark grey rocky base, much the same as the dragon in the pic below. I was planning to build up the base now, but then found a bag of pine bark that I sealed and painted earlier (for the river terrain piece). To save double painting it, I will assemble and paint the warhound first, then build the base. 
 

The minor afternoon update is fixing the front and rear pistons. 

 

 

 

[korocite]

Though it doesn’t look like I have made any progress, the legs have been diasassembled, reassembled, pinned and glued (epoxy, kneadatite, superglue).

I will leave this for a few days, then think about the pistons and torso.

 

[BIG]

Mechanicum approved G-Clamp I hope?

Will you try to assemble it so it can be pulled apart for storage/transportation purposes or once its together its together?

I need to get some plastic glue so I can start the Stormlord for this thing to shoot at...

[korocite]

I’ve been contemplating that problem. I’m currently leaning towards fixed assembly, but then start thinking about magnets…

[BIG]

Will need some pretty hefty magnets. Could you install a bolt and nut and screw the thing together?

[korocite]

That is possible, but making that bolt accessible might have a negative impact on the overall appearance. I’ve ordered some magnets, and will play around once they arrive.

 

 In the meantime, the leg pistons are all done. 

 

 

[korocite]

Assembly of  the chassis has begun. I’ve mostly used epoxy glue, and will pin just about everything I can. 
 

 

[BIG]

So much little details on such a big model.  Can't not like a gun longer than a Leman Russ....

I take it you are going to keep it in parts for painting purposes?

[korocite]

That’s right. It is too big to sensibly fit on my painting desk. I’ve decided to do a basic paint job on the crew and servitors as they will be partially visible. 

The main body has been drilled and washed. Once dry, it will be pinned and glued.

The rocks have had a wash with army painter dark tone to more closely match the rest of the death guard. 
 

 

[korocite]

I took advantage of the relatively warm, dry day to do some undercutting and based coating. 

[korocite]

Pinning, gluing and clamping the chassis.

 

 

 

 

[korocite]

The other side of the chassis.