As probably most of you know I am a very big and dedicated Space Wolf fan. I have been since Rogue Trader with my first army of Space Wolves that were painted up to look more or less like Imperial Fists in camouflage. That army along with the other two that followed are on someone else's shelf or bits box now. To be honest I still regret selling my first army, as it was made up of those ultra cool first Space Marine minis the kids like me fell in love with all those years ago.
This is my fourth army of Space Wolves, and before I sat down to design it I wanted to establish a look for each unit, as well as the army as a whole. Having said that, I did not want to loose focus on why I was building the army - that is to play with it and not collect a new army for the sake of collecting one; painting it up to very high standards and leaving it in the showcase. I decided to do this by building up each unit on three defining criteria.
The first criterion I would look at was a 'parts concept'. Choosing the parts would establish the overall look of the marine. I went about this depending on the function and status of the unit and accordingly build it up from normal Space Marine parts or Space Wolf parts.
The second would be the modelling. Once again, depending on the function and status of the unit, I would add stuff like wolf pelts, wolf tooth necklaces, wolf tails, belts, skulls and trophies.
The third and final criteria I would employ in designing the army would be the painting. This concept would also define the look of the army as a whole.
I decided to make a breakdown of each pack type which I will list below, stating how it would be built up according to the three criteria discussed above.
The Blood Claws
These are the equivalent to scouts in other Space Marine chapters. They are relatively young and undisciplined and eager to prove themselves in combat. Hence I wanted them to be dynamic without furs or fur cloaks or trophies. These are trappings they still have to earn.
Parts Concept:- Only use Space Marine legs (majority in running poses) and torsos (with few exceptions). As for backpacks and shoulder pads I only use the normal Space Marine ones.
Modelling Concept:- No modelling except for a 'Rune of Acceptance' on their right shoulder pad. Unlike the other trophies of other units, Blood Claws strive to have this mark removed and take their place among the Grey Hunters. I also added blades to specialists to denote their special role.
The Grey Hunters
These are a special type of Tactical Squad formation, unique to the Sons of Russ. Unlike normal Tactical squads that carry Bolters and a bolt pistol, Grey Hunters carry a second close combat weapon.
Parts Concept:- Only use Space Marine legs (minority in running poses) and mostly Space Wolf torsos (with few exceptions). I also arm them with Bolters and a close combat weapon (usually a chainsword). As for backpacks I only use the normal Space Marine ones.
Modelling Concept:- Grey Hunters are mature experienced warriors. As such I model furs, wolf tooth necklaces, wolf tails, trophies and other trappings freely.
The Long Fangs
These are a the long range support for the Space Wolves. They are in themselves veterans and some of the longest serving warriors in the Chapter.
Parts Concept:- These are the first unit type where I only use Space Wolf legs (majority in standing poses) and torsos (with few exceptions). This helps show their privileged and respectful position within the Chapter.
Painting Concept:- Like the other units, I wanted to keep the original second edition pack markings so I painted the shoulder pads in black and white. Unlike the other packs, all my Long Fang packs will have the same pack marking. This will allow me to freely mix heavy weapons between them without having to magnetise.
Farewell and good health
NR