This week, I have completed a unit of 6 Vanguard Veterans and some Heavy Flamer-totting Veterans for my Deathwatch army.
The Vanguard Veterans come armed for combat. I have four with a pair of Lightning Claws and two with Heavy Thunder Hammers. This unit should pack a good punch in combat, the big problem is getting them there intact.
I also painted up some Deathwatch Veterans; two armed with Heavy Flamers and one with an Infernus Heavy Flamer (to now give me two in the army). These units will work well in a Drop Pod to flame some infantry as they arrive.
When I have been building the Deathwatch, I have tried to give each Veteran a shoulder pad to match their fighting style and Chapter. For example, several of the Flamer carrying Veterans come from the Salamanders Chapter, Jump Pack infantry have a number of Raven Guard members, the Imperial Fists wield the Heavy Weapons and the assault units feature Blood Angels and Space Wolves. I think this helps to add to the background of each model.
The Deathwatch army is coming along very nicely. In just over a month, I have managed to paint around 1600 points worth of troops. The only thing I am missing is a HQ model to lead the force. I've wanted to save these till later, in order to try and improve my painting technique.
As it stands, I only have a handful of models left to paint; the Corvus Blackstar, another Drop Pod, Captain Artemis and most of the models from Deathwatch Overkill (about 7 left). If I can keep up this rate and standard, I will have the Deathwatch army completed within 2 months!