(converted Assault Marine Jump Pack)

One of my favourite units in the Space Marine codex also happens to be one of my favourite models - the Vanguard Veterans. In terms of customization though, the two don't really sync up. Vanguard Veterans can take a bewildering number of Close Combat weapon choices, but are offered as static metal models. I wanted to create a group of Vanguard Veterans I could equip easily as I saw fit - from the standard "Bolt Pistol and Chainsword" to "Dual Thunderhammers" and everything in between. That's where this conversion project started.

In this article I'll go over how I added detail to the Jump Pack, primarily using Green Stuff. Further articles will cover Magnetizing the arms and other aspects of the conversion.


I began by adding some stock Purity Seals to the right side of the Pack - nothing too serious.


I then added a small bird emblem to the top-left side of the Pack. A small bit of Green Stuff was flattened in place, and then trimmed to the rough shape using an Xacto blade. A little more Green Stuff was added for the tail section, and the beak was shaped.


Feather-like lines are added using the tip of an Xacto knife, and a dot is added for the eye. This process is repeated on the opposite side.


I wanted to add a chain around one part of the Pack, similar to one of the original Vanguard Veteran models. I first rolled out a thin piece of Green Stuff and wrapped it around the jet, flattening it out as I went. Using a pointy, round sculpting tool (similar to a toothpick or BBQ Skewer) I poked evenly-spaced holes into the Chain, leaving a good gap between them.


Using the round end of the Citadel Sculpting tool, I pushed down on each side of the holes, and then using the Pointed end, I indented the space between the holes to give the appearance of chain links. A little more poking, denting, and smoothing, and I was able create the appearance of interlocked chain links.


A few trophies/honours were added to the chain - a bullet for Marksmanship, a small (and rather rough) Imperial Eagle, and a Skull. The Jump Pack is done, and it's time to move onto the rest of the model!