40k: Bringing New Life to an Old Friend

This week the Griffons go mobile with their first transport, a Rhino APC.

The Rhino Chassis

This is the sixth time I've painted a vehicle based on the Rhino chassis that GW introduced about 5 years ago. It's an amazing kit, in that it is truly scalable. All space marine ground vehicles, loyalist and chaos alike, are built on this one design, land raiders excepted. If you're painting marines, you're going to be spending some serious time with this kit. It's a clean and simple assembly, but it's ubiquity is a double edged sword.

The fact of the matter is that Rhinos are boring. We're so used to seeing the chassis brimming with guns, armor, and other goodies, that when we see the basic Rhino it becomes rather lackluster. It is up to us to take this humble kit and make it interesting.

Why bother? Because, depending on the game, that Rhino may be the only thing you have to represent the ten marines that are riding in it.

Think about that.

If there's ten well painted space marines you're leaving off the table, then your Rhino should be ten times more interesting than a single space marine. That's a pretty tall order, but with a strong visual theme, it's possible.

Urbanize Vehicles: Modeling

Urbanizing a vehicle is all about function.

Before you add anything past the basic build, ask yourself: Why would they bring this? The purity seals and banners can stay home, but a couple tarps could come in handy, rope or cable is always good to have around, as are repair kits and medical supplies. Communication is key, so maybe an extra antennae or two is in order. The idea is to give the impression of a self sustaining field operative.

Urbanize Vehicles: Painting

Once the vehicle is modeled completely, there are several elements that can be added to the surface of the model to reinforce the established theme. Some of the most popular Rhinos on the net are from people who use the tank as a canvas to create wild illustrations. While the skill set is impressive, it's not really in line with the urban combat theme, unless you want to have the tank camouflaged as a graffiti-strewn wall (email me if you've done this: thatguyjames-at-gmail-dot-com). It is possible to have interesting freehand without being ostentatious.

Again, functionality is key.

In this theme, vehicle markings are meant to convey pertinent information to the viewer. Here are some examples of what a marine would need to know when looking at a vehicle:

• Loyalist or renegade
• Chapter of origin
• Squad designation
• Weapon capabilities
• Model and make

These pieces of information can be conveyed in a number of subtle and not-so-subtle ways. In this Rhino, the aquila and colors show that it belongs to the Howling Griffons, a Loyalist marine chapter. The prominence of the arrow symbol as well as the number 1 indicates it is transporting marines from the 1st tactical squad. When combined, these elements will add a strong atmospheric element to your model. You begin to build a micro-narrative for the vehicle with every extra detail you add. Every scar on the armor is telling of the battles it has seen, every piece of equipment where it has yet to go.

Balance is vital. Just as an underdetailed model does not hold interest, an overworked model becomes messy and difficult to look at. Take your time and reevaluate frequently; you're the only one who knows when it's done. With these ideas in mind, you'll end up with a transport you can be proud to have represent your boys on the tabletop.