Fresh Coast Gaming

Blood Angel Contemptor with Dual Blood Talons

I finished up the painting on my Blood Angels Contemptor Dreadnought this week. I decided to make more work for myself by not using my airbrush this time. I wanted to try a brush paint layering technique to try and get a faded look for this ancient machine of war. Ultimately, I am happy with the end result even though it took a lot of thin layers of paint to achieve the faded color I wanted.

Former Sanguinary Priest, Brother Grayl awakens in the Bio Lab

Before painting the model, I added some Blood Angel's icons to the shoulders and put some small chalice pieces onto the shield-badges. I primed the model with Krylon gray. Next I painted all the red plating using layers of Mechrite Red, Blood Red, and Baal Red Wash mixed with Badab Black Wash. The highlights were done with Blazing Orange. I used a brass acrylic paint from a brand called Craftsmart for the edging. Boltgun metal was used for most of the exposed gear areas and Blood Talons with Mithril Silver highlighting added to the raised areas. Sunburst yellow lightly washed with Devlan Mud was used for the helmet.

I did sort of mess up at the end using a cheap brand spray matte finish. It gave the finished model a dusty look that I was not too happy with. I used a wet paper towel to wash off some of the matte finish in time before it dried completely.

I painted up my two magnetized Kheres assault cannon arms for alternative load outs. The double Kheres assault cannon (Mortis Pattern) is technically not allowed for Blood Angels per the Imperial Armour rules. Perhaps I can use it as a "counts-as" Baal Predator for non-Apocalypse games? It just looks way too cool with with both guns equipped.

Dual Kheres Assault Cannon - Mortis Pattern Contemptor

I used the double claw version as a "counts-as" Furioso Dreadnought during the tournament at Gamer's Sanctuary this past weekend. I plan on taking it next week to Dark Future Games Adepticon Primer Tournament. My hope to enter this model for the single model paint competition and use it as a "counts-as" Furioso in my list.

Single Kheres Assault Cannon

The real fun will be using it as a REAL Contemptor in a regular Warhammer 40k game. Most standard marine lists deploy dreadnoughts on foot or in drop pods. Blood Angels (and Grey Knights) are fortunate to have a third option. Here is a BA mech list with two dreadnought including their delivery systems.

1850 Pts - Blood Angels Roster - Imperial Armor Allowed
Total Roster Cost: 1850

HQ: Librarian in Power Armour
     1 Librarian in Power Armour, Shield of Sanguinius, Sanguine Sword
Elite: Blood Angels Contemptor Pattern Dreadnought (IA) "Brother Grayl"
     1 Blood Angels Contemptor Pattern Dreadnought (IA) + Blood Talons
Elite: Furioso Dreadnought
     1 Furioso Dreadnought + Blood Talons
Elite: Sanguinary Priest
     1 Brother Corbulo
Troops: Assault Squad 6 Assault Marines
     1 Assault Marine with Meltagun
     1 Sergeant + Power Weapon
   1 Razorback + Lascannon and TL Plasmagun
Troops: Assault Squad 5 Assault Marines
     1 Assault Marine with Flamer
     1 Sergeant
     1 Razorback + Twin-Linked Assault Cannon+Searchlight
Troops: Assault Squad 5 Assault Marines
     1 Assault Marine with Flamer
     1 Sergeant
     1 Razorback + Twin-Linked Assault Cannon+Searchlight
Troops: Assault Squad 5 Assault Marines
     1 Assault Marine with Meltagun
     1 Sergeant
     1 Razorback + Lascannon and TL Plasmagun
Troops: Scout Squad 5 Scout Marines + Camo Cloaks
     3 Scouts with Sniper Rifles
     1 Scout with Missile Launcher
   1 Seargeant with Sniper Rifle
Heavy Support: Stormraven Gunship
   1 Stormraven Gunship, TL Multi-Melta, TL Lascannon
Heavy Support: Stormraven Gunship
     1 Stormraven Gunship, TL Multi-Melta, TL Lascannon
Heavy Support: Predator
     1 Predator + Lascannon sponsons

Against a list with a lot of long range shooting I usually reserve the Stormravens. If I go second Brother Corbulo's once-a-game reroll can help with bringing in reserves if needed.

It's not the size of the Blood Talons that matter...

That's it for now. I will have pictures posted after the tournament next week of my Contemptor in action as a Furioso. Feedback on my painting is appreciated!