Space Marines to the rescue!

So the new space marine codex came out two weeks ago.  I haven't purchased it yet, having made a promise to someone special that I wouldn't, but figured since it has arrived it's time to finish up some tactical marine models that are lying around.  These 4 are a part of 6 that will be my razorback squad.  The razorback is a transport that can carry up to 6 models that are normal sized, larger ones being denoted bulky and very bulky.  It has a turret on top of it giving it limited offensive capabilities and it's main purpose is really to soak up some incoming fire so the troops can move forward.

Up until this point, I've just pulled some of the Ultramarines painted back in my starting days and thrown them into the battle force.  I'm a bit of a perfectionist and it's always bugged me that these blue guys were riding around with the rest of my red forces.  Additionally, Dave decided he wanted to try out kill team, and from what we've read the tournaments for kill team require your models to be fully painted and based (it's only 200 pts of models, about 10 tac marines and a few heavy weapons).  The rules also said they needed to be What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG).  If you look closely, each model has grenades and a pistol on them to represent the basic wargear options.

This painting experience was a bit different due to a supplement GW has just put out for free that covers base painting techniques for space marine tactical marines.  Using those techniques and suggestions on various parts of these models has really increased the quality of the paint job.  his guide also gave me some great ideas on how to paint various parts of the miniature.

Now one small statement here - obviously I am in no way shape or form employed or affiliated with GW.  I make this shout out however because that manual gave me some really good tips and suggestions, and it's free, so why not go pick it up and see there's anything helps you?

The model's base was done using some painting techniques from the book with a twist.  In the book, they use Armageddon dust on the vehicle for dirt kicked up on the side, and dry brush tyrant skull on top.  I used that same pattern on the bases and then washed with Agrax earthshade to make the top parts of the bases match the brown used on the ring.  Lastly, some hobby grass and flock was used to spice up the bases and make them a bit more colorful.

The other two models are complete except the Sergent.  For that model, I plan on using some transfer pens to apply the faction symbol to his shoulder pad.  If it turns out good, I'll post some pics later.

-Cj