Chainswords

[Koval]

Are there any large chainswords in 28mm that could work in 54mm without looking too small? I dare say Malicant's contraption is a tad large, and the model I'm currently eyeing up for a conversion does not strike me as being particularly muscular.

So far, the only things that look appropriate are a Sister Repentia's eviscerator (which is at least single-edged) and that monstrosity Gabriel Seth is holding (which isn't, as far as I can tell), but it's entirely possible that I've missed something more suitable.

[krenshar]

I've seen two ork boy chainsword-choppas combined to good effect.  It's single edged but you may want to file down the cowling on the toothless side to slim it down some and make it look less orky.

[Holiad]

I have a character with two chainswords off a chaos marines sprue and they look just fine-the 28mm proportions are simply that heroic.

[Koval]

I have a character with two chainswords off a chaos marines sprue and they look just fine-the 28mm proportions are simply that heroic.

Out of interest, do you have any pictures of the model in question?

[MarcoSkoll]

How do you define "large"? Two 28mm plastic chainswords glued end to end definitely produces something impressively sized at 54mm.



As for 28mm chainswords used neat (as per Silva or Shayna), they do look a little short, so I tend to make them "Short chainswords" (for which I use Reach 2, 3D5 damage, -20% PP)

[Koval]

How do you define "large"?

Large enough that the chain/housing (I want to say "blade" but chainswords don't really have a blade in the sense that a normal sword does) is about as long as a character's leg. So, a little bit longer than what Silva's holding.

Two 28mm plastic chainswords glued end to end definitely produces something impressively sized at 54mm.

I'd do that if I wasn't absolutely certain the end result would look crooked. Worth keeping in mind, though, as I've got a few plastic chainswords knocking about in my box.

On a side note, it's always come as a source of amusement that 28mm hands work at 54mm.

[MarcoSkoll]

I'd do that if I wasn't absolutely certain the end result would look crooked.

If you've got a suitable (preferably metal) ruler, use it as a guide. Apply enough poly cement to soften the cut chainsword ends a bit, then press the chainsword's side against the ruler (the motor will need to overhang the end of the ruler), then line up its back against the ruler's edge. Should come out perfectly straight after it sets, so just trim away any cement beading to finish. The fact it's not pinned shouldn't be a major problem. It is plastic, after all.

The trickier bit is really trying to get the teeth to look like one continuous chain, but that can also be done with the cement softened plastic.

[Kaludram]

What about Ragnar Blackmane's chainsword?  I seem to recall that being fairly large from my days of playing against my friend's fangy marines....

[Holiad]

I have a character with two chainswords off a chaos marines sprue and they look just fine-the 28mm proportions are simply that heroic.

Out of interest, do you have any pictures of the model in question?

http://www.the-conclave.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=383.msg4690#msg4690

There's some good pictures of him on this topic, alongside his fellow crusader, whose sword also came off the Csm sprue. I didn't have to do any conversion work on any of those swords, just took them straight off the sprue, and while not quite up to Malicant's or Covenant's standards they look more than adequate for smiting unbelievers.

[Necris]

Van Helser has used chainswords in the past to great effect Jan Kierys is a prime example

[Van Helser]

Here's a better view of that chainsword:

If I remember right, it was two Cadian chainswords stuck together, with the handle from a sheathed Chaos Warrior sword.

Ruaridh