Why the Vespids?
Back in 4th edition I collected Tau, and while many are drawn to the battle suits, I always found the auxiliary forces more interesting. Back then I only had a couple of Kroot though. So when I came back to 40K 2 Years ago and restarted the tau force it was clear that I wanted to lean in more heavily into the other Alien races of the Tau empire. Luckily Games Workshop redid the Vespids last year as Kill Team so here we are.
The Painting Process
I wasn’t sure what color scheme to use, I wanted something that matched my main Tau force but still felt distinct. In the end, I chose Space Wolves Grey for the bodies, and I think it works well.
Is a bit distinct, these are “alien” to the Tau of course but Ive also used a scheme I find a good fit for the Kroot and didnt want to reuse that for the Vespids.
So at the end I decided to go with Space Wolves Grey for they main Body and I find that suits them well, it is quite similar to the original Box art painting but I dig it.
Favorite bits
These guys took contrast paints really well so in general, they were done super fast. I did like their skin and wings and was surprised by how much I enjoy their poses.
While I think they couldve done a bit more with “hovering” poses overall I feel they are very fitting.
I really liked doing the highlights on there faces, especially the eyes were fun. Usually I dont do Eyes because the effort seems rarely worth it but since they had such a strong contrast I did it here.
Wrapping up
While I am not sure if and when they will see the table, they will absolutely be part of the list next time I will play Tau.
I would also love for them to get a character or two and who knows, maybe down the line even a few more models similar to the recent Kroot release.
Paint recipes
I base coated them with White Scar Spray
- For their Skin I used Space Wolves Grey Contrast.
- The wings I left with the base coat (for now)
- The weapons I painted with Black Templar and Ultramarines Blue Contrast
- The Backpacks I also painted with Ultramarines Blue Contrast
- The Ruins were painted with Basilicanum Grey Contrast and Vallejo Mecha Color Steel.
- I shaded the entire Stingwing with Nuln Oil and the ruins/skulls with Agrax Earthshade
- After I dry brushed the entire Mini with Corax White, I did all the talons and fangs with Ironrach Skin.
- For the eyes I have used Yriel Yellow and then fix up the frames around the eyes with Blue Horror
- Finally I used Frostheart Contrast for the weapon crystal.
Next steps
For the Tau I still have last years Christmas Battleforce lying around. So I`ll probably finish these before I buy new stuff for the army.
Painted models for this army
Characters
- 1x Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit
- 1x Kroot Flesh Shaper
- 1x Kroot War Shaper
Battleline
- 1x Breacher Team (10 miniatures each)
- 1x Strike Team (10 miniatures each)
Infantry
- 2x Kroot Carnivores (10 miniatures each)
- 2x Vespid Stingwings (5 miniatures each)
Mounted
- 1x Krootox Rampagers (3 miniatures each)
- 1x Krootox Rider
Vehicle
Dedicated Transport
- 1x Devilfish