Baneblade (I): building an Octoblade

As I introduced in the previous post, I wanted to build my Baneblade as Octoblade.

Honestly, I doubt I would ever try out in battle all 8 variants of the Baneblade, but hey, it is a very cool hobby project and I wanted to build it.

I have to say it has been quite challenging, but I am now a proud owner of an Octoblade!

I can't believe how many pieces this kit has!

First, I bought 50 3x1,5mm magnets as I already had 75 of the 2x1mm ones as recommended in the tutorial I was following as a guideline. I also used this other one as a visual help for the unclear parts.

It took me roughly 6 hours to sand and prepare all the components.

Then, another 4 or 5 to assemble, glue, drill, check, double check, triple check polarity and still manage to mess it up a couple of times and then remove and assemble again :)

For me the worst part where the variants of cannons that you can assemble as you need to measure and glue small plastic pieces to hold the magnets inside. That took more than a few attempts to get it right.

I have made small variations compared to what the tutorial was recommending. Basically, I used smaller magnets whenever I could as they were not only easier to drill, they were also handling the job quite well.

I have also left a few pieces without magnet as they just snap into place without help.

The only thing that I somehow managed not to get correctly is the front of the default Baneblade that is about 2mm higher than what it should be, I think it bended slightly when drying up. I was forced to cover it with a small plasticard piece that once painted nobody will be able to notice (that is at least the plan).

So, in total I have a bit over 10 hours of work already on the model and I have not even started to paint it.

I will do some painting experiments over the weekend. I will try out some camo patters using spray paint. I do not own an aero so I will do everything with my good 'ol brush.

Without further ado, here are the pictures of the eight variants.

Baneblade



Banehammer



Banesword



Doomhammer



Hellhammer



Shadowsword



Stormlord



Stormsword

All the pieces required to build these variants with ridiculously flamboyant names...

Now, let's get it painted!