Games Workshop makes wonderful models for both the Warhammer Fantasy Battle (WFB) and Warhammer 40,000 (40K) model ranges and I sometimes can't help wishing when I see a great model for WFB that it was made for 40K. Years ago I realized this dilemma actually presented great conversion opportunities. Being a fan of the Chaos range most of all this attitude has lent itself to numerous conversions over the years, some simple and some complex. The purpose of this brief hobby article is to demonstrate some of the possibilities of using WFB miniatures for 40K and to present a couple examples, one simple and the other less so, of just how much fun this can be. Conversions like this expand the model range for the hobbyist and allow for the construction of something unique for one's army without a major investment.
The picture above shows two conversions I did a few years ago. The one on the left is a classic Chaos Champion model from the WFB range. The one on the right is based on a Nurgle Sorcerer model from the WFB range. I'll talk about each briefly in turn.
The iconic Slaanesh Champion miniature sculpted years ago was based on an old painting by John Blanche. I love this classic sculpt so much that when I was building some additional Slaanesh Marines a few years ago I decided to turn this model into a Lord or Champion for that force. Not having the heart to do any converting to my original lead cast of this miniature, I purchased a second one in pewter and added the "noise marine champion" backpack to it as well as a small plastic holstered pistol on the waist around the rear. These simple additions to the model make it fit right in with my Slaaneshi forces without doing any major conversion work. Besides being quick and easy, this conversion also preserved the look of the original model which was important to me in this particular case.
For the Nurgle Chaos Lord conversion I was interested in showcasing my converting skills rather than preserving the original sculpt. I started with the body of a WFB Nurgle Sorcerer, but everything else on or around the model comes from sources not connected to the original model. The head and hands are from the plastic Chaos Marine range, the daemon weapon was built using bits from numerous kits glued to brass rod, the wings come from a WFB bat model and the rock outcrop it stands upon was made from putty. This conversion took more than a few minutes because of all the drilling, cutting, pinning, bending and sculpting involved, but (hopefully) resulted in a truly unique and characterful Chaos Lord for my army.
Conversions from WFB to 40K aren't just limited to the Chaos ranges either. With some skill and creativity Elf models can be used in the Eldar range, Orcs and Goblins can be used for Orks and Gretchin, and so on. Additionally, bits from WFB can often be used just to supplement or decorate 40K models, such as icons, banners, feathers, cloaks, badges, shields, shield bosses, etc. The plastic cape shown on my Master of the Deathwing is a perfect example of a WFB part being used to add just the right touch to a 40K conversion. So why not have a go at this yourself? Your imagination is the limit! As usual, leave your questions and comments below and good luck with your own adventures in converting.
