Kitbash Nobz: Unleash Your Inner Ork Mekboy!
Hey fellow Ork enthusiasts! Ever find yourself swimming in a sea of leftover bits after assembling your Nobz? Those extra pieces aren't just plastic; they're a treasure trove of kitbashing potential! This guide dives deep into the awesome world of converting those Nobz bits into unique Ork creations, from kustom characters to tricked-out vehicles. So, grab your clippers, plastic glue, and let's get krumpin' (in a creative way, of course!).
Why Kitbash with Nobz Bits?
Before we jump into the how-to, let's talk about why Nobz bits are so darn good for kitbashing. First off, Nobz are chunky! Their larger size compared to Boyz means their bits are more substantial, making them perfect for adding bulk and detail to other models. Think bigger shoulder pads, more imposing weapons, and generally more Orky awesomeness. Beyond the size, Nobz kits are packed with variety. You get a ton of weapon options, from choppas and sluggas to power klaws and big shootas. This weapon variety alone makes Nobz bits a kitbasher's dream. You can arm your other Orks with more unique weaponry, create specialized units, or even build entirely new characters. The armor plates, decorative pieces, and bionic bits included in the Nobz kit also add a ton of character to any model. Want to make a Boy look like he's seen a few battles? Slap on some Nobz armor. Need a Warboss with extra dakka? A Nobz big shoota is just the ticket. Ultimately, kitbashing with Nobz bits lets you inject your personality and creativity into your Ork army. It's about making your WAAAGH! truly your own, filled with unique characters and vehicles that tell a story. Plus, it's a fantastic way to save money. Why buy a whole new kit when you can use what you already have to create something amazing? So, are you ready to unleash your inner Mekboy? Let's get started!
Unleashing Your Inner Mekboy: Ideas for Kitbashing with Nobz Bits
Okay, so you're convinced Nobz bits are awesome. But what can you actually do with them? The possibilities are truly endless, but let's explore some key areas where Nobz bits can shine. The first and most obvious use is upgrading your Boyz. Nobz shoulder pads, armor plates, and weapons can transform regular Boyz into more imposing veterans. Imagine a squad of Boyz sporting Nobz choppas and extra armor, ready to tear through the enemy lines. You can even use Nobz heads to give your Boyz a more grizzled, experienced look. This is a fantastic way to visually distinguish veteran squads or create a dedicated unit of 'ard Boyz. Next up, let's talk about kustom characters. Nobz bits are perfect for creating unique Warbosses, Painboyz, and other Ork characters. A Nobz power klaw on a Warboss instantly makes him look more menacing, while a collection of bionic bits can create a suitably gruesome Painboy. The variety of heads in the Nobz kit also allows you to create characters with distinct personalities and expressions. For vehicles, Nobz bits can add extra armor, weapons, and general Orky flair. A Nobz big shoota mounted on a Trukk or Wartrakk adds some serious firepower, while extra armor plates can make your vehicles look even more resilient. You can even use Nobz bits to create entirely new vehicles, like kustom buggies or warbikes. One of the coolest things you can do with Nobz bits is create specialized units. Need some tankbustas? Give them Nobz rokkit launchas and plenty of extra explosives. Want a squad of burna Boyz? Use Nobz burnas and fuel tanks to create some truly pyromaniacal Orks. The possibilities are endless! Don't forget about basing! Nobz bits can also be used to create dynamic and interesting bases for your models. Extra weapons, armor plates, and even body parts can add a sense of action and narrative to your bases. Think of a Nob standing triumphantly over a pile of wreckage, or a Boy charging forward through a field of spent shell casings. The key here is experimentation. Don't be afraid to try new things, mix and match different bits, and see what you can create. The more you experiment, the more creative your kitbashing will become.
Tools of the Trade: What You'll Need for Kitbashing
Before we get to the actual kitbashing, let's talk tools. Having the right tools makes the process smoother, more enjoyable, and ultimately, results in better-looking models. First and foremost, you'll need a good set of plastic clippers. These are essential for cleanly removing bits from the sprue and for trimming parts to fit together. A hobby knife, such as an X-Acto knife, is also crucial for cleaning up mold lines, smoothing edges, and making precise cuts. Be careful when using a hobby knife, and always cut away from yourself. Plastic glue is the adhesive of choice for plastic models. It melts the plastic together, creating a strong and permanent bond. There are different types of plastic glue available, so experiment to find one you like. Some modelers prefer liquid plastic glue, which is applied with a brush, while others prefer thicker glues that come in a tube. A good set of files and sanding sticks is essential for smoothing surfaces and removing imperfections. Different grades of files and sanding sticks are available, so you can start with a coarser grit and work your way up to a finer grit for a smooth finish. For filling gaps and imperfections, plastic putty is your friend. There are various types of plastic putty available, such as green stuff and liquid putty. Green stuff is a two-part epoxy putty that can be sculpted and shaped, while liquid putty is a thin paste that can be applied to fill small gaps. Don't forget about pinning. For larger or more complex conversions, pinning can add extra strength and stability. Pinning involves drilling small holes in the parts you want to join and inserting a metal pin (such as a paperclip or brass rod) into the holes. This creates a mechanical bond that is much stronger than glue alone. Lastly, a cutting mat will protect your work surface from scratches and glue spills. A self-healing cutting mat is ideal, as it will last longer and provide a better surface for cutting. With the right tools in hand, you'll be well-equipped to tackle any kitbashing project. Now, let's move on to the actual process!
The Kitbashing Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Alright, you've got your Nobz bits, your tools are ready, and your imagination is firing on all cylinders. Now, let's break down the kitbashing process into manageable steps. The first step is planning. Before you even touch your clippers, take some time to think about what you want to create. What kind of model are you building? What look are you going for? Sketch out your ideas, gather reference images, and generally get a clear vision in your mind. This will save you time and frustration in the long run. Next, it's time to gather your bits. Sort through your Nobz sprue and any other bits you might want to use. Organize them in a way that makes it easy to find what you're looking for. A tackle box or a set of small containers can be very helpful for this. Once you've gathered your bits, it's time for cutting and trimming. Use your plastic clippers to carefully remove the bits from the sprue. Then, use your hobby knife to clean up any mold lines or imperfections. This step is crucial for ensuring a clean and professional-looking final product. Now comes the fun part: dry-fitting. Before you glue anything, hold the bits together and see how they look. Experiment with different combinations and positions until you find something you like. This is the time to make any necessary adjustments or modifications. Once you're happy with the fit, it's time to glue it all together. Apply a small amount of plastic glue to the surfaces you want to join, and hold the parts together until the glue sets. If you're using super glue, be careful not to use too much, as it can dry quickly and make adjustments difficult. For larger or more complex conversions, consider pinning the parts together for extra strength. This involves drilling small holes in the parts and inserting a metal pin. After the glue has dried, it's time for gap filling. If there are any gaps or imperfections, use plastic putty to fill them. Apply a small amount of putty to the gap, and then use a sculpting tool or your finger to smooth it out. Once the putty has dried, you can sand it smooth for a seamless finish. Finally, it's time for detailing. Add any extra bits or details you want to include, such as rivets, wires, or battle damage. This is your chance to really personalize your model and make it your own. Congratulations! You've successfully kitbashed a model using Nobz bits. Now, it's time to paint it up and add it to your WAAAGH!
Kitbashing Inspiration: Examples and Ideas
Need a little extra inspiration? Let's look at some specific examples of how you can use Nobz bits for awesome conversions. First, consider Warboss conversions. Nobz power klaws, big choppas, and 'eavy armor are all fantastic additions to a Warboss. You can even use Nobz heads to create a truly imposing leader. Try combining Nobz bits with parts from other kits, such as the Meganobz or the Ghazghkull Thraka kit, for even more customization options. Painboy conversions are another great option. Nobz bionic bits, surgical tools, and gruesome details can create a suitably unsettling Painboy. Consider adding extra arms or legs, exposed wires, and plenty of bloody details. You could even use a Nobz backpack to represent a portable operating table. For Meganob conversions, Nobz bits can add extra bulk and detail to your Meganobs. Use Nobz armor plates to create even more heavily armored suits, or add extra weapons and bionic bits for a truly fearsome appearance. Nobz power stabbas can be used as alternate power klaws, and Nobz kombi-weapons can add some variety to your Meganob firepower. Tankbusta conversions can benefit greatly from Nobz rokkit launchas and explosives. Use Nobz ammo belts and pouches to create a truly bomb-happy unit. You can even use Nobz heads with goggles or masks to represent the Tankbustas' specialized gear. Don't forget about vehicle upgrades. Nobz big shootas, armor plates, and decorative bits can all be used to customize your Ork vehicles. Add extra armor plates to your Trukks and Battlewagons, or mount Nobz big shootas on your Wartrakks and Warbuggies for extra firepower. You can even use Nobz bits to create entirely new vehicles, such as kustom warbikes or scrap-built artillery pieces. Beyond specific conversions, consider theming your army. Use Nobz bits to create a cohesive look and feel for your entire WAAAGH!. For example, you could create an army of heavily armored Orks by using Nobz armor plates on all of your models. Or, you could create a tech-heavy army by adding bionic bits and mechanical details to your Orks. Remember, the possibilities are endless! The key is to let your imagination run wild and experiment with different ideas. Don't be afraid to try new things and see what you can create.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the WAAAGH! of Kitbashing
So there you have it, a comprehensive guide to kitbashing with Nobz extra bits! Hopefully, this has inspired you to unleash your inner Mekboy and start creating some truly unique and awesome Orks. Remember, kitbashing is all about creativity and experimentation. Don't be afraid to try new things, make mistakes, and learn from them. The more you kitbash, the better you'll become, and the more unique your army will be. Nobz bits are a fantastic resource for kitbashing, offering a wealth of options for upgrading your Boyz, creating kustom characters, and customizing your vehicles. But the real magic of kitbashing lies in the process itself. It's a chance to express your creativity, tell stories with your models, and make your army truly your own. It’s about making the models more personable and unique so they tell their stories on the battlefield, and make your WAAAGH! stand out from the rest. So grab those Nobz bits, gather your tools, and get to work. Embrace the WAAAGH! of kitbashing, and let your imagination run wild. Your Orks will thank you for it! Now get out there and make Gork and Mork proud!