When I first started the Swordwind back in '99 there was no model of the Wave Serpent for 40K, the only versions being for Epic 40,000, which is what I based these two on. Later on Will Hayes created a conversion kit for Forgeworld and right up until only recently there still wasn't a plastic version made by the Studio. In the end what was released was a badly molested version of Will's elegant design in my opinion and a sad end to the saga. Unfortunately I had no such designs to go on at the time so I made do with my own version based on Epic. The key feature for me was the curved prow plates flanking the sides of the hull. These really added weight and depth to the model and along with the extended rear compartment significantly increased the overall size of the model compared to the Falcon. The deflector plates were all created out of plastic strip and mounted to follow the curves of the Falcons prow, the wave generator a combination of the Fire Prism Cannon parts and Dark Eldar Raider components. Similar to the plating, the rear compartment extension was made out of plastic strip and accommodates a detailed interior seating and working rear door. The turret was cut down from the Falcon and I mounted twin Scatter Lasers and Twin Shuriken on the Saim Hann and Biel Tan versions respectively.
Overall I was pleased with the look of the model and how closely it matched the Epic version, especially the deflector plates. It's not to everyone's tastes though I am certain. I do have one final Wave Serpent planned though before I finally draw a line under the conversion, that being a hybrid of both mine and Will's designs. I much prefer his sleeker more organic compartment extension and turret, but still prefer my heavier deflector plates. With that in mind I intend to make a third variant as a hybrid of the two using the Forgeworld kit as a starting point and adding the additional plating to broaden it out more like my versions above. If I didn't it would look far too small in comparison, so I kind of have to stick with it and continue what I started over five years ago. Even though this wraps up a look at the army I fielded back in 2000, I am by no means finished with the Eldar and will be adding some new additions and a fresh look to the army in the future including some real heavyweights. But that will be for another time, until then happy painting. |
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