Execution Force Assassins

 I was able to get the assassins from Execution Force from a friend who didn't need them.  They are all pretty cool, and I found them fairly easy to assemble.  The sprue configuration definitely lends credence to the rumor they will be released later on as single packs.

 They were all kept to the same pallet of GW paints, with Abaddon Black as the predominant color.  I have yet to play with them, but the Eversor is my favorite of them - aesthetically.  Rules-wise, I have always been a sucker for the Callidus.

 Having the White Dwarf with all of the rules is also a great money saver, as I had no intention of purchasing the e-book edition of their codex.  It will be interesting to see if the Assassins get incorporated into a larger codex in print, like one with Inquisition.

House Terryn Knights

 I chose to build my Knight Titans in House Terryn colors for their connection to the Ultramarines.  Also, their proximity to Ultramar - as noted in the Imperial Knights codex - helps as well.  Initially I built only the one knight with the rapid fire battle cannon and reaper chainsword.  This model does have some painting differences, mainly how I missed the red back halves of the shoulder pads.  Also, the differences in how I painted their bases too.

 The second Knight I built was the Knight Crusader, mainly because at heart, I am a player who would rather shoot or form a gun line, than charge.  Each of the Knights was given heraldry that somewhat mimics what is depicted in the codex, though there are weapon variations.  For instance, the missile pod seems much more worthwhile than the anti-aircraft weapon.

 The last Knight I built was the Knight Warden.  This Knight is the Baron of my formation, which is one of the reasons why I differentiated it slightly, but giving it gold smoke stacks instead of silver.

Ultramarines Spartan

The biggest difficulty I had with this model was one of the energy cables disappearing on me while building it.  Otherwise it is basically just a bigger Land Raider.  Not wanting to have to bother with water slide transfers, I opted to raid my dwindling supply of brass etched.

 Knowing the scare effect Land Raiders have upon players, I am sure the Spartan would have a similar "kill it fast" effect.  That kind of psychological effect can be interesting to observe, especially when playing in tournaments that allow Forge World.  Though this purchase was mainly a way to round out my Ultramarines Chapter, it also helps beef up my Pre-Heresy force, which does include a 20 Marine Tactical squad.

While working on this model, I found another on Ebay, so expect to see Spartan 2 as a post some time in the future.

Ultramarines Deredeo

When I first saw the Deredeo, I knew it was a model I would want to add to my collection immediately.  I think this kind of impulse buying is one of the things Forge World relies on, because if I had waited, I most likely would have picked up the plasma carronade variant instead.

However, now I am not sure if I will just add another Deredeo, and if I do, then it probably would be a benefit to add a third, since most vehicles now come in squadrons of three.

 However, this model fulfills the desire I had to build a Contemptor with twin assault cannons and missile launcher, so I feel I can wait to add my third Contemptor when the Ultramarine variant is released.