LEGO Warhammer 101

A few weeks ago I reached out to two of LEGO customizers regarding how one might incorporate pieces from the Warhammer line of gaming figures into their minifig customs. Life being what it is, I hadn't been able to write up this article until now. Although 'Warhammer fever' has since cooled, I thought it would still be worthwhile to share these tips.

Warhammer and Warhammer 40K are table-top gaming systems that utilize small figurines. The painting and customization of figures via 'bitz' is as much of the experience as the role-playing game. Warhammer largely takes place in a fantasy setting much like Dungeons & Dragons, while Warhammer 40K is set in a dystopian science fiction universe. The scale of the Warhammer figures are not quite aligned to minifigures, but if you know where to look, you can find some great pieces.

In order to find answers to my questions I sought the help of two experts in both Warhammer and LEGO customization, JasBrick and Geoshift.

The first question I had was where to even begin looking if I wanted to see what might be available. A quick Google search on 'Warhammer' quickly lead me to the Games Workshop website. Games Workshop is the parent company that owns and produces the figures for both games. Even though I had found the 'mothership' it wasn't immediately clear which elements would actually be compatible with use on minifigures.

JasBrick offers up that the plastic parts (versus metal) are going to be your best bet. In fact those parts associated with the Tau Empire or Space Marines from 40K work quite well.

JasBrick: "The scale is not quite right, however GW uses a heroic scale which means that some of the pieces are exagerated in size.  The best kits to use are space marine and Tau kits, with the former having lots of nice details and bits like ammo packs and heraldic symbols, and the latter being good for sci-fi weaponry (from the battlesuit kits)."

A quick perusal of the Games Workshop site shows lots potential across the board, but what's difficult to discern is which parts are the right scale for minifigures. Geoshift had similar issues when he started to incorporate these 'bitz' into his work...

Geoshift: "I wish I had a good answer for this, but the truth is that it's very difficult. In fact, MOST of the parts I've purchased can't be used at all because they are simply too small and I don't have a good alternate use for them. Unfortunately it is often impossible to determine size from the photos [online]..."

So it's definitely 'buyer beware' when exploring parts for usage where you aren't certain of the scale. Looking around at Jas' and Geoshift's Flickr streams may give you an idea if a part you're considering has been used in their work previously.

So you've scoped out some parts and decided on which you want to buy. Do you start purchasing kits? JasBrick has some advice here...

JasBrick: "Would I recommend buying the kits for those that don't play WH40K.... NO.... these are expensive and the amount of usable parts in most cases do not warrant the expense.  What I would recommend is to use eBay for bits as a lot of people break down the kits.  Alternatively is try and find out if anyone you know is a GW player and ask for access to their 'Bitz Box' which any modeller worth the name will have.  You may find parts that they will have no use for that you can use to create a new custom."

Geoshift has purchased all of his parts off of eBay...

Geoshift: "I've found a few good sellers for these parts, including 'hoard_*_bits', 'window-box', and 'krazy_marine'. The best search terms are 'Warhammer bits' or '40K bits'. You will then find these guys and others selling just parts."

So you've raided the 'bitz box' and put in several orders on eBay. Now what?! What do the experts recommend on how to bring it all together...

Geoshift: "Because of the scale issues, the challenge is to find useful parts, then bring them together on a particular build in a way that flows and seems to make sense. So, I'm using parts in ways they were never intended in most cases (a jet pack becomes part of the armor chest-piece, or the top of a banner staff becomes a decorative shoulder guard). Of course, this is part of the fun as well!"

I want to thank Jas and Geoshift for sharing their wisdom on this topic. Hopefully this has been helpful for readers who may have considered using Warhammer in their customs but didn't know where to begin.

A quick review would suggest the following:

• Choose plastic over metal for minifigures
• Tau Warriors and Space Marines are a good place to start, but opportunities are everywhere
• Buying full kits may be pricey - raid the 'bitz box' or shop on eBay
• There's not a good way to check scale in advance - look for parts used by others previously, otherwise 'buyer beware'

The Eagles Have Landed...at FireStar Toys

FireStar Toys has been updating their supply of custom minifigures lately, including two new 'winged avengers' which feature a modified set of Warhammer wings! Although these aren't classified as JasBrick's, I'm certain he had a hand in helping craft these figs.

There are two 'avengers', a male and female, which come with their own custom weapons to boot. You can find them both at FireStar Toys.

FireStar also has a 10% voucher code in effect. Just type in 'KV882256' in the discount code box at checkout.

We Really Need to Stop Meeting Like This

I feel like I'm blogging Geoshift's customs every other day, but a deal is a deal - you keep making awesome creations, I'll keep writing about them.

Great use of the BrickTW Terra Cotta Warrior armor and Warhammer skulls. The Death Eater mask fits well with these combos too.

Geoshift keeps finding ways to wow us with these hybrids. I can't wait to see more.

(Via Geoshift's Flickr stream)

From Wings of Darkness I Strike at Thee

I've fallen head over heals with figures that incorporate these Warhammer wings on custom minifigures since seeing them for the first time in JasBrick's work. The love affair continues in Josh's (Family Bricks) latest, The Dark Elf Lord.

A great combination of official TLG and custom parts from top to bottom. The scroll is an especially nice touch.

You can see another 'dark elf' creation on Josh's Flickr stream, or visit the  Family Bricks site and check out all the products for sale.

That's Not a Gun...

...this is a gun. Geoshift debuted his most ambitious (and bulky) Warhammer minifig to date. Yes, the armor and weapons seem large relative to the fig...but that's Warhammer, man. Beautiful paint and great composition.

I am still convinced that there is an opportunity for someone to craft a variety of pieces, similar to Warhammer bitz, that can be used this way in customization work. With Shapeways lowering barriers to entry, perhaps we'll see some soon.

You can see more of Geoshift's creation on Flickr.

More Warhammer/LEGO Hybrids from Geoshift

Geoshift continues to impress with his blending of Warhammer kit pieces and LEGO minfigures. Although one might think a simple application of Warhammer 'bitz' is all it takes, but attention to balance and fantastic painting techniques are what really make this figure shine.

This really makes me wonder if a custom house could provide similar parts for customization that could be added and mixed for effects like these. The sigils and insignias seem to be great additions to armor and shields.

You can check out all of Geoshift's recent work on his Flickr stream.

All Hail the King of Modders

Yeah, I said it! I think this solidifies Pedro's position as one of the best customizers and modders (AKA modifiers of minifig accessories) out there today. Using a collection of TLG, custom house accessories, and Warhammer kit pieces, Pedro adds all the right touches and then paints to fantastic effect. But wait, there's more! Those wings on the warriors back? They move.

As you can see in this pic, Pedro has created a way for the wings to move back and forth!

If you would like to see some of Pedro's other brilliant modifications (opening Iron Man helmet, zip tie visors, and detachable kukri knife on Emile) then head on over to his Flickr stream. If you want to help Pedro fund these fantastic creations, head on over to United Armory (he's the official North American reseller of Hazel Fantasy).

Warhammer/LEGO Hybrids on the Rise?

I recognize that the use of Warhammer model parts in creating custom minifigures is not a new concept; however, it seems the frequency of their use is increasing...and that's a very good thing. 

Take Geoshift for example. He plans on having a series of minifigures inspired by Warhammer, and so far that series has been fantastic. The shield is the real centerpiece here and amazing through and through.

If you would like to learn more about the world of Warhammer, I recommend you start at the Games Workshop website. Although familiar with table top gaming, I have to admit I'm a bit of a neophyte when it comes to this type of wargaming and their use of detailed minitures. I'm hoping over time to become more familiar to help others find the best ways to scout and buy these parts for customization.

Check out more of Geoshift's creations, past and present, on his Flickr stream.

Darkness Decends on the Death Dealer

Geoshift shows us his latest fantastic creation - The Death Dealer. The gun really jumps out (I'm guessing it's a modified Warhammer rifle), and the details on the armor are nothing short of amazing. The Arealight helmet is a nice finishing touch, and works with the rest of the composition.

You can see this and more on Geoshift's Flickr stream. Now it's time to see if I can find that rifle...