How to Assemble and Paint the Siege Assault Battle Group: A 30K Guide

The Siege Assault Battle Group is a formidable force for Warhammer: The Horus Heresy, offering a mix of heavy infantry and armor that can dominate the battlefield. Whether you're a veteran of the 30K era or just starting your Legiones Astartes collection, this guide will walk you through the assembly and painting process, ensuring your battle group looks as impressive on the tabletop as it performs.

In this article, we'll cover everything from preparing your models to applying the final highlights. We'll also share tips on using Citadel Contrast paints for quick results and traditional layering for more detailed work. By the end, you'll have a battle group ready to lay siege to any fortress.

Getting Started: Tools and Materials

Before you begin, gather your tools. You'll need a sharp hobby knife, plastic cement, a pair of nippers, and a set of files or sanding sticks. For painting, have a good primer, your chosen base colors, and a selection of brushes. If you're using Contrast paints, consider the Citadel Contrast range—these can speed up your painting significantly, especially for infantry.

For this guide, we'll reference the Warhammer The Horus Heresy: Legiones Astartes: Kratos Heavy Assault Tank, a centerpiece of the Siege Assault Battle Group. This kit offers a detailed build that rewards careful preparation. Also, the Mortek Guard from Age of Sigmar can be a great practice for similar techniques, but we'll focus on the Heresy models.

• Use plastic cement for a strong bond; superglue for resin or metal parts.
• Clean mold lines with a hobby knife or file before assembly.
• Consider sub-assemblies for easier painting of hard-to-reach areas.

Assembling the Legiones Astartes

Start with the infantry. The Legiones Astartes kits are highly detailed, so take your time removing parts from the sprue. Use a nipper to cut parts away, then clean the attachment points with a file. Dry-fit each piece before gluing to ensure a seamless fit. For the Kratos Heavy Assault Tank, follow the instructions carefully, as the track assemblies and hull pieces need precise alignment.

When building the tank, consider leaving the turret and side panels separate for painting. This allows you to reach the interior details and apply weathering more effectively. For the infantry, you can assemble them fully, but keep the arms and weapons separate if you plan to paint them individually.

• Dry-fit before gluing to avoid mistakes.
• Use a small amount of cement to avoid excess glue on visible surfaces.
• For the tank, assemble the hull first, then add the tracks and turret.

Priming and Base Coating

Once assembled, prime your models with a spray primer. For the Horus Heresy, a dark primer like Mechanicus Standard Grey provides a good base for both light and dark schemes. After priming, apply your base colors. For a classic Legiones Astartes look, use a dark blue or grey, depending on your Legion. For example, the Imperial Fists would use yellow, but for this guide, we'll assume a generic scheme.

If you're using Contrast paints, apply them directly over a light primer (like Wraithbone) for quick shading. For example, Citadel Contrast: Darkoath Flesh is excellent for skin tones, while other Contrast colors work well for armor. For the tank's large surfaces, consider using an airbrush for smooth coverage, but a brush works fine with thin layers.

• Shake your primer well and apply in thin, even coats.
• Use a wet palette to keep your paints workable.
• For Contrast paints, use a light primer to get the best effect.

Painting Techniques: From Contrast to Layering

For a fast yet effective approach, use Contrast paints over a light primer. This gives you shading and highlighting in one step. For example, use a contrast paint like Darkoath Flesh for the faces and hands, and a suitable contrast for the armor. For the Kratos tank, apply a base coat of your chosen color, then use a wash to recess shade the panel lines.

If you prefer traditional layering, start with a base color, then apply a shade (like Nuln Oil) to the recesses, and finish with highlights. This method takes longer but offers more control. For the Mortek Guard, if you're painting those as well, you can practice these techniques on a smaller scale.

• Apply two thin coats of base color rather than one thick coat.
• Use washes to add depth to recesses.
• Highlight edges with a lighter tone of your base color.

Finishing Touches and Basing

After painting, add decals (if any) and apply a matte varnish to protect your work. For the base, use texture paint or sand to create a battlefield look. For the Siege Assault Battle Group, a rocky or urban base fits the theme. You can also add weathering with pigments or a sponge to give your models a battle-worn appearance.

Finally, consider adding a few details like squad markings or heraldry to personalize your force. This is where you can really make your battle group stand out. If you're looking for more inspiration, the Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Battletome: Nighthaunt offers excellent examples of how to use contrast and layering for ethereal effects, which can be adapted for your Heresy models.

• Use a matte varnish to seal your paint job.
• Apply texture paint to bases before or after painting the model.
• Weathering with a sponge and metal paint can add realistic wear.

With your Siege Assault Battle Group assembled and painted, you're ready to dominate the battlefields of the Horus Heresy. Whether you chose the speed of Contrast paints or the precision of layering, your Legiones Astartes will look impressive. For more supplies and inspiration, check out the Warhammer The Horus Heresy: Legiones Astartes: Kratos Heavy Assault Tank in our store.