The Warforge Miniature Modelling and Conversion

More like Brass Rod Pikemen

I love the Iron Fangs, but I'll be damned if the models aren't the biggest nightmare of the entire Khadoran line. Not to say that they're ugly models, mind - I think they're quite unique looking, and I've no problem with their appearance. What I do have a problem with is the flimsy metal that they're cast with. When I opened up the box, there was not a single pike inside that wasn't bent into a full 180 degree curve.

This would not do.

It seems to be commonplace now for Khador players to replace the shafts of these weapons with brass rods, and now I am among those who have conquered this stupid, stupid right of passage.

The brass rod I used was hollow, and allowed me to pin the ends of the spears into it. I wasn't honestly sure I could drill out the hands of these guys large enough to allow me to thread a complete piece of brass rod through, but sure enough, it is possible... not fun, certainly, but possible. I managed to do it on all twelve of 'em without mangling a single one's hands. I'm not sure how.

For reference, the brass rod used was 1/16 inch diameter. This is a perfect match for the original pikes.

The shields are only pinned on for now to make my job of painting them easier. I hate trying to reach nooks and crannies with a brush.

Some of you might also notice that I replaced their banner with something a bit more appropriate. The fluff in the Forces of Warmachine: Khador book describes the Iron Fang banners as a source of inspiration that drives the Pikemen to heroic feats in battle. That sounds awesome. Unfortunately, the stock model appears to have a tea cozy on a stick - it's such a damn tiny banner, it's hard to take it seriously. I did a brass rod replacement  to this guy just like I did the others, and I swapped his puny placemat out for a Space Marine banner that looked a little bit more inspiring.

These guys have been hugely time consuming, between trying to remove all the mold lines and brass rodding their weaponry, but I'm looking forward to getting some paint down on them.