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Fauxtorian Guard (Praetorians Done Cheap)

I recently started a kitbash Imperial Guard. Inspired by the now out of production Praetorian Guard but with the constraints that it had to be cheap and require the minimum of work to achieve. Here’s how I’m doing it.

The Backstory

Many years ago when I previously dabbled in the hobby, I had an Imperial Guard Army. Skip ahead 25+ years and the Guard is now the Astra Militarum. Entire Regiments have been added and removed. Imagine my upset when I learned of the Praetorian guard. Then within moments I learned this cool regiment was also no more!

I went to eBay to see how much these minis sell for and was horrified. So I decided to do something about it. Here’s how the Fauxtorian Guard (AKA Draik’s Marauder’s) were born.

The Concept

  • Take the Praetorian Guard aesthetic (think Victorian era Zulu War British Infantry but in space and with Orks – “thousands of ’em”).
  • Buy up cheap off cast Cadian Guard on eBay (the current staple of the Astra Militarum).
  • Use the minimum of 3rd party bits and a suitable paint job.
  • Make them the private army of a Rogue trader (there to help with his negotiations).
  • An original Praetorian mini I bought on eBay to paint
  • Janus Draik – Rogue Trader from Blackstone Fortress
  • An untouched eBay Cadian alongside a kitbashed Fauxtorian
  • Left to Right – A Fauxtorian, A Rogue Trader, An original Praetorian

The Inspiration

I watch a lot of the likes of Pete the Wargamer on YouTube. I also follow many accounts like @Ironclad on Instagram. These influences made me realise that with 3rd party bits from companies like Anvil Industry or Victoria Miniatures, and some creative thinking, you can achieve a lot with a little patience and a sharp craft knife.

The Process

There is not much to explain here other than how easy it has proven to be. Some patience on eBay, some tactical bits purchases, and lots of scrubbing, cutting, filling and gluing.

  • Ebay offcast Cadians can be purchased for as little as £0.50 ea
    (new they retail for more than £2.00 ea)
  • Throw them into the paint stripper of your choice (IPA, Elbow Grease, LA Totally Awesome) and apply a toothbrush
  • Add some suitable 3rd party heads from Anvil or similar
  • Stripped minis can be left as is or broken down into bits
  • Bits can also be purchased cheap as leftover sprues to help give you variety
  • The result are a mismatch of colours and finishes ready to prime and paint
  • Base coats get thrown on using contrast paints allow for quick coverage
  • A light all over wash is applied carefully to introduce shadows and detail
  • Tactical highlights are applied with an emphasis on Heads, Shoulders, Guns, etc.

The Result

  • Sergeant with Chainsword and Laspistol
  • Special Weapons Gunner with Flamethrower
  • Special Weapons Gunner with Grenade Launcher
  • Guardsman with Lasgun
  • Guardsman with Lasgun and fancy moustache
  • Heavy Weapons Crew with Anvil Industry Maxim Heavy Bolter stand-in

Before and After

eBay Cadians vary greatly in their paint qualiy it’s great what a difference a simple headswap and paintjob can make.

Final Thoughts

Having painted up my first squads to get a flavour I can’t want to flesh out the Army to 500+ points. For significantly less than the cost of an out of the box Cadian army I’m building out an army with a distinct style that is my own. That is really exciting.

It’s also making me start to think more out of the box in terms of kitbashing and expanding the force.

  • Could some Ad Mech Stryders be included and ridden by Fauxtorians?
  • What colour scheme should a Chimera be?
  • Can I introduce some other retired Regiments in the same way to this private army?
  • How might Scions look?