Skitarii Head Swap: Can You Fit It On A Sicarian?

Hey guys! Ever wondered if you could pull off a cool head swap in your Warhammer 40k Adeptus Mechanicus army? Specifically, the question on everyone's mind is: can you put a Skitarii Ranger head onto a Sicarian body? It's a fantastic idea for conversions, adding a unique touch to your miniatures, and making your army truly stand out on the tabletop. So, let's dive deep into this topic and explore the possibilities, challenges, and creative avenues this head swap opens up.

The Allure of Conversions: Why Head Swaps Matter

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about why conversions, like this head swap, are so popular in the Warhammer 40k community. Conversions allow you to personalize your army, create unique characters, and represent specific lore or battlefield adaptations. It's all about making your models truly yours. When you think about the Adeptus Mechanicus, with their cyborg aesthetics and blend of human and machine, the possibilities for conversions are almost limitless.

Head swaps, in particular, are one of the easiest and most effective ways to change the look of a model. A simple head swap can drastically alter the model's profile, conveying different emotions, battlefield roles, or even allegiances. For example, a Skitarii Ranger head on a Sicarian body could suggest a stealth operative, a veteran leader, or a specialist unit adapted for unique combat scenarios. This kind of customization not only makes your army visually appealing but also adds depth to your narrative and backstory.

Understanding the Models: Skitarii Rangers and Sicarians

To successfully execute this head swap, let's first get familiar with our two key players: the Skitarii Rangers and the Sicarians. Skitarii Rangers are the long-range infantry of the Adeptus Mechanicus, known for their hooded heads, advanced weaponry, and unwavering dedication to the Omnissiah. Their heads are typically designed with a combination of metallic components, rebreathers, and targeting arrays, giving them a distinctive, tech-heavy look. These Rangers are the backbone of many Mechanicus armies, providing crucial firepower and tactical support.

On the other hand, Sicarians are the close-combat specialists, coming in two main flavors: Infiltrators and Ruststalkers. Infiltrators are stealthy assassins, while Ruststalkers are brutal melee combatants. Sicarians are characterized by their enhanced cybernetics, bladed limbs, and more aggressive, often less human-looking heads. Their heads tend to be more heavily augmented, with various sensors, blades, and mechanical protrusions designed to intimidate and eliminate enemies up close and personal. Knowing these distinctions is crucial because the visual contrast between a Skitarii Ranger head and a Sicarian body is precisely what makes this conversion so intriguing.

The Compatibility Question: Will It Fit?

Now for the million-dollar question: will a Skitarii Ranger head actually fit onto a Sicarian body? The answer, like many things in the world of model conversions, is “it depends.” In general, the scale of the heads between these two kits is relatively similar, which is a good starting point. Both Skitarii and Sicarian models are designed on a similar scale, meaning the heads aren't drastically different in size. However, there are a few challenges we need to consider.

Size and Proportions

While the overall scale is similar, the proportions can vary. Sicarian necks and head joints are often designed to accommodate the more extensive cybernetics and mechanical components of their heads. This means the socket on the Sicarian body might be slightly larger or shaped differently than the one on a Skitarii Ranger. To address this, you might need to use some modeling putty, like Green Stuff or Milliput, to create a secure and seamless connection. These putties can fill gaps, reshape the joint, and ensure the head sits correctly on the body without looking awkward.

Connection Points and Ball Joints

The way the heads connect to the bodies also varies between the kits. Some heads use a simple peg-and-socket system, while others use ball joints for greater poseability. If the Skitarii Ranger head uses a different connection method than the Sicarian body, you'll need to get creative. This might involve cutting and modifying the connection points, drilling new holes, or even using a pin to secure the head in place. Again, modeling putty will be your best friend here, allowing you to smooth out any imperfections and create a professional-looking finish.

Aesthetic Considerations

Beyond the physical fit, you'll also want to consider the aesthetic compatibility. A Skitarii Ranger head has a very specific look, and it needs to mesh well with the Sicarian body's overall design. Think about the pose of the body, the armor details, and the weapons it's carrying. Does the head look natural in that context? Does it convey the right impression? Sometimes, a slight rotation of the head or a minor adjustment to the pose can make a big difference in how the conversion looks. It’s about creating a cohesive and believable miniature.

Tools and Techniques: Getting the Job Done

Okay, so you’re determined to make this head swap happen. What tools and techniques will you need? Here’s a rundown of the essential equipment and steps:

Essential Tools

• Hobby Knife: A sharp hobby knife is crucial for cutting parts from the sprue, trimming plastic, and making precise adjustments to the head and body.
• Clippers: Clippers are used to remove parts from the sprue without damaging them. They provide a clean cut and prevent stress marks on the plastic.
• Modeling Putty (Green Stuff or Milliput): As mentioned earlier, modeling putty is essential for filling gaps, reshaping joints, and creating a seamless connection between the head and body.
• Super Glue: Super glue (cyanoacrylate) is the best adhesive for plastic miniatures. It bonds quickly and provides a strong hold.
• Pin Vise and Pins: A pin vise is a small hand drill used to create holes for pinning. Pinning involves inserting a small metal pin into both the head and body to provide extra strength and stability to the joint.
• Files and Sandpaper: Files and sandpaper are used to smooth down rough edges, remove mold lines, and blend the putty seamlessly with the plastic.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Head Swap

1. Prepare the Parts: Carefully remove the Skitarii Ranger head and the Sicarian body from their respective sprues using clippers. Clean up any mold lines or imperfections with your hobby knife and files.
2. Test the Fit: Dry-fit the Skitarii Ranger head onto the Sicarian body without glue. This will give you an idea of how well the parts fit together and where you might need to make adjustments.
3. Make Adjustments: If the head doesn't fit properly, use your hobby knife to trim any excess plastic or reshape the connection points. If the socket on the Sicarian body is too large, you can build it up with modeling putty.
4. Pinning (Optional but Recommended): For a stronger connection, consider pinning the head to the body. Drill small holes into both the head and the body using a pin vise. Insert a small metal pin into the holes and glue it in place.
5. Apply Modeling Putty: Use modeling putty to fill any gaps or seams around the joint. Smooth the putty with your fingers or sculpting tools to create a seamless transition between the head and body.
6. Glue the Head in Place: Apply a small amount of super glue to the connection points and carefully attach the head to the body. Hold the head in place until the glue sets.
7. Final Smoothing and Cleanup: Once the glue is dry, use files and sandpaper to smooth the putty and blend it with the surrounding plastic. Clean up any excess glue or debris.
8. Painting: Prime and paint the model as usual. Pay special attention to the transition between the head and body to ensure a consistent and natural look.

Creative Possibilities: Beyond the Basic Swap

Once you’ve mastered the basic head swap, you can start exploring more creative possibilities. Think about how you can further customize the model to enhance the conversion and tell a story.

Adding Cybernetics and Augmentations

Since you're combining a Skitarii Ranger head with a Sicarian body, why not emphasize the cyborg aspects? Add extra wires, cables, or mechanical details to the head or body using plasticard, bits from other kits, or even jewelry findings. You could also use modeling putty to sculpt additional armor plates or cybernetic implants.

Painting and Weathering

The paint job can make a huge difference in how the conversion looks. Consider using a color scheme that ties the head and body together, or use different colors to highlight the unique aspects of the conversion. Weathering techniques, such as drybrushing, washes, and chipping, can add realism and character to the model.

Posing and Basing

The pose of the model and the base it's standing on can also contribute to the overall impression. A dynamic pose can convey action and movement, while a well-designed base can set the scene and tell a story. Use bits of cork, sand, and static grass to create a realistic and immersive base.

Showcasing Your Work: Sharing the Hobby Love

Finally, don’t forget to share your amazing conversions with the community! The Warhammer 40k community is incredibly supportive and creative, and they love seeing unique and imaginative models. Post photos of your converted Skitarii Ranger/Sicarian hybrid on social media, forums, and hobby websites. You might even inspire someone else to try their own conversions!

Conclusion: Embrace the Conversion Fun!

So, can you put a Skitarii Ranger head on a Sicarian body? Absolutely! With a little bit of skill, patience, and creativity, you can create a truly unique and impressive model. Head swaps are a fantastic way to personalize your army, add character to your miniatures, and express your own vision for the Adeptus Mechanicus. So grab your hobby knife, some modeling putty, and get converting! Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and let your imagination run wild. Happy hobbying, guys!