This is Part 1 in a series for building and painting the Death Korps of Krieg Marshal. The series will expand into a Krieg army, covering both assembly and detailed painting techniques.

This guide walks you through building the model, highlighting key tools, techniques, and best practices to ensure a clean and precise assembly.

Video: How to Build the Krieg Marshal

Materials & Tools Required

• Clippers – GodHand (recommended for precise cuts)
• Scalpel/X-Acto Knife – For removing mould lines and refining details
• Mould Line Remover – Optional, but useful for larger areas
• Ultra Thin Polystyrene Cement – Tamiya Extra Thin (preferred for clean, strong joins)
• Sprue Goo – Tamiya Extra Thin mixed with sprue bits (for gap filling)
• Pin Vice Drill – Optional for drilling weapon barrels

Step-by-Step Krieg Marshal Assembly Guide

Step 1: Preparing the Pieces

1. Identify and carefully clip out all pieces using GodHand clippers.
2. Use a scalpel or mould line remover to remove excess plastic and mould lines.
   • Pro Tip: A fresh scalpel blade allows for cleaner, controlled scraping.
3. Check the assembly instructions to avoid build errors.
   • Many Games Workshop kits have precise build orders to ensure all parts fit.

Step 2: Cleaning and Smoothing the Model

1. Scrape off any visible mould lines using the scalpel.
   • Keep the blade angled away from the plastic to avoid deep cuts.
2. If needed, use extra thin glue to smooth minor imperfections.
   • This helps melt plastic shavings and leaves a clean finish.

Step 3: Assembling the Krieg Marshal

1. Begin with the horse body, assembling both halves using Tamiya Extra Thin Cement.
   • Dry-fit pieces before gluing to ensure proper alignment.
2. Add legs and hooves to the base.
   • Issue: The hooves are sculpted onto the base, creating an unavoidable ankle gap.
   • Solution: Apply Sprue Goo to blend the joints seamlessly.
3. Attach armor plates, saddle, and reins.
   • Some rein parts may be slightly damaged from sprue connection – gently reinforce with glue.
4. Assemble and attach the rider torso and head.
   • The belt is split into two halves, which requires extra care during assembly.
5. Glue arms and weapons.
   • The model comes with two weapon options:
     • Power Sword (chosen for this build)
     • Las Pistol (drill the barrel for added realism)

Step 4: Fixing Gaps & Final Cleanup

1. Check for gaps around key join areas, especially the ankles and belt seams.
2. Apply Sprue Goo or plastic putty to any visible seams.
3. Use a scalpel to gently scrape excess filler once dry.

Step 5: Priming

1. Once assembled, ensure the model is free of excess plastic shavings.
2. Prime with a suitable undercoat based on your painting plan.
   • For realistic shading: Use a black primer.
   • For brighter, high-contrast painting: Use white or grey primer.

Pro Tips & Extras

• Avoid Fingerprints: Extra Thin Cement can leave fingerprints if touched too soon, make sure you leave your model to dry completely and avoid touching it in the meantime!
• Mould Line Positioning: Always drag the scalpel backwards, not forwards, to avoid cutting into details.
• Drilling Barrels: If you lack a pin vice, a scalpel tip can be used in a spinning motion.
• Smoothing Plastic with Glue: Running Tamiya Extra Thin Cement over mould line removal areas helps dissolve plastic shavings.
• Build in Sub-Assemblies: While this build required a fully assembled approach, consider keeping the rider separate for easier painting.

Next Steps

With the model fully assembled, we move on to Part 2: Painting the Horse Base Colours & Fur…

Death Korps of Krieg Marshal

The Death Korps of Krieg Marshal is a striking centrepiece model, embodying the grim determination of the Astra Militarum’s most unyielding warriors. In these tutorials I show you how to prime and assemble him and his steed, plus how to paint his base colours and horse, with more to come!

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