Hey guys! Have you ever wondered if you could get more bang for your buck with your Warhammer miniatures? Specifically, are you thinking about the Sepulchral Stalkers and Necro Knights and how to build them both without buying two separate kits? Well, you're in the right place! We're diving deep into the awesome world of miniature magnetization and the surprisingly helpful role of Bluetack. Get ready to explore how you can use these simple tools to create versatile models that can switch between these two terrifying Tomb Kings units. This is going to be a game-changer for your hobby, saving you money and space while maximizing your gameplay options. Let's get started and unleash the power of magnets and Bluetack! In the sections that follow, we’ll break down everything you need to know, from the basic concepts to the nitty-gritty of the process. We'll also explore the benefits, potential challenges, and some pro-tips to ensure your magnetized miniatures are battle-ready and looking fantastic. So, grab your hobby tools, your favorite beverage, and let's transform those plastic kits into adaptable warriors of the undead!
Why Magnetize Your Miniatures?
So, why should you even bother magnetizing your miniatures? It might seem like a bit of extra work, but trust me, the benefits are totally worth it. First and foremost, magnetizing miniatures saves you serious cash. Instead of buying multiple kits to field different unit configurations, you can simply swap out weapons and parts using magnets. This is especially useful for units like the Sepulchral Stalkers and Necro Knights, where the weapon options significantly change their roles on the battlefield. Think about it – you're essentially getting two units for the price of one! But the cost savings is only the beginning. Magnetization also offers incredible flexibility in your gameplay. Let's say you're building a Tomb Kings army, and you want to adapt your strategy based on your opponent or the scenario. With magnetized models, you can easily switch between different weapon options, ensuring your army is always optimized for the challenge. This adaptability can give you a significant edge in your games, allowing you to counter your opponent's tactics and seize victory. Beyond the strategic advantages, magnetizing your miniatures also helps with storage. Instead of having dozens of models with fixed poses and weapons taking up precious space, you can store magnetized parts separately. This not only saves space but also protects your miniatures from damage during transport. Imagine fitting your entire Tomb Kings army into a single case, ready to deploy at a moment's notice! Finally, let's talk about the sheer coolness factor. There's something incredibly satisfying about being able to swap parts and customize your models on the fly. It adds a new level of engagement to the hobby, allowing you to experiment with different looks and configurations. Plus, it's a great conversation starter when your opponents see your amazing magnetized creations! Magnetizing miniatures is a fantastic way to enhance your hobby experience. It's cost-effective, flexible, space-saving, and just plain awesome. So, if you're not already on the magnetizing bandwagon, now's the perfect time to jump aboard!
Sepulchral Stalkers vs. Necro Knights: Understanding the Difference
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of magnetizing, let's make sure we're all on the same page about the Sepulchral Stalkers and Necro Knights. These two units are both fantastic additions to any Tomb Kings army, but they have distinct roles and capabilities on the battlefield. Understanding these differences is crucial for planning your magnetization strategy. Sepulchral Stalkers are serpentine constructs, known for their speed and agility. They slither across the battlefield, striking quickly and disappearing into the sands. Their primary weapon options are the bladed tail and the serpent blades, each offering a different tactical advantage. The bladed tail is great for sweeping attacks, hitting multiple enemies at once, while the serpent blades provide focused damage against single targets. Stalkers excel at flanking maneuvers and harassing enemy lines, making them a versatile and deadly unit. On the other hand, Necro Knights are heavily armored cavalry, combining the might of skeletal warriors with powerful constructs. They are the hammer of the Tomb Kings army, charging into enemy formations and crushing all before them. Their weapon options include the lances, swords, and shields, each adding to their combat prowess. Lances are perfect for the initial charge, while swords and shields provide sustained combat ability. Necro Knights are ideal for breaking enemy lines and engaging in prolonged melee battles. So, how do these differences affect our magnetization strategy? Well, it means we need to focus on the key areas where these units diverge – primarily the weapons and the riders. For Sepulchral Stalkers, we'll be looking at magnetizing the tail and the blades. For Necro Knights, we'll focus on the lances, swords, and shields, as well as the riders themselves. By understanding these distinctions, we can create a plan that allows us to easily swap parts and field either unit with minimal fuss. In the following sections, we'll break down the specific steps and techniques for magnetizing each part, ensuring your miniatures are ready for any battle.
Tools and Materials You'll Need
Alright, let's talk tools! Before you even think about picking up a miniature, you'll need to gather the right supplies. Having the right tools and materials will make the whole process smoother, more enjoyable, and ultimately, more successful. Trust me, nothing's more frustrating than getting halfway through a project and realizing you're missing something crucial. So, let's run through the essential items you'll need to magnetize your Sepulchral Stalkers and Necro Knights. First up, the magnets themselves! This is the heart of the operation. I recommend using neodymium magnets, also known as rare-earth magnets. These are super strong for their size, which is exactly what you want when you're attaching miniature parts. For this project, you'll want a mix of sizes – smaller magnets (like 2mm or 3mm diameter) for attaching weapons and larger magnets (like 5mm diameter) for more significant connections, such as the riders to the mounts. You can find these magnets online or at most hobby stores. Next, you'll need a pin vise and drill bits. A pin vise is a small, hand-held drill that gives you precise control when drilling into plastic or resin. You'll need a range of drill bits that match the sizes of your magnets. This will allow you to create snug holes for the magnets to sit in. Don't forget the glue! Super glue (cyanoacrylate) is your best friend for this project. It's strong, sets quickly, and bonds well to plastic and metal. I recommend using a gel-type super glue, as it's less likely to run and make a mess. You'll also want some hobby knives for cleaning up mold lines and preparing the surfaces for gluing. A good set of hobby knives is a must-have for any miniature hobbyist. And of course, we can't forget the Bluetack! This is our secret weapon for temporarily holding parts in place while the glue dries. It's also great for testing the magnet placement before you commit to gluing. Bluetack is cheap, reusable, and incredibly handy. Finally, you'll want a cutting mat to protect your work surface, a set of files for smoothing down rough edges, and some masking tape for holding parts together while the glue sets. With these tools and materials in hand, you'll be well-equipped to tackle the challenge of magnetizing your miniatures. In the next section, we'll dive into the specific steps for magnetizing the Sepulchral Stalkers and Necro Knights, so get ready to put your skills to the test!
Step-by-Step Guide: Magnetizing Sepulchral Stalkers
Okay, let's get our hands dirty and dive into the first part of our project: magnetizing the Sepulchral Stalkers. These serpentine warriors are a fantastic unit on the tabletop, but their weapon options can make choosing a loadout a bit tricky. That's where magnetization comes in! By magnetizing their tails and blades, you can easily swap between the bladed tail and serpent blades, adapting your strategy on the fly. So, grab your tools, your Stalkers, and let's get started! The first step is to identify the parts you want to magnetize. For the Sepulchral Stalkers, this will primarily be the tail and the blade options. Take a close look at the parts and decide where you want to place the magnets. I recommend placing one magnet on the main body of the Stalker where the tail attaches, and another magnet on each of the tail and blade options. This will allow you to swap them out easily. Next, it's time to drill some holes. Using your pin vise and the appropriate drill bit (match the size to your magnets), carefully drill a hole into the designated spots on the Stalker's body and the weapon options. Take your time and be precise – you want the holes to be deep enough to accommodate the magnets, but not so deep that you drill through the plastic. Once you've drilled the holes, it's time to glue in the magnets. Before you start gluing, it's crucial to test the polarity of your magnets. You want to make sure that the magnets on the body and the weapon options will attract each other, not repel. A simple trick is to stick all the magnets together in a stack, then carefully separate them and mark one side of each magnet with a marker. This will help you keep track of the polarity. Apply a small amount of super glue into the drilled holes, then carefully insert the magnets. Make sure the magnets are flush with the surface of the plastic. Use Bluetack to hold the parts in place while the glue dries. This will prevent the magnets from shifting or popping out. Allow the glue to dry completely before moving on to the next step. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Once the glue is dry, test the connection. Attach the magnetized weapons to the Stalker's body and make sure they fit snugly and securely. If the connection is weak, you may need to add another magnet or adjust the placement of the existing magnets. And that's it! You've successfully magnetized your Sepulchral Stalkers. Now you can swap between the bladed tail and serpent blades with ease, adapting your strategy to any situation. In the next section, we'll tackle the Necro Knights, so get ready for some heavy cavalry magnetization!
Conquering the Knights: Magnetizing Necro Knights
Alright, now that we've tamed the Sepulchral Stalkers, it's time to charge into the fray with the Necro Knights! These heavily armored warriors are a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield, but their weapon options can be a bit overwhelming. Lances for the charge, swords and shields for sustained combat – how do you choose? Well, with magnets, you don't have to! By magnetizing their weapons and riders, you can create a versatile unit that's ready for any challenge. So, let's saddle up and get magnetizing! Just like with the Stalkers, the first step is to identify the parts we want to magnetize. For the Necro Knights, this includes the lances, swords, shields, and the riders themselves. The lances are used for the initial charge, while the swords and shields are better for prolonged combat. Magnetizing the riders allows you to swap them between mounts, giving you even more flexibility. Once you've identified the parts, it's time to drill some holes. This is where things get a bit more challenging, as the Necro Knights have more parts and smaller connection points. Take your time and be precise. Drill holes into the hands of the riders, as well as the corresponding weapon options. You'll also want to drill holes into the saddles of the mounts and the bottoms of the riders. This will allow you to attach the riders securely to the mounts. Remember to use a drill bit that matches the size of your magnets. After drilling the holes, it's time to glue in the magnets. As with the Stalkers, polarity is key. Make sure the magnets on the riders and the weapons will attract each other, not repel. Use the same trick of sticking the magnets together and marking one side to keep track of the polarity. Apply a small amount of super glue into the drilled holes, then carefully insert the magnets. Make sure the magnets are flush with the surface of the plastic. Use Bluetack to hold the parts in place while the glue dries. For the riders, you'll want to make sure they're aligned correctly on the mounts before the glue sets. This may require some careful positioning and a bit of patience. Allow the glue to dry completely before moving on. Once the glue is dry, test the connection. Attach the magnetized weapons to the riders and the riders to the mounts. Make sure the connections are strong and secure. If you find any weak points, you may need to add another magnet or adjust the placement of the existing magnets. And there you have it! You've successfully magnetized your Necro Knights. Now you can swap between lances, swords, and shields, as well as riders, creating a truly versatile unit that's ready to crush your enemies. In the next section, we'll explore the magic of Bluetack and how it can help you even further in your miniature magnetization journey.
The Magic of Bluetack: A Hobbyist's Best Friend
Now, let's talk about a true unsung hero of the miniature hobby: Bluetack. This unassuming putty is a game-changer when it comes to magnetizing, assembling, and even painting your miniatures. It's cheap, reusable, and incredibly versatile. If you're not already using Bluetack in your hobby, you're missing out! So, what makes Bluetack so magical? Well, first and foremost, it's a fantastic temporary adhesive. This makes it perfect for holding parts in place while glue dries, testing magnet placement, and even dry-fitting models before you commit to gluing. Imagine you're magnetizing your Sepulchral Stalkers, and you've just glued the magnets into the body and the weapon options. You want to make sure everything lines up correctly before the glue sets. That's where Bluetack comes in! Simply stick a small amount of Bluetack onto the magnets, then attach the parts together. The Bluetack will hold them in place while the glue dries, ensuring a perfect fit. But Bluetack's usefulness doesn't stop there. It's also a great tool for masking and protecting surfaces while painting. Let's say you're painting the armor plates on your Necro Knights, and you want to keep the joints and crevices clean. Roll a small ball of Bluetack and press it into the areas you want to protect. The Bluetack will create a barrier, preventing paint from seeping into those areas. And when you're done, simply peel it away – no mess, no fuss! Another fantastic use for Bluetack is stabilizing miniatures while you're working on them. Ever try to paint a miniature that keeps tipping over? It's incredibly frustrating! A small blob of Bluetack under the base will keep your miniature firmly planted, allowing you to focus on the details. Bluetack is also great for displaying miniatures. If you want to show off your latest creations, but you don't want to commit to gluing them onto a base, Bluetack is your answer. A small amount of Bluetack under the feet will keep your miniatures standing tall on any surface. And let's not forget about Bluetack's ability to clean up stray glue and paint. If you accidentally get a bit of super glue on your fingers, or you spill some paint on your work surface, Bluetack can help. Simply roll it into a ball and dab it onto the affected area. The Bluetack will pick up the glue or paint, leaving a clean surface behind. Bluetack is truly a hobbyist's best friend. It's a versatile, affordable, and indispensable tool that can make your miniature projects easier, cleaner, and more enjoyable. So, if you're not already using Bluetack, give it a try. You'll be amazed at how much it can improve your hobby experience!
Pro Tips and Troubleshooting for Miniature Magnetization
Alright, you've got the basics down, but let's take your miniature magnetization skills to the next level with some pro tips and troubleshooting advice. Magnetizing miniatures can be tricky, and even the most experienced hobbyists run into snags from time to time. So, let's dive into some common challenges and how to overcome them. One of the most common issues is incorrect magnet polarity. There's nothing more frustrating than gluing a magnet into place, only to realize it repels the other magnet! As we discussed earlier, the key is to test the polarity before you glue. But even with careful planning, mistakes can happen. If you find yourself in this situation, don't panic! You can try to carefully pry the magnet out of the hole using a hobby knife. If that doesn't work, you may need to drill the magnet out. Be careful not to damage the surrounding plastic. Once you've removed the magnet, simply flip it over and glue it back in. Another common challenge is weak magnet connections. This can happen if the magnets are too small, the holes are too shallow, or the surfaces aren't clean. To prevent this, make sure you're using neodymium magnets, which are known for their strength. Also, ensure that the holes are deep enough to accommodate the magnets, and that the magnets are flush with the surface of the plastic. Before gluing, clean the surfaces with a bit of rubbing alcohol to remove any oils or debris. If you're still experiencing weak connections, try using larger magnets or adding more magnets to the connection point. Sometimes, the issue isn't the magnets themselves, but the fit of the parts. If the parts don't fit together snugly, the magnet connection will be weaker. In this case, you may need to do some sanding or filing to ensure a tight fit. Bluetack can also help here – use it to hold the parts together while the glue dries, ensuring they're properly aligned. Another pro tip is to use a magnet holder while drilling. This is a small tool that holds a magnet in place while you drill the hole. It ensures that the hole is perfectly centered and the correct depth. You can buy magnet holders online or at most hobby stores. When drilling into resin miniatures, be extra careful. Resin is more brittle than plastic, and it can crack or chip if you're not gentle. Use a slow speed and apply light pressure. Finally, don't be afraid to experiment. Magnetizing miniatures is a skill that improves with practice. Try different magnet sizes, placements, and techniques to find what works best for you. And remember, even if you make a mistake, it's usually fixable. With these pro tips and troubleshooting techniques in your arsenal, you'll be magnetizing miniatures like a pro in no time! So, go forth, conquer your kits, and create versatile armies that are ready for any battle!
Conclusion: Unleash the Magnetic Might!
Well, guys, we've reached the end of our journey into the wonderful world of miniature magnetization! We've covered everything from the basics of why you should magnetize to the nitty-gritty of magnetizing Sepulchral Stalkers and Necro Knights. We've explored the magic of Bluetack and shared some pro tips and troubleshooting advice. Now it's time for you to unleash the magnetic might and transform your miniatures into versatile warriors ready for any tabletop battle! Magnetizing your miniatures is more than just a hobby technique; it's a game-changer. It saves you money, expands your strategic options, simplifies storage, and adds a whole new level of customization to your hobby experience. By magnetizing your Sepulchral Stalkers and Necro Knights, you're not just building models; you're building a flexible and adaptable army that can handle any challenge. Think about the possibilities! You can switch between the bladed tail and serpent blades on your Stalkers with ease, adapting to your opponent's tactics on the fly. You can swap out the lances, swords, and shields on your Knights, creating a unit that's equally deadly in the charge and in sustained combat. And with magnetized riders, you can mix and match your units, creating unique combinations that will leave your opponents scratching their heads. But the benefits of magnetization extend beyond just gameplay. It's also about the joy of creation. There's something incredibly satisfying about taking a plastic kit and turning it into something truly unique and versatile. Magnetization allows you to express your creativity, experiment with different looks, and build models that reflect your personal style. So, as you embark on your magnetizing adventures, remember to be patient, be precise, and have fun! Don't be afraid to experiment, learn from your mistakes, and share your creations with the community. The world of miniature magnetization is vast and exciting, and there's always something new to discover. And with your newfound skills, you'll be ready to tackle any miniature project that comes your way. So, grab your magnets, your tools, and your miniatures, and let the magnetic magic begin! Your Tomb Kings army will thank you for it!
