Here’s the next pair of models that go with Tactical Squad III. The Sergeant and the Corporal. The sergeant is the metal model that originally came with (from memory) either a boxed tactical or Devastator squad in early 3rd edition. I’m thinking it was probably a Dev squad since they came with metal arms and backpacks for their heavy weapons, so a metal model for the Sergeant makes more sense, while a Tactical Squad of the time could very easily be all-plastic.

His offsider here is one of the “robed marines” which were the first incarnation of the Robed models pushed out for Dark Angels – again in 3rd edition, based on the plastics of the time with sculpted details simply added on top before casting in metal. I originally envisioned this guy as the Sergeant for Tactical Squad I, which at the time would have been the veterans. They had a slightly higher statline, but not much else – they certainly didn’t have the gear of modern Vanguard or Sternguard. Obviously this guy doesn’t fit into either of these categories, so I changed his squad designation marking from I to III, repainted his helm from white to green, and now he’ll work fine as a 2ic for the standard tactical squad.

Even today, I’m quite happy with the freehand pattern I added to his robe. It keeps it from being too plain,

On some of the older models with metal shoulders, the 3d-printed icons can be a little big.  Still works well, though but it does illustrate the variation, shrinkage and warpage that you get with metal models at times.

Mentor Legion Tactical Space Marines Mentors

III Squad slowly takes shape…