Heresy Era Salamanders---First Tactical Squad Built

Greetings once again InterWebs!!!! It has been a busy time here now that the rains have finally let up but I have managed to get some 'hobby time' in. I have been bitten by the Heresy Era bug and have been working on my Heresy Era Salamanders. After getting the custom holsters all sorted out it was time to get stuck in and build the first 20-man Tactical Squad. Here are some various shots of the initial assembly process before I got busy with the Greenstuff.

I added a 'squad marking' symbol to the right shoulder pads:

At this point the squad was built but still did not seem 'Salamandery' to me, they looked like any other Space Marine Heresy Era squad. It was time to try out some Greenstuff work on them! I am not a sculptor and my Greenstuff skills are lacking but I wanted to give it a try. I wanted to add some Drake Scale areas to several (not all) minis and I wanted some 'Fetish/Trophy' Strings (with Drake Teeth and Drake Scale sections) on some of the minis. I was intimidated to say the least but one must challenge oneself from time to time! Here are some looks at the Greenstuff work that I attempted:

The start of the 'Fetish/Trophy' Strings:

Occasional sections of Drake Scale armor added to the Mk IV armor:

Here is a group shot before we look closer at some of the built and customized minis:

Sergeant Mas'Kini:

Nuncio Vox Operator:

Thought this guy turned out rather well:

Another look at the Squad Symbol. I am not sure what this squad's nickname will be based on the symbol. Suggestions?!?

Another cool marine, this time with a grenade and bolt pistol:

Shoulder 'Fetish/Trophy' String, custom Salamander holster, and Squad marking; this guy has it all:

I liked this pose, clearing the roof tops. I customized his backpack as well since the Salamanders are known to customize the equipment:

Well the group of 20 are outside now being primered since the weather is so nice. I have another 20-man Salamander Tactical Squad staring me in the face right now. For those that might be wondering about the bases, these are just 'painting bases' while I wait for the resin bases to be sorted out. Thanks for stopping by and taking a look. Take care!