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wolfpack · 09-18-2007

I have noticed a few threads mentioning the VDR rules for 40K...because I have had the oppotunity to use these rules extensively, the release of APOC with the newest set of VDR and because I have made several mistakes in using them, I am going to try and make this easy for everyone else and help you avoid my mistakes...

This thread is based on the current edition of the UPDATED rules from the last Chapter Approved...circa 2004...

The rules are very simple if you follow the steps outlined

Pick the type of Vehicle you want...transport, tank, etc...

Decide how big the vehicle should be...don't over do it, you don't need a Warmachine to transport...do you?

Decide on the Armor values you want to apply to the vehicle...and remember to double the cost for side armor...again don't over do it...you start putting 14s all around and you have one expensive model

Is it opened topped?...or do you want it fully armored?...common sense there...unless yer an ork...LMAO

How fast is it gonna go?...umm...ok again this is one of those Orky questions...unless yer a speed freak normal or agile is usually enough for most choices

Weapons...ok pretty self explanitory...just remember which period your designing for and don't go overboard....also remember to make adjustments to the cost of your weapons for making it a long barreled, mega, blast weapon...and round all fractions up...LOL

Characteristics...again self explanitory...what race is your Army?

Special options...This is where you cover all those special things like Shields, giving it transport options, souping up the engines, even standard codex upgrades...

Using the rules first to design exactly what you want is the way to go...everyone, or most everyone that uses the VDR to create that special piece for their army is familiar with the STC designs of the newer model range...(much better than the older models for obvious reasons) interchangeable turrets, cupolas and sponsons make for better looking models and simplify the process even further...

...the biggest mistake most VDR users make, is modeling then matching the rules to the model they have made...this, IMHO is the wrong way to do things...you don't see modern weapons developers doing this...Design BEFORE YOU model makes more sence and actually has a few benefits...it also gives you a greater latitude for making sure it is balanced for games play...something that I'm sure everyone can agree is one of the most crucial points in allowing VDR models to be used in your games...

Designing your new vehicle before modeling it also has the advantage of letting you make changes before you build it...and gives you a better idea of what bits you'll need to accomodate your construction...nothing is worse than building something and realising you don't have all the mats you want or need to get the job done...remember that with any VDR design, What You See Is What You Get...if it's not there it's not allowed...This gives the modeler the ability to field that special piece without the need for proxy models...and makes for fewer arguments at the table...

So get out there and get designing...then show your work in the gallery...We all love those pretty pictures

09-18-2007	#1 (permalink)
wolfpack The Great Wolf Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: BFE Kentucky Posts: 2,235 Rep Power: 3 Thanks: 42 Thanked 69 Times in 53 Posts	VDR...models before rules... I have noticed a few threads mentioning the VDR rules for 40K...because I have had the oppotunity to use these rules extensively, the release of APOC with the newest set of VDR and because I have made several mistakes in using them, I am going to try and make this easy for everyone else and help you avoid my mistakes... *This thread is based on the current edition of the UPDATED rules from the last Chapter Approved...circa 2004...* The rules are very simple if you follow the steps outlined Pick the type of Vehicle you want...transport, tank, etc... Decide how big the vehicle should be...don't over do it, you don't need a Warmachine to transport...do you? Decide on the Armor values you want to apply to the vehicle...and remember to double the cost for side armor...again don't over do it...you start putting 14s all around and you have one expensive model Is it opened topped?...or do you want it fully armored?...common sense there...unless yer an ork...LMAO How fast is it gonna go?...umm...ok again this is one of those Orky questions...unless yer a speed freak normal or agile is usually enough for most choices Weapons...ok pretty self explanitory...just remember which period your designing for and don't go overboard....also remember to make adjustments to the cost of your weapons for making it a long barreled, mega, blast weapon...and round all fractions up...LOL Characteristics...again self explanitory...what race is your Army? Special options...This is where you cover all those special things like Shields, giving it transport options, souping up the engines, even standard codex upgrades... Using the rules first to design exactly what you want is the way to go...everyone, or most everyone that uses the VDR to create that special piece for their army is familiar with the STC designs of the newer model range...(much better than the older models for obvious reasons) interchangeable turrets, cupolas and sponsons make for better looking models and simplify the process even further... ...the biggest mistake most VDR users make, is modeling then matching the rules to the model they have made...this, IMHO is the wrong way to do things...you don't see modern weapons developers doing this...Design BEFORE YOU model makes more sence and actually has a few benefits...it also gives you a greater latitude for making sure it is balanced for games play...something that I'm sure everyone can agree is one of the most crucial points in allowing VDR models to be used in your games... Designing your new vehicle before modeling it also has the advantage of letting you make changes before you build it...and gives you a better idea of what bits you'll need to accomodate your construction...nothing is worse than building something and realising you don't have all the mats you want or need to get the job done...remember that with any VDR design, What You See Is What You Get...if it's not there it's not allowed...This gives the modeler the ability to field that special piece without the need for proxy models...and makes for fewer arguments at the table... So get out there and get designing...then show your work in the gallery...We all love those pretty pictures __________________ I am Wolfpack, my fangs are long, my hair grey with age...I am The Great Wolf...I fight with bolter and Axe, my armies vast, my word final. A true son of Russ, my honor above all, I hunt the heretic, the xenos, and the witch and slay them where they stand! My sons hunt our enemies, slay them where they falter and bring their pelts to Fenris The 40K Terra Second Company Last edited by wolfpack; 09-18-2007 at 10:00 AM.