Eldar Autarch skyrunner
Since the only officially-released model for the Autarch Skyrunner used the old-style jetbike (and has a quite dreadful, minimal-effort sculpt), I decided to convert my own in 2024 using parts from various kits. This unit no longer features in the 10th Edition Aeldari Codex, but I'm still extremely proud of the model and have every intention to paint it up and put it on display with the rest of my collection. The Autarch features wargear from the Howling Banshee and Shining Spear warrior aspects.Date: 2024 - present (work-in-progress)
Components: 1x Eldar Autarch, 1x Shining Spear Exarch, 1x Shining Spear laser lance, 1x Harlequin Skyweaver, 1x Howling Banshee Exarch head, 1x Howling Banshee sword arm, 1x Eldar Warlock scenery element, 1x Eldar Wraithlord scenery element, neodymium magnets, Green Stuff
Related:
The hoop on the back of the Skyweaver was removed and filed down.
This handrail (used by the Skyweaver passenger riding pillion) was turned round to instead form a more elaborate backrest for the solitary Autarch rider.
The Shining Spear control panel and single handlebar were cut to fit the Skyweaver chassis.
1. The main chassis of the jetbike comes from a Harlequin Skyweaver, in order to distinguish it from the standard jetbike used by Windriders. Because it is wider and longer, it looks more imposing and important; as befits someone of the Autarch's status.
I separated the torso from the legs so that it could be replaced with the more detailed component from the Autarch kit.
The back of the Shining Spear torso was retained and will be attached to the Autarch torso.
2. The main components for the torso.
3. The assembled upper body. Whilst I would have liked to have retained the ribbons, ultimately I couldn't incorporate them into the model due to the Autarch leaning forwards in her saddle.
The front of the helmet comes from a Howling Banshee Exarch, with the crown-like elements substantially cut down to fit under the Shining Spear crest.
I carefully removed the front of this Shining Spear Exarch helmet using a craft knife.
4. The two main components for the Autarch's head and helmet.
I repositioned the left foot and resculpted it using Green Stuff so that the Autarch is rising out of the saddle but still has her foot on the footrest.
The air intake is from the Shining Spear jetbike; it is shaped slightly differently to one from the Skyweaver kit and is more appropriate for a Craftworld jetbike.
5. A close-up view of the conversion, which was mostly assembled at this stage.
6. A view of the sculpting around the neck.
Green Stuff was used to sculpt the back of the sash around the Autarch's waist.
I have intentionally left the carapace of the skyrunner blank (unlike my Farseer skyrunner, which has sculpted runic designs in relief) so that I can add transfers to it featuring the Miruaun craftworld rune.
7. A view of the Autarch's back.
8. Alternate view of the work-in-progress conversion.
9. View of the Autarch's right side.
I used Green Stuff to fill the gaps between the two components of the helmet, and to sculpt some additional details on the side.
The flowing tassel was carefully cut away from the helmet at the knot and repositioned so that it follows the direction of travel of the jetbike, taking into account the Autarch turning her head and upper body to the right.
10. Profile view of the completed Autarch helmet.
11. The helmet from the front.
12. The scenic base features some ruined Eldar scenery from other kits.
13. Alternate view of the base.
14. A view of the completed conversion from the side. It was important to me that all of the flowing elements (the two pennants and the tassel on the helmet) all flowed in the same direction; this reinforces the sense of forward movement and really brings the model to life.
15. View of the conversion from the left side.
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