Ork Warbikes Painted – Rusty RT era Orks

I've finally got round to taking some photos of my finished unit of Ork Warbikes!

A few of these models needed some repair work, including the Ork with the goggles. I also had to glue the guns back on, which I'd sawn off many years ago when I converted them for an Ash Wastes gang for Necromunda. It's nice to have them back together and ready to ride again.

Rusty, Scrapyard Ork Warbikes

I wanted these Ork Warbikes to have a rusty, scrapyard look. I can't imagine Orks taking particularly good care of their vehicles or equipment. Their bikes should look as though they've been cobbled together from scavenged parts, patched up just enough to keep running, and ridden hard until something breaks.

I also like the idea that every Ork is an individual character, with their own personality and back story, rather than just another model in a unit. I've given each of these bikers a name and a bit of character to help bring them to life.

The banners are from the Ork Freebooter range. I don't necessarily see these lads as Freebooterz; I just liked the designs and thought they'd look good on the bikes.

What Ork Clan Should They Belong To?

I'm still undecided about which clan to use. I used to have an Evil Sunz army, all painted in bright red, but I'm not sure I want to go down that route again.

I'm not sticking too closely to the traditional Ork lore this time around. Instead, I'm leaning towards the idea of Orks as wasteland raiders, inspired by Mad Max — particularly the feral, scavenging Buzzards. I like the idea of a gang of unpredictable bikers whose equipment is a mismatched collection of looted and improvised parts.

Deathskulls could be a good starting point, given their association with scavenging and looted gear, but I'd probably avoid the traditional blue colour scheme. I'll see where the project takes me.

Meet the Ork Warbikers

From left to right:

Takka the Headtaker

Usually the first into battle, Takka likes to collect souvenirs from the people he meets. His idea of a friendly encounter probably differs considerably from everyone else's.

Porkins

Chubby, nervous and inclined to hang back from the fighting, Porkins isn't much of a shot either. His sight-correcting goggles help him see what he's aiming at, although they don't necessarily help him hit it.

Wazrok

The psychotic leader of the bunch, Wazrok consumes mushrooms of questionable origin and makes decisions that are best not questioned. The others follow him, though whether that's out of loyalty or fear is anyone's guess.

Zoggrund

The cool-shades-wearing member of the gang, Zoggrund fancies himself something of a ladies' man. He's got the look, the attitude and absolutely no reason to doubt himself.

Krug

Taciturn and not one for idle conversation, Krug lets his actions do the talking. His twin brother Gruk rides with the Nobz on their bikes, so there's another family connection in the gang.

More Ork vehicles to come

I'm pleased to have this unit finished, especially after repairing some of the old conversions and bringing the models back together. The rusty paintwork, scavenged equipment and individual characters give them the rough-and-ready feel I was after.

I'm still working out the overall look of the army, but the idea of a band of Ork wasteland raiders is appealing. Think battered bikes, ramshackle weapons, stolen gear and a healthy disregard for road safety.

Now I just need to decide on a clan scheme and work out what to paint next!