Which Space Marines?

I have a dilemma. I own nearly 6000 points worth of space marines. 2k (plus a Fellblade) painted in Legion of the Damned colors, 2k+ painted in Black Widows colors (not so happy with them any more) and 2k painted in random colors and/or unpainted. I would like to pick out a SM chapter to paint and stick with. I just cannot make up my mind!

For a long time (since 1995 or so) I have considered doing an Ultramarines army. I love the fluff. I like the colors. I just cannot get past the fact that there are so very many Ultramarine armies out there.

I love the Salamanders. Again, I really like the fluff. The colors are perfect. Unfortunately, with the new codex, there are an awful lot of Vulcan TH/flamer armies around now. Not sure if how "common" an army is should be a deterrent to me or not.

I have taken several shots over the years at designing my own chapter...Moondrakes (bone w/Dark Angel green shoulders), Black Widows (black w/red trim) and "unnamed chapter" (bright orange w/electric blue trim). In the end, I was not happy with any of these. I had 3 full companies in black widows colors at one point.

I am beginning to think that it is not the colors that marines are painted that is bothering me. Perhaps I just don't like the models? Nah, I love the models...just need help deciding what chapter to paint.

Thank you for your input.

The Widow's Kiss

I built this after a long conversation about the lack of a space marine superheavy transport. It started its life as 2 Vindicator kits and 2 Razorback kits. I will publish a project article as soon as I track down the WIP pics. I still have not come up with a suitable name for the design but have decided to nickname this particular one "Widow's Kiss" as a pair of demolisher cannons is quite a powerful kiss to be blown at one's opponent and my "home-brewed" chapter of space marines is the Black Widows.

The Widow's Kiss has a troop capacity of 13, carries 2 demolisher cannons, 2 twin-linked lascannons, and 2 sponson mounted heavy bolters. It also mounts a pintle mounted stormbolter for good measure. I have been playing it as armor 13 13 10 and with standard BS of 4. As for point cost, I have been pricing it equal to a standard Baneblade to minimize argument (500 pts.) It is not worth that many points, but I have yet to have an opponent say that it is under-priced.

When I publish the WIP article, I will include a proposed datafax for it for review by visitors as well.

First entry: Excited to be a part of the blogging universe.

This is my first blog entry. I am happy to be entering the overwhelming world of blogging. I plan to include gaming, painting, army building and (strong) opinion posts focused on Warhammer 40k, Dust Tactics, Space Hulk and occasionally Firestorm Armada. I appreciate, expect and welcome criticism both construction and not-so-constructive. I am a 28 year gamer and a 23 year miniature gamer. I have been playing 40k since 2nd Ed. I have been painting miniatures since I started playing D&D in the early 80s. Thank you for taking time to read my blog.