So this has to do with building the models in general. I've built 100's of 40K models, no problem. What I'm having a hard time doing is building these models (Skinks, Saurus) so they can line up in ranks. The tails seem to interfere with spears, and shields, etc. Is there something I'm doing wrong, or is this just how it is? I can make sloppy ranks, but it looks like the Liz are goring each other with spears, or it looks like they are "probing" (ie. spear in the bum) one another into battle. thanks
Make the spears sticking straight up, otherwise you will need to do some modeling to get them to rank up the way you have them. As for the skinks...they are just a pain in general, no matter how you try and do it. One suggestion is to put all the bases in the tray, and assemble them one at a time in the tray, then lable each one for a specific spot, so you can be sure they will rank up every time. It's tedious, but it works.
I haven't had any trouble with saurus. You can have the front rank with spears down, but after that they need to point up to fit nicely. Tails should just slot between the legs of the guy behind easily. Skinks were not actually designed to rank up, which is why they are a pain. There are two options here; either bend the tails until they will fit into place properly or snip the tails off and GS new ones that are either curled (like the charmeleon models) or at an angle where they will fit. And Rokanos is right, if you are having trouble with a unit then dry fit them first and do one rank at a time to make sure they fit with each other, it doesn't really take that much longer than assembling them individually. I did it with all my elves, but they didn't have slots in the bases. With slotted models they should mostly be ok.
thanks for the great advice! I've started building them already, so I think I'l just try thr dry fit method. My Saurus will be with hand weapons and shields
Another tip is to use 50x50 bases, 100x25 or other bigger bases to multibase difficult to rank figures. As long as you leave a few single / double models it doesn't hurt casualty removal as you use the single models for "change". It can also make moving the unit easier, both on the battlefield and into/out of carry cases, although standard cases don't work with this method, alternative options can be even easier, e.g. magnetic.
I agree with the placing the spears pointing upwards and dry fitting them first. The arms are not that pose-able to go really anywhere else. I do have a little problem sometimes about Saurus and their tails when it comes to ranking but what you should do if you have problems is to re arrange the Saurus cause each one has their tails pointing in different directions. Just keeping arranging them until everyone ranks up fine. That is what I do.