Don’t miss our unboxing and build of the new Tyranids Norn Emissary and Assimilator to see if you can make both variants from one box!
Rob is back unboxing the newest release for Warhammer 40k. He’ll see what it takes to get it ready for the tabletop, show the potential magnetizing options, compare the models’ size, and tell you the GOTCHAS to be aware of when building them.
We will show you everything, including the sprues, bits, and, of course, the size. That way, you can decide if this is worth your hard-earned hobby dollars. Let’s get into it!
40k Tyranids Norn Emissary & Assimilator: Unboxing & Build
Click here to get yours for less from these retailers: | Amazon | Dicehead Games | Bazooka Games | Frontline Gaming
The kit sells for $115 from GW, and it’s about the standard pricing we’ve been seeing lately for “large models.”
You get basically three squad sprues in the box, which is also pretty standard for something like this. Sometimes it kind of feels bad when you realize the same amount of sprues comes in a Primaris squad for well over $50 less.
So, let’s see how to build it up, maybe magnetize it, and save some of those hobby dollars by futureproofing the model!
Instructions
This shows the differences between the two builds, mainly the head and the cowl. One thing that sticks out to Rob is how these legs are sliced right down the middle, so be sure to glue them right, or you’ll have a giant slice right down the leg.
Rob recommends using the Tamiya Extra Thin Cement for this to help get a solid bond on the plastic and hide the gaps!
The body is similar to the older Carnifex build, and you could leave all these parts separate for painting, but it’s probably not worth it.
Now, it’s time to start figuring out how to make this a dual kit. If you want to make both models out of this kit, you’ll have to be OK with the arms being the same for both versions, as the insert for the Emissary isn’t magnetizable.
However, it does look like there will be enough material on the front and back parts to magnetize the arms (with twelve 1/8″ diameter magnets.)
We get all our magnets for hobbying from The Magnet Baron. Be sure to use coupon code Spikey10off to get 10% off your next order with them!
Or, you could always build up one version and pop in the heads without gluing them. If they are tight enough, you can just paint up two heads and pop them in and out when you want to use the different variants.
You can also go a step further and build a superstructure in the gap of the head and blue tac the heads right to it. Making for a rapid swap between both.
The armored cowl on the back of the Assimilator just pops in and out, but could also be held with Blue-tac as it slots in. However, it does have some extra bits for the front, but most people probably wouldn’t notice if you didn’t have them glued on.
Sprues
You get three sprues in the box, and the detail is pretty amazing as usual, on all the bits. This model has a surprisingly small piece count for how big it is.
Built Norn Emissary Model
Here is the Norn Emmisary model all built up. Rob didn’t do two versions of it due to time restraints as he buys all his models from Local Game Stores and does not participate in Games Workshop’s influencer program, so he can give you a fair review.
But here are some things to watch out for when making this kit modular:
This is where you would build the superstructure for head swaps, and you should do it while you’re working on the inside. Just cut some pieces of unused sprue off and glue them in. However, if you put the cowl piece on, you will be unable to fit the Assimilator head on so you would have to blue-tac the cowl in.
This model has a decent number of cracks and cuts, so be sure to use the Tamiya cement to seal them all up. Overall, though, this is a great model and builds up quite quickly.
Size Comparisons With Angron!
This is a little bigger than Rob expected. The Nonn is about the same size as Angron (but Angron is crouching, so we’ll give him the win. ) Both are on 100mm bases.
Compared to a normal Primaris, however, Space Marine looks tiny! Be sure to watch the video below for all the details.
Click Here to Get Your Norn Emissary!
Will you be picking up this mini? What do you think about the options in the kit?
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About the Author: Travis Pasch
Travis Pasch
Job Title: Head Writer & Editor
Socials: @paschbass
About Travis Pasch: Travis has been a Warhammer 40k hobbyist since the 1990s, playing the game since Third Edition. Through extensive traveling, he’s seen a lot of the miniatures hobby from across the world, giving him a unique perspective on the latest gaming topics and trends.
Travis’s brother even owns a commission painting studio, where he’s picked up a lot of good advice and techniques for painting Warhammer and tabletop miniatures over the years, as well. Travis joined the Spikey Bits team in 2019 and has been the lead writer since 2020.
Currently, he’s working on converting all his 40k Adeptus Mechanicus models and becoming a true tech enjoyer, complete with both sad and happy robot noises!
