Heavy Weapon Set: Painting and Assembly Tips
By Victoria Miniatures by Victoria Lamb | Published: 2026-10-31
Category: How-to Guides
Get the most from your Heavy Weapon Set with our assembly and painting steps, including how to prep, magnetize, and finish four interchangeable cannons.
Quick answer
To get the most from your Heavy Weapon Set, dry-fit every part, decide on magnetization early, and paint sub-assemblies before final glue-up.
Why magnetization is worth the effort
The Heavy Weapon Set includes four different cannons—Heavy Bolter, Heavy Stubber, Laser Cannon, and Auto Cannon—all designed to fit a single carriage. If you glue one cannon permanently, you lose the flexibility to swap weapons between games or display pieces.
Magnetizing the weapon mounts is a straightforward upgrade that lets you change loadouts without rebuying the kit. It takes a little extra time during assembly, but it pays off every time you want to field a different configuration.
Heavy Weapon Set: Step-by-Step Assembly and Painting
- Dry-fit everything first: Before applying any glue, test-fit all the parts—especially the cannon mounts and carriage—to see how they align. This helps you spot any mold lines or flash that need cleaning before assembly. Check that each cannon fits the mount without forcing; sand gently if needed.
- Decide on magnetization: If you want to swap cannons, drill a 2–3 mm hole in the carriage mount and the base of each cannon, then glue in small rare-earth magnets. Test the polarity before gluing so all cannons mount the same way. Use a pin vise to drill straight; test polarity before the glue sets.
- Clean and prep each part: Remove mold lines with a hobby knife or file, and wash the parts in warm soapy water to release any mold release agent. This ensures primer and paint adhere properly. Skip washing and you risk paint flaking off later.
- Prime in sub-assemblies: Prime the carriage, gunner (if included), and each cannon separately. This reaches every nook and cranny, especially around the barrels and under the carriage. Use a rattle can or airbrush in thin coats to avoid obscuring detail.
- Paint in layers: Start with the base colors, then apply washes to recesses and highlight raised areas. For metal parts, use a metallic base and a dark wash to add depth. Let each layer dry completely before adding the next to avoid smudging.
- Finish and assemble: Once painting is done, glue the carriage and any fixed parts together. If you magnetized, simply attach the cannon of your choice. Apply a matte varnish to protect the paint job. Varnish after assembly to protect the paint from handling during games.
What's in the box
- Heavy Weapon Set: This kit includes parts to build four heavy weapons: Heavy Bolter, Heavy Stubber, Laser Cannon, and Auto Cannon, all on a single carriage. You can build all four options from one box, so you don't need to buy multiple kits to cover different loadouts.
Heavy Weapon Set
