How to Build a Tannenburg Missile Launcher Team Step by Step

Quick answer

Build the Tannenburg Missile Launcher Team by dry-fitting every modular part before glue, assembling the launcher and crew separately, then basing the finished team on a surface that supports the weapon's footprint. Treat the kit as a push-together modular set: test each joint, trim only what interferes, and paint after the team is fully assembled and primed.

What you need before you start

The Tannenburg Missile Launcher Team is a fully modular physical kit, so the build rewards preparation more than force. Set out a hobby knife, fine files or sanding sticks, plastic glue or super glue, a cutting mat, and a dry-fit tray or small cups to keep parts separated. Because the kit is modular, keep the launcher components, crew components, and any optional parts in separate groups so you do not mix left and right pieces. If you are also building the larger Tannenburg Heavy Weapons Team, keep those parts in their own tray; the two kits share a design language but should be assembled one team at a time.

Step 1: Dry-fit the missile launcher body

Before any glue, push the main launcher body together without adhesive. The kit is designed as a push-together modular set, so the parts should seat with light pressure. Check that the tube, mount, and any support arms meet cleanly and that the launcher sits level when rested on a flat surface. If a joint feels tight, identify the contact point rather than sanding the whole piece. If it feels loose, note it now so you can decide whether a small amount of glue or a light trim will give a better fit later.

Step 2: Clean and prepare the joints

Once you know how the launcher goes together, separate the parts and clean the contact points. Use a hobby knife to remove any flash or print residue at the joint, then lightly sand the mating surfaces. Work slowly and check the fit after each small change. The goal is a clean, gap-free join, not a loose one. If you are working with a 3D printed kit, remember that resin and print surfaces can vary slightly, so test-fit after every trim rather than assuming one pass is enough.

Step 3: Assemble the launcher and let it set

Glue the launcher body together, keeping the seams aligned and the tube straight. Use a small amount of adhesive and hold the parts until they grab. If the launcher has a mount or bipod, attach it after the main body has set so you are not fighting two joints at once. Set the launcher aside on a flat surface to cure fully before you attach it to a base or add crew. This is the point where a rushed build usually shows: a launcher glued at an angle will be obvious once the crew is in place.

Step 4: Build and position the crew

Assemble the crew figures next, dry-fitting arms and heads before gluing. Because the kit is modular, you can choose poses that support the launcher rather than forcing a fixed arrangement. Position the crew so they look like they are operating the weapon: one figure loading or spotting, another supporting the mount or carrying ammunition. Check that hands and arms reach the launcher naturally. A common mistake is gluing the crew into a neat row; instead, vary their facing and stance so the team reads as a working unit.

Step 5: Base the team for stability and painting access

Choose a base size that fits the launcher and the crew without overhang, then test-place everything before gluing. Mark the launcher footprint and the crew positions lightly with a pencil. Glue the launcher down first, then the crew, checking that no figure blocks access to the launcher for painting. If you plan to add texture, keep it low around the crew's feet so the figures still sit flat. For a heavier weapons team, a slightly wider base gives you room to add a small ammo crate or spent casing later without crowding the models.

Step 6: Prime and check before painting

Once the team is fully assembled and the glue has cured, prime the whole model in thin coats. Use a primer that suits the material you are working with and let each coat dry before adding the next. After priming, look over the team for gaps, mold lines, or joints that opened during handling. Fix these now with a little filler or a light sand, because they are much harder to hide once paint is on. This is also the moment to confirm the launcher and crew read clearly as one unit from tabletop distance.

Build steps at a glance

1. Dry-fit the launcher: Push the main launcher body together without glue to check alignment and level. Checkpoint: the launcher should sit flat with no forced gaps.
2. Clean the joints: Trim flash and lightly sand contact points, test-fitting after each small change. Common mistake: sanding too much and creating a loose joint.
3. Glue the launcher: Assemble the launcher body, then add the mount or bipod after the main body sets. Checkpoint: the tube should be straight and the seams aligned.
4. Assemble the crew: Dry-fit arms and heads, then pose the crew as if they are operating the launcher. Common mistake: lining the crew up in a static row.
5. Base the team: Test-place the launcher and crew, then glue the launcher first and the crew second. Checkpoint: no figure blocks painting access to the launcher.
6. Prime and inspect: Prime in thin coats, then check for gaps or opened joints before painting. Next step: fix any flaws now, then paint the team as one unit.

Kit facts that affect your build

• Tannenburg Missile Launcher Team: Tannenburg Missile Launcher Team from the Grimdark Empire Kickstarter. High quality 3D print. Fully modular physical kit. The modular design means you can dry-fit and choose poses before gluing, but it also means you should test each joint rather than assuming a fixed assembly order.
• Tannenburg Heavy Weapons Team: Tannenburg Heavy Weapons Team from the Grimdark Empire Kickstarter. Fully modular, 'push-together' Grimdark troops. Physical 3D printed modular kit. Includes the parts to build a team of 3 heavy weapons teams including six crewmen, with Auto-Cannons, Heavy Bolters or Laser Cannons. These components are presented on a high density Snap Tray for simple identification and removal as you construct each figure. If you want a larger weapons team or alternative weapon options, this kit uses the same push-together approach and a Snap Tray that keeps parts organized, which is useful when building multiple teams.