How to Convert 5 Greatcoat Torsos for Winter Armies

By Victoria Miniatures by Victoria Lamb | Published: 2026-10-29

Category: How-to Guides

Learn to convert 5 Greatcoat Torsos into unique winter guard miniatures with practical steps, painting tips, and common mistakes to avoid.

Quick answer

Start with the 5 Greatcoat Torsos and pair them with compatible plastic kits to build a cohesive winter guard squad. Follow the steps below for a smooth conversion and painting process.

Why Greatcoat Torsos are ideal for winter armies

Greatcoat torsos instantly communicate a cold-weather theme, making them a natural fit for winter guard armies. Their heavy, layered design reads as practical protection against harsh climates, which adds visual storytelling to your force.

Because these are conversion parts, you can mix them with a variety of popular plastic kits to create unique poses and unit types. This flexibility lets you build a squad that feels personalized without requiring advanced sculpting skills.

Trade-offs to consider before converting

Resin parts require a bit more prep than plastic: you’ll need to wash them in warm soapy water and carefully remove mold lines. This is a small extra step that ensures paint adheres properly and details stay crisp.

Since these are torsos only, you’ll need to source compatible arms, heads, and legs from other kits. Plan your bits before you start so the final assembly looks natural and balanced.

Conversion steps

Prepare the resin torsos: Wash the torsos in warm soapy water and gently scrub with an old toothbrush. Rinse and let dry completely. Remove any mold lines with a hobby knife or fine sandpaper. Skipping the wash can cause paint to peel later—always prep resin properly.
Dry-fit your bits: Before gluing, dry-fit the torsos with the arms, heads, and legs you plan to use. Check that the poses look natural and that the joints align well. This is your chance to swap parts without damaging anything. A quick dry-fit saves you from awkward poses and gap-filling later.
Glue and fill gaps: Use super glue for resin-to-plastic connections. Apply a small amount and press firmly. For any gaps, use green stuff or milliput to fill and smooth the joints. Let everything cure fully. Don’t rush the curing—weak joints can break during gaming.
Prime for winter: Prime the assembled miniatures with a light gray or white primer. This gives a bright base that makes cold tones like blues and whites pop. Shake the primer well and spray in short, even bursts from about 20 cm away. A light primer helps you achieve smooth, vibrant winter colors.
Paint the greatcoats: Basecoat the greatcoats in a muted color like grey-blue or olive drab. Layer with a lighter shade on the raised areas, then apply a dark wash to the recesses. Finish with a matte varnish to protect the paint. Use thin layers to keep the fabric texture visible—avoid thick paint.
Add winter details: Paint fur trim, scarves, or snow effects to enhance the winter theme. Use a stippling technique to suggest snow on the shoulders and hoods. Seal everything with a matte varnish. Small details like snow make the squad feel cohesive and thematic.

Product facts

5 Greatcoat Torsos (male): 5 Resin Greatcoat Torsos, conversion parts for creating your own custom Guard Squads, compatible with Victoria Miniatures Guard and popular plastic kits, hand cast in high quality resin. These torsos give you a solid foundation for a winter-themed squad while letting you mix in your favorite plastic bits for a unique look.
5 Greatcoat Torsos (male)