Pre-Owned Warhammer Parts & Kitbash Guide — Heads, Weapons, Arms, Armour & Conversion Bits
Warhammer 40K · The Old World · Pre-Owned Bits · Kitbash · Restoration · Painting
A missing weapon, an older Space Marine shoulder pad, a different character head or one replacement vehicle component can be the difference between an unfinished Warhammer project and a miniature worth displaying. That is the appeal of pre-owned Warhammer parts and kitbash bits: they allow hobbyists to repair, personalise and sometimes preserve miniatures without having to purchase another complete kit.
For hobbyists interested in individual components, Merlin's Miniatures' Parts / Kitbash collection is particularly useful. Its catalogue brings together loose weapons, heads, limbs, armour, backpacks, shields, banners, vehicle components, older metal parts and assorted conversion material from several generations of tabletop miniature design.
At the time of research in November 2026, the collection displayed more than 1,200 listings, predominantly pre-owned. It included Warhammer 40,000, Warhammer Fantasy and related Games Workshop miniature components.
That breadth creates opportunities, but also a familiar problem: finding a part is not the same as establishing that it fits. An arm from an older metal miniature may not suit a current plastic torso. A shoulder pad may look correct in a photograph but have the wrong internal shape. A vehicle component may belong to a different generation of the same model.
This guide explains how to navigate that inventory by component type and project, what to check before buying, how to approach compatibility and restoration, and which preparation and painting supplies are worth considering afterwards.
Merlin's Miniatures: SCALEANDMOTION
Browse Pre-Owned Warhammer Parts & Kitbash
Enter the code at checkout where eligible. Any discount depends on current merchant conditions.
Quick Guide — Which Warhammer Bits Should You Look For?
| Component | Most Useful For | Main Compatibility Check | Buying Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heads and helmets | Characters, unit distinction, older sculpt restoration | Neck connection, head scale, collar clearance | High for character conversions |
| Weapons | Replacing missing equipment, visual upgrades, specialist models | Hand position, weapon size, assembly and game legality | High for repairs |
| Arms and hands | Weapon swaps, new poses, reconstructing incomplete figures | Shoulder joint, hand alignment, torso geometry | Essential when weapons are attached to arms |
| Shoulder pads and armour | Chapter identity, armour repairs, historical conversions | Arm size, inner curvature, sculpt generation | High for faction-specific projects |
| Backpacks and trophies | Space Marines, Chaos warbands, character detailing | Mounting surface, bulk, surrounding equipment | Project-dependent |
| Shields and banners | Fantasy units, command groups, visual identity | Hand placement, pole diameter, model balance | High for restoring missing details |
| Vehicle components | Restoring older tanks, transports, walkers and skimmers | Exact kit generation, scale, mounting points | Critical for incomplete vehicles |
| Mixed parts lots | Experimental kitbashing and conversion projects | Actual contents, duplicates and unusable pieces | Best when you need several possible components |
The smartest way to browse: identify the model, the missing part and the required connection before searching the catalogue. A small, correct purchase is usually more useful than a large collection of unrelated components.
1. Why Pre-Owned Parts Are Different From Complete Miniatures
Buying a complete miniature and buying a loose conversion component involve different risks.
With a complete miniature, the buyer usually focuses on the overall sculpt, paint condition, base and completeness.
With parts, an apparently insignificant detail can determine whether the purchase is useful.
A weapon may be the correct type but have the wrong hand attached. A left arm may be suitable for a particular torso but incompatible with the intended weapon. An older shoulder pad may match the chapter symbol while fitting a different armour generation.
That is especially important with Warhammer, where miniature proportions, assembly methods and sculpting styles have evolved over decades.
For this reason, the Merlin's catalogue is best approached as a searchable archive of physical components rather than a guaranteed compatibility system.
Three Reasons to Buy Individual Bits
- Repair: replace a missing or damaged part on a miniature already owned.
- Conversion: change the character, pose or equipment of a model.
- Preservation: restore a discontinued miniature using a period-appropriate component.
The third use is often overlooked. An older metal character may have more collector appeal when restored with the correct historical weapon or backpack than when heavily altered with an unrelated modern part.
2. Heads and Helmets — The Smallest Change With a Large Visual Effect
The head is one of the strongest visual signals of a miniature's identity.
A helmet change can alter the apparent role of a Space Marine, distinguish a squad leader or help create a visually individual character.
Fantasy miniatures can benefit from similar changes: an alternative head, hood, helmet or facial expression can give a familiar body a completely different personality.
What to Check Before Buying Heads
- Does the miniature use a ball-shaped neck, a flat connection or a sculpt-specific attachment?
- Will the head physically fit inside the collar or surrounding armour?
- Does the head size look appropriate beside the existing model?
- Is there sufficient clearance for large helmets, horns, crests or hair?
- Does the intended pose look natural once the head is attached?
A first-generation Space Marine sculpt and a more recent larger-scale Marine may not have identical head proportions.
That does not make cross-generation head swaps impossible. It means a successful conversion may require trimming, sculpting or repositioning.
If a part is valuable or difficult to replace, test the fit without glue first.
3. Weapons — Replace What Is Missing Before Changing Everything
Weapons are among the most practical parts to source individually.
A missing bolter, pistol, chainsword, power weapon, spear, shield or other equipment item can leave an otherwise complete model unfinished.
Pre-owned parts can also be useful when an older sculpt is being returned to its original appearance.
The Three Types of Weapon Fitment
| Weapon Construction | Typical Issue | Preferred Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Weapon and hand as one piece | Hand position may not align with the intended arm | Check wrist connection and pose before purchase |
| Weapon attached to a complete arm | Shoulder joint and arm proportions may differ | Compare the complete arm against the torso |
| Separate weapon component | Requires a compatible hand, mount or new attachment | Plan the connection and supporting parts first |
One common mistake is buying the correct weapon without checking the component needed to hold it.
For a two-handed firearm, both arms may need to work together geometrically.
The weapon may fit the right hand perfectly but prevent the left arm from reaching its intended position.
Whenever possible, look for the matching weapon-and-arm assembly rather than assuming the weapon alone will solve the problem.
Examples From the Merlin's Catalogue
The pre-owned inventory includes categories and individual listings for Imperial Guard weapons, Space Marine weapons and Ork equipment.
For example:
- Imperial Guard Weapons — Parts & Kitbash — useful as an example of a faction-specific weapons lot.
- Ork Loota Weapons — Parts & Kitbash — a specialist example where the exact pieces matter for the intended conversion.
- Space Marine Scouts Weapons — Parts & Kitbash — a useful reference for mixed weapons, arms and equipment components.
These are real catalogue examples, not guaranteed current stock. Individual second-hand listings can sell out while the wider category remains active.
4. Arms, Hands and Poses — Where Most Kitbash Compatibility Problems Begin
An alternative weapon often requires an alternative arm, and that can create a chain of compatibility questions.
The shoulder connection must fit the torso. The elbow and wrist need to make the weapon appear naturally supported. Armour details should not interfere with the chest, backpack or other equipment.
This is particularly noticeable on older metal miniatures, where the figure may have been sculpted as a tightly integrated pose.
Before Buying a Replacement Arm
- Identify whether the required arm is left or right.
- Check whether the weapon is separate or already attached.
- Compare the shoulder shape with the existing torso.
- Look for any missing hand, wrist or connecting component.
- Consider whether a changed pose will interfere with the base or adjacent equipment.
If the donor and recipient models come from different kit generations, assume that some modification may be needed until the dimensions have been checked.
A small amount of sculpting putty may disguise a joint, but it cannot always resolve a major scale mismatch.
5. Shoulder Pads, Armour Plates and Chapter Identity
Space Marine shoulder pads are an especially attractive category for characterful kitbash projects.
They offer a way to add faction identity without replacing an entire miniature.
However, they are also a good example of why apparently similar components may not be straightforward to interchange.
Different armour generations can use different shoulder dimensions, sculpted trim, inner shapes and attachment arrangements.
Real Catalogue Examples
Merlin's Parts / Kitbash catalogue has included individual listings for:
- Dark Angels Classic Metal Shoulder Pads
- Space Wolves Wolf Guard Metal Pads
- Imperial Fists Upgrade Parts
For a collector, older chapter-specific components may be more interesting than generic aftermarket decoration.
They can also be useful for repairing a classic model without changing the original visual language.
Explore our Classic & Pre-Owned Space Marines Collector's Guide for the wider collecting context.
6. Backpacks, Chaos Details and Character Conversion Parts
Backpacks can have a major effect on the character of a Warhammer miniature.
A conventional Space Marine backpack, a chapter-themed variant and a more elaborate Chaos component can produce very different visual results.
But backpacks also need the correct mounting surface.
Older metal components may be heavier than modern plastic equivalents, while decorative details can interfere with large shoulder pads or extended arms.
Space Wolves and Chaos Examples
The Merlin's catalogue has featured Space Wolves backpack components as well as assorted Chaos and Daemon Prince parts.
These are especially relevant to conversion projects where variation is part of the intended visual identity.
Chaos Space Marines, for example, can support a deliberately varied appearance involving different armour generations, trophies, weapon styles and decorative details.
Our Classic Chaos Space Marines Collector's Guide explores the wider history and collecting opportunities.
7. Imperial Guard, Astra Militarum and Specialist Equipment
Astra Militarum conversions are often more dependent on equipment consistency than elaborate armour.
Weapons, heads, backpacks, communications equipment and specialist accessories can all contribute to a recognisable regiment.
The key question is whether the component belongs to the same miniature generation or visual style as the recipient unit.
A classic metal Guardsman may have a different arm connection and body proportion from a modern plastic model.
The pre-owned catalogue includes Imperial Guard parts, specialist equipment and vehicle components.
| Project | Parts Worth Looking For | What to Verify |
|---|---|---|
| Restore an older infantry model | Weapon, arm, backpack or head | Correct sculpt generation and matching connection |
| Complete a communications specialist | Vox equipment and matching components | Harness, torso clearance and missing accessories |
| Expand a themed regiment | Uniform details, helmets and weapons | Visual consistency and scale |
| Repair an older vehicle | Turret, weapon or exterior details | Exact vehicle kit and mounting geometry |
A specific example is the Imperial Guard Vox Packs listing , which illustrates why specialist accessories can be worth searching for individually.
For a wider view of classic regiments and older infantry, read our Classic Imperial Guard & Astra Militarum Guide .
8. Aeldari, Orks, Necrons and Other Warhammer 40K Factions
The same basic principles apply well beyond Imperial factions.
Aeldari conversions may depend on very particular helmets, weapons, vehicle fins or delicate sculpted components.
Orks naturally lend themselves to irregular equipment, personalised weapons and mixed assemblies, although physical fitment still matters.
Necrons can be especially sensitive to thin connecting points and recognisable mechanical geometry.
The right buying approach depends on whether the goal is a faithful restoration or an intentionally non-standard conversion.
| Faction | Typical Project | Parts to Investigate | Common Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aeldari / Eldar | Classic sculpt or vehicle restoration | Weapons, heads, wings, fins, vehicle details | Thin parts and mismatched sculpt generations |
| Orks | Characterful weapon and equipment swaps | Weapons, arms, trophies, mechanical parts | Hand and shoulder alignment |
| Necrons | Repairing incomplete warriors or specialists | Arms, weapons and mechanical details | Fragile joints and model-specific shapes |
| Tyranids | Restoring bio-weapons and limbs | Arms, claws, weapons and carapace components | Different attachment geometry between kits |
| Chaos Space Marines | Converting characters and mixed-generation warbands | Weapons, shoulders, helmets, backpacks, trophies | Unbalanced proportions or incompatible mounting |
For a specific example, Merlin's has listed Eldar Swooping Hawk Wings as a separate pre-owned component.
A piece like this may be particularly valuable to someone repairing an older metal miniature. But the material, joint and exact sculpt generation should be checked before ordering.
Our Classic Aeldari / Eldar Collector's Guide provides more background for historical collections.
9. Warhammer Fantasy and The Old World — Shields, Banners and Classic Parts
Warhammer kitbashing is not limited to power armour and futuristic weapons.
Warhammer Fantasy and The Old World create different restoration needs: shields, banners, standards, spears, swords, heads, armour, mounts and decorative parts.
A single missing shield can leave a classic miniature looking visibly incomplete.
A broken banner pole can prevent an otherwise finished command model from being displayed as intended.
Why Historical Matching Matters
For collectors of older Citadel and Games Workshop miniatures, matching the correct era can be more important than simply finding something that fits.
Classic metal shields, sculpted banners and older weapon designs may represent a particular period in the history of the hobby.
A modern replacement may be perfectly adequate for a personal gaming conversion, but less appropriate for a historically faithful collector restoration.
That distinction should guide the purchase.
10. Vehicle Parts — Check the Exact Kit Generation
Vehicles introduce another level of compatibility risk.
A component described as a Space Marine vehicle part may not fit every Space Marine vehicle.
Turrets, hatches, side panels, weapon mounts, exhausts and other external details can change significantly between model generations.
Even when the vehicle name remains familiar, the actual plastic kit may have been redesigned.
A seller's broad faction classification should therefore never replace a direct comparison with the vehicle already owned.
Vehicle Restoration Checklist
- Identify the exact vehicle and approximate release generation.
- Compare the donor component with the surviving mounting points.
- Check whether the part is plastic, resin or metal.
- Look for broken locating tabs, pegs or hinges.
- Confirm whether the listing includes all associated small pieces.
- Consider whether previous glue or paint prevents a clean fit.
The Merlin's archive has included Space Marine Vehicle Parts and Imperial Guard Vehicle Parts as separate product listings.
Their value to a particular buyer depends on whether the exact component is the missing piece for the vehicle in question.
11. Plastic, Metal and Resin — Choose the Right Assembly Method
The material of a pre-owned part determines how it should be cleaned, repaired and attached.
Warhammer's history includes many plastic, metal and resin models, as well as miniatures assembled from more than one material.
| Material | Typical Preparation | Joining Considerations | Main Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polystyrene plastic | Remove mould lines and clean contact surfaces | Suitable polystyrene cement can create a solvent-welded joint between compatible plastic surfaces | Solvent cement will not work on every plastic or on metal/resin |
| White metal | Remove flash, clean previous glue and test alignment | Appropriate cyanoacrylate or epoxy; pin larger or stressed joints where suitable | Weight and small contact areas can create weak joints |
| Resin | Inspect for casting residue, warping and fragile details | Appropriate adhesive for resin-to-resin or mixed-material joints | Brittleness, dust from sanding and heat sensitivity |
| Mixed materials | Prepare each surface separately | Select adhesive according to the actual materials being joined | Different surface and mechanical behaviour |
Dry-Fitting Is More Important Than Glue Choice
Before attaching a valuable or unusual component, test the assembly without glue.
A dry fit can reveal:
- incorrect contact angles;
- blocked movement or overlapping pieces;
- visible gaps;
- wrong scale or proportions;
- missing supporting parts.
Fixing these problems before gluing is generally easier than trying to reverse an unsuitable joint.
12. The Kitbash Buying Checklist — Before Spending Money
Because most Merlin's parts listings are individual second-hand items, the buying decision should begin with the exact photographs and description.
| Question | What to Inspect | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| What is included? | Count the pieces visible and read the listing description | A photograph may show several separate components or one mixed lot |
| Which model or era? | Faction, sculpt generation, manufacturer and identifying details | Similar component names can refer to different shapes |
| What is the material? | Plastic, metal, resin or a combination | Affects preparation, weight and adhesive choice |
| Is anything broken? | Small projections, hands, tips, tabs and edges | Damage can be difficult to see in general photographs |
| Has it been glued? | Previous attachment surfaces and residue | May need cleaning or reworking |
| Has it been painted? | Paint thickness, primer and remaining detail | May affect fitment and finishing effort |
| Does it fit? | Connection type, proportions and surrounding geometry | Faction matching is not proof of physical compatibility |
| Is it worth the cost? | Part price, shipping, restoration work and alternatives | A single small component can become an expensive purchase after delivery costs |
Merlin's individual pre-owned product pages commonly tell buyers to review the photographs carefully and describe the condition as shown.
That makes the photographs part of the product specification rather than mere decoration.
A detailed photograph of the actual part is more useful than a generic stock image of the complete miniature.
13. Five Practical Kitbash Projects
Project A — Complete a Missing Space Marine Weapon
Objective: restore an otherwise complete miniature with minimum alteration.
Start by identifying the weapon and whether the original part included a hand or arm.
Search for the matching part or a complete donor assembly.
Avoid buying unrelated chapter accessories until the weapon problem has been resolved.
Project B — Build a Chapter-Specific Sergeant
Objective: give an existing model a more distinctive identity.
Look for one or two visually important components, such as a helmet, shoulder pad or weapon.
Choose a coherent design rather than adding every available decorative part.
For an older miniature, consider whether classic components better match its original proportions.
Project C — Restore a Classic Metal Miniature
Objective: preserve the appearance of a discontinued sculpt.
Identify the original component where possible.
Prioritise a matching replacement rather than a dramatic modern conversion.
Clean the joint carefully, avoid unnecessary permanent changes to the original casting and preserve good historical paintwork when appropriate.
Project D — Create a Mixed Chaos Warband
Objective: build a visually varied force from older and newer components.
Start with compatible bodies and choose heads, weapons, backpacks and trophies according to a common visual theme.
Repeated basing, colour choices and insignia can unify models with different sculpt histories.
This is a project where variation can be deliberate, but physical compatibility still needs testing.
Project E — Repair a Fantasy Command Model
Objective: replace a lost banner, shield or weapon.
Look for the correct period, material and sculpt style.
Check the weight and balance of replacement metal parts, particularly tall banners or standards.
The best purchase may be a single historical component rather than a modern accessory set.
14. Monument Hobbies — Tools That Actually Support Kitbashing
Once the right components are selected, preparation becomes the next stage.
This is where Monument Hobbies' modelling tools provide a complementary shopping route.
The most useful purchases are usually basic: cutting, removing mould lines, cleaning joins, controlling glue and preparing the model for paint.
MonumenTOOLS — Mold Line / Seam Scraper
Removing visible mould lines can make a small replacement part blend more convincingly with the surrounding miniature.
A dedicated scraper can be useful for working along accessible seams without using the sharp edge of a hobby knife for every task.
It is especially relevant when preparing older plastic parts that need additional surface finishing.
View MonumenTOOLS Mold Line / Seam Scraper .
MonumenTOOLS — Flush Cut Hobby Clippers
Flush cutters are useful for separating suitable plastic parts from sprues while leaving manageable material for final cleaning.
They are not the right tool for every material. Use the manufacturer's recommended application, particularly when working with harder wire or metal.
View MonumenTOOLS Flush Cut Hobby Clippers .
MonumenTOOLS — Retractable Hobby Cutter
A hobby cutter helps with controlled trimming, removing small remnants and preparing flat contact surfaces.
The important qualities are a suitable blade, good control and safe handling.
A knife should not be forced through a thick metal component or used in a way that risks slipping.
View MonumenTOOLS Retractable Hobby Cutter .
Pro Affix — Hobby Adhesive
A suitable adhesive becomes important when repairing mixed-material miniatures.
Monument Hobbies lists Pro Affix as a dedicated hobby adhesive.
Check its current instructions against the particular materials being joined before purchasing.
For solvent-welded polystyrene assembly, a suitable plastic cement may be the more appropriate choice.
View Pro Affix Hobby Adhesive .
Cutting Mat and Work Surface
A protected work surface helps when cutting, dry-fitting and arranging small parts.
A shallow tray or organiser can also prevent loose heads, hands and weapon pieces from disappearing.
View MonumenTOOLS Hobby Nerd Cutting Mat .
15. Tools Buying Guide — What Do You Really Need?
| Task | First Useful Tool | When an Upgrade Makes Sense |
|---|---|---|
| Remove plastic sprue connections | Suitable hobby clippers | When cleaner cuts reduce later finishing work |
| Remove mould lines | Scraper or suitable finishing tool | When the project contains many visible seams |
| Trim connection surfaces | Controlled hobby knife | When a conversion requires repeated precision work |
| Prepare or reinforce a joint | Appropriate hand drill, pinning wire and adhesive | For heavier or stressed metal/resin assemblies |
| Fill small gaps | Suitable modelling putty | When different kit geometries leave visible joins |
| Prime a converted miniature | Suitable primer | When exposed materials or repaired surfaces need consistent coverage |
| Paint details | One dependable general brush and a detail brush | When the miniature genuinely requires finer control |
The correct sequence is not to buy a large tool collection in advance.
It is to choose the next tool around the actual work required by the parts already owned.
16. Monument Hobbies — Primers, Paints, Brushes and Finishing
A successful kitbash can still look unfinished if the added components have different paint and surface finishes.
Priming and painting are therefore important, particularly when combining plastic, metal and resin.
Primers — Create a Consistent Surface
Monument Hobbies carries Pro Acryl primers, including black, white, grey and other colour options.
The range also includes brush-on primers for smaller applications.
For a repair involving only one replacement arm or weapon, carefully priming the repaired area may be more appropriate than repriming an entire finished miniature.
Browse Pro Acryl Primers — US Store .
European customers can browse the Monument Hobbies EU Primer Collection .
Pro Acryl Paints — Unify Old and New Components
Different parts can be visually unified through a controlled colour palette.
Matching armour tones, weapon metals, leather, cloth and bases can make components from different kits appear more coherent.
A small project usually needs only a few colours: the main armour colour, a shadow, a highlight and any essential metallic or detail tones.
Browse Pro Acryl Paints — US Store .
Browse Pro Acryl Paints — EU Store .
PRO Series Brushes
Brush selection should follow the actual painting task.
A small detail brush may be useful for chapter symbols, weapon details and fine highlights.
A slightly larger general-purpose brush may be more efficient for armour, cloth and broad surfaces.
There is no requirement to buy a complete professional brush set for a single conversion.
Browse Monument Hobbies Brushes — US .
Browse Monument Hobbies Brushes — EU .
Washes, Metallics and Basing
Once the main colours are established, washes can help define recesses and metallics can distinguish weapons, machinery and armour trim.
Consistent basing is another effective way to unify a collection containing models from several generations.
Explore Pro Acryl Washes and Basing Textures .
United States:
SCALEMOTION776
Shop Monument Hobbies US
European Union:
SCALEMOTION496
Shop Monument Hobbies EU
Codes are provided for eligible purchases. Discount values and conditions may change; verify applicability at checkout.
17. Compatibility and Tabletop Rules — Not Every Conversion Is Automatically Playable
A model can be physically well constructed and visually convincing without automatically meeting every current tabletop gaming requirement.
The exact rules depend on the game, edition, event and organiser.
For a gaming conversion, check the current requirements for:
- base size;
- model dimensions and silhouette where relevant;
- weapon or equipment representation;
- clear identification of the unit;
- event-specific conversion or proxy policies.
A collector building for display has much greater freedom than someone preparing a miniature for a particular competitive event.
That distinction should be made before buying unusual conversion components.
18. The Economics of Pre-Owned Kitbash Parts
Small components can be economical when they solve a specific problem.
Buying a single replacement part may avoid acquiring an entire boxed kit.
However, it is also possible to spend more on scattered components than on a coherent donor kit.
Compare the Complete Project Cost
| Buying Route | Advantage | Possible Disadvantage | Best Decision |
|---|---|---|---|
| One specific pre-owned part | Targeted solution | Shipping can outweigh the part price | Good when the exact component is available |
| Mixed kitbash lot | Multiple potential components | May include unwanted or unusable pieces | Good for several planned conversions |
| Complete donor miniature | Several related components from one sculpt | May cost more than one loose part | Good when multiple matching pieces are needed |
| Modern complete kit | Predictable contents and new components | May not match a discontinued miniature | Good when historical accuracy is not essential |
| Repair the existing component | May avoid purchasing anything | Requires suitable tools and skill | Good when the original part remains usable |
The real comparison is not simply part price against kit price.
It is the total cost of completing the intended model, including delivery, missing accessories, tools and additional restoration work.
19. Practical Project Paths — Parts, Tools and Paint
| Project | Parts Source | Preparation | Finishing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missing Space Marine weapon | Merlin's weapons and parts listings | Dry-fit, clean joint, attach correctly | Touch up weapon and adjoining armour |
| Custom Chapter character | Heads, pads, weapons and backpacks | Test geometry and remove mould lines | Prime new pieces and match chapter colours |
| Classic metal restoration | Period-appropriate pre-owned components | Clean, reinforce suitable joints and preserve originals | Careful colour matching or restrained restoration |
| Fantasy command miniature | Shields, banners, standards and arms | Check weight, mounting and balance | Consistent heraldry and basing |
| Mixed Chaos conversion | Assorted heads, arms, weapons and trophies | Test proportions and fill visible gaps | Unifying armour palette, weathering and bases |
| Vehicle repair | Exact generation-specific parts | Check locating points and clean broken joins | Match the existing vehicle finish |
20. Frequently Asked Questions
What does "kitbash" mean in Warhammer?
Kitbashing is the process of combining parts from different kits or models to create a modified or unique miniature.
The change may be as simple as a replacement head or as extensive as rebuilding an entire character.
Are all Space Marine arms and heads interchangeable?
No. Differences between miniature generations, armour styles and individual sculpt connections can affect compatibility.
Some swaps may work with little alteration; others require trimming, filling or new attachment points.
Can old metal parts be attached to modern plastic miniatures?
Sometimes, but the joint needs careful assessment.
Metal weight, contact area and material differences can affect how securely the part is attached.
Larger or stressed connections may require reinforcement.
Should I strip old paint before making a conversion?
Not automatically.
Good existing paintwork may be worth preserving, especially on collectible or historically interesting miniatures.
Consider local cleaning and touch-ups before repainting an entire figure.
Is buying a mixed bits lot always cheaper?
No. It depends on how many components are genuinely useful and the total cost including delivery.
A mixed lot is more attractive when it supports several planned projects.
Can I use third-party parts in Warhammer tournaments?
That depends on the current event and organiser's rules.
Check their requirements before preparing a converted model for a specific event.
Can I buy tools and paints from Monument Hobbies for the same project?
Yes. Monument Hobbies offers tools, primers, paints and brushes that can support miniature preparation and finishing.
Buy according to the materials and techniques required by your project.
How often does Merlin's parts inventory change?
Individual pre-owned items may be sold, replaced or supplemented as new collections are processed.
The catalogue should therefore be treated as a changing inventory rather than a permanent list of identical replacement parts.
Final Thoughts
The real value of Merlin's Miniatures' Parts / Kitbash collection is not simply the number of listings.
It is the possibility of finding the exact component that makes an existing project complete.
For a collector, that may be an older metal shoulder pad or a period-correct weapon.
For a player, it may be a missing piece that returns a miniature to usable condition.
For a creative kitbasher, it may be a mixture of heads, arms and equipment that produces a genuinely individual model.
Monument Hobbies complements that parts-based approach with preparation and painting supplies.
But the strongest buying path remains selective: identify the project, inspect the exact parts, confirm compatibility, prepare the assembly and finish only what needs finishing.
That approach is more useful than accumulating large quantities of bits without a clear purpose.
It can also make Warhammer collecting more rewarding, because restoring and adapting a miniature already owned may create more satisfaction than replacing it.
Browse the Catalogue
For more miniature kits, Warhammer factions, painting supplies, modelling tools and related tabletop products, explore the curated Scale & Motion Plus catalogue.
Browse the Scale & Motion Plus Hobby & Model Catalogue .
Explore the Scale & Motion Network
Readers interested in conventional plastic model kits, scale-model construction, finishing techniques and tools can also explore Scale & Motion .
For finished diecast models and scale-model collecting rather than miniature conversion work, visit Model Car Icons .
This article may contain affiliate links (paid links). If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help keep Scale and Motion Plus running. Affiliate partners may include (but are not limited to): Awin retailers (such as CK-Modelcars, Modellbau-Universe, Diecastmodelwholesale, Carrera Toys Carson and Hobbies UK), GoAffPro partner stores (FairRC, FMS, Merlin Miniatures, Redcat Racing, Mighty Lancer Games, Scale Motorsport), tidd.ly links, AirModels and Discovery Japan. This article may contain affiliate links to refered partners and/or other retailers. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help keep this project running.
All images, logos, and trademarks remain the property of their respective copyright holders. If you are a content creator and wish for credit, an update, or removal of content, please contact me directly.
Please note: Images used in this article may not correspond exactly to the products promoted in the affiliate links and are provided for illustrative purposes only.
All transactions, product quality, shipping, and returns are the sole responsibility of the respective seller or manufacturer. Scale and Motion Plus does not handle orders or provide after-sales support.
This site uses cookies and may contain affiliate links. By using this site, you accept the Privacy Policy. Read more.
The information provided on this blog is for entertainment, historical and educational purposes only and should not be considered purchasing advice. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research before making any buying decisions.