Buying Warhammer 40k (Also, a thread to show off your models)
 

So, I'm looking into getting some Warhammer 40k models.
Not for play, however. Just for display. I know: crazy, right? I just love how the models look, and I couldn't care less for the game proper.
I'm mostly looking at Space Marines, but I might be persuaded into Tau instead.

However, here's the thing.
I've been looking at the Assault on Black Reach box, and it looks like a great buy indeed. But seeing as I'm just going for display of one army, I'd be stuck with Orkz that I wouldn't have much use for.
On the plus side, should I ever get interested in more than display, I've got the rules, some of the tools (dice and the like) and two small armies to practice with.

I've also been looking at various battleforces.
Again, mostly at Space Marines and Space Wolves, but the Tau look pretty awesome as well.

The main question is, what do YOU guys think I should do?
Still go with the starter set of Assault on Black Reach or just go for a Battleforce? I'm willing to look into anything BUT Orkz and Tyranid, if I get a battleforce instead of AoBR. (Tyranids look like hell to paint. >_> (more than other models, in any case))

Feel free to also show off your own models/armies if you've got any.
I know I will, when (or if?) I get mine painted!

I'd just go with the Battleforce. I'm having to determine something similor regarding the Sisters of Battle.

Don't go for Space Marines, everyone goes for Space Marines.

Don't go for Space Wolves, they have some fucking ridiculous rules that ruin the game for everybody. Also they're still Space Marines and fuck Space Marines.

Tau are cool, I play Tau. But plan out your list first, most units/weapon setups are kind of specific in what situations they're best at. Also, the 5th Ed rules fuck them over in several key areas (some wargear is literally useless; any infantry-heavy list will be rather vulnerable; etc) but if you're just looking for stuff that's just visual, the battlesuits are neat, and Forge World has some fucking BEAUTIFUL Tau stuff.

Necrons just got updated and a bunch of their stuff is really cool-looking. Their basic warriors are a fucking pain to put together though, so watch out for that.

Eldar, again, are very specialized, so you should plan a playable list ahead of time if you ever plan to get into the game, but they can be very pretty if you put in the effort; lots of intricate flat surfaces, lots of dynamic-looking units (the most recent Wraithlord is my favorite non-Forge World model in the game) and several of their units have "canon" color schemes that you can go with, giving your armied a varied, yet unified, look.

Still, thank you, Kerensky.

I caught that by the time I was halfway through the Tau paragraph and started amending stuff after that.

I stand by my "fuck Space Marines" stance, but emphasize the Forge World battlesuits. Those things are outstanding.

At least he didn't go "Fuck the Imperium" at all. :P

If you want stuff that looks cool, some of the recent Dark Eldar stuff is also pretty amazing looking. Or if you've got several hundred to spare, get a Titan or 2.

Titans are fucking fantastic.

... get a shitload of ice, and a tub.
We're cutting out my kidneys.

I must have a Titan model.

But damn. Those DO look impressive. Too bloody expensive, but impressive!

Yeah, for a grand apiece.

Hell no, the Grey Knights are awesomebadass, even though they're space marines (though I still consider them Daemonhunters more than anything), and the Imperial Guard are freakin' sweet.

Actually, I put forward the Grey Knight suggestion. Those guys are just impressive all on their own. Buy some GK Terminators!

Imperial Guard might not be a great display army though. Too much work for too little reward.