Conundrums of the Classic Range

So I have an extensive collection of the 3rd edition models. I haven't been able to justify buying any of the later models, because although they're gorgeous, it's difficult to justify buying, say, Kabalites and Raiders, when I own four Raiders and several dozen Kabalites. I probably will eventually, but I'm self-employed, and money is tight.

I also don't think the new models "fit" with the old ones, so I intend to keep my relative Commorite factions model line "pure," ie classic range Kabal and Cult, new range Coven.

This poses a number of problems.

I can probably live with Venoms being Coven-only. (I haven't had a workable idea for classic-looking Venoms yet, but maybe I'll have an epiphany some day.)

But what about weaponry, and internal consistency?
For example, I want my Succubus to have a blast pistol. There were no blast pistols back then. Should I use a current blast pistol? It looks nothing like the classic blasters. Should I strip out all my classic blasters and replace them with modern blasters? That seems excessive. Should I attempt to design and sculpt a blast pistol that looks like the classic blasters? I'm reasonably skilled with green stuff, but sculpting things to look like they were machined is difficult. Moreover, is it appropriate to turn up to games with models holding guns that look nothing like the weaponry described in either the classic or the current book?

Right now I'm leaning towards converting the classic Reaver shredders to look heat lance-ish, but bit-ordering current haywire blasters for my Scourges and Trueborn. And maybe I'll just get over the classic blaster-current blast pistol disconnect.

What do other people think about all this?

I can see where you're coming from.

I started my collection again when the new models came out. They were too beautiful not to. But having a longstanding collection, I've mixed and matched while I've slowly augmented my force (at the rate of about a new box every two months).

Before the 5ed dex, I'd started converting extra blasters for my guys using spare dark lances (somehow I ended up with a surfeit of the plastic raider ones) and splinter cannons. I shortened the barrels, put on some sights, and rearranged the stocks to be significantly shorter. No pics at hand, sorry.

So for the pistols, if you have some spare old school splintercannons, you might be able to use part of that barrel on top of an old style splinter pistol base? It would give it that big bore that the old blaster had. A couple of thin wires from the bore to the pistol stock may help capture the look a bit more. And maybe a green stuff 'shell' around the main body of the pistol to make it look more even, rather than the obvious round dome of the splinter weaponry?

Personally I use a mix of old and new. I have dozens of old warriors, haemonculi, my Archon, ect.

Aside from my love for the older rage of models (Yes, I'm serious) I know where you're coming from. I simply kitbash old and new.

I recently replaced all of my Raiders with Venoms, so I did this to make it match:


To me It blends very well, The new Venoms have a very ''Return of the Jedi'' feel, much like the OOP  raiders, if you ask me.

In the back of this pick you'll see my Kabalite trueborn are OOP Warriors with new Kabalite Heads:


As you can see I used the age old trick of making blasters by cutting down splinter rifles lol.

Hell, I still use my old Grotesques as...well, Grotesques


Also, I did this a while ago. (When I still used them anyway)