First thoughts on Tau/SM

One of my new Tau Overlords....

After looking over the new SM codex, I have a few ideas for list builds incorporating my recent Tau acquisitions.  Everyone is well aware that Tau is very strong right now, and there are very few lists that cannot benefit from some Kroot, a Skyray, and a Riptide.  So I am still working on how I want to build a SM primary.  In the meantime, I am working on how Marines can benefit Tau.  Tau have overwhelming firepower, AA, and cheap troops, but lack somewhat in mobility, durability, and melee (duh).  So those are the areas I think I will focus on with SM allies.

My current Tau primary looks something like this:

Commander in Iridium Armor with PEN, CnC, MSS, RVT, Flamer x2, and PR (expensive, but reduces the need for marker lights)
Kroot x 40
2 Riptides with EWO, VT, IA, and TL Fusion
2 Skyrays with BSF

My first thought was to just throw Tigirius and some Tacticals in the list.  But as I thought about it, I realized that mechanized MEQs only bring so much.  They can throw out some anti-infantry dakka and the occasional heavy weapon shot, but are not especially mobile once their rides are dead and are lackluster in melee.  And while Tiggy is awesome, I do not know if he would have suitable targets to buff. 

Instead, I realized that White Scars would be a much better fit with Tau.  (Much to my Smurf disappointment!)  Bike troops are very fast and relatively durable scoring choices (just look at many of the Taudar builds).  The WS versions even come with Hit and Run to make them even more annoying (and get them out of combat).  The improved jink saves and HoW are icing on the cake.

A full bike squad with grav guns and MM attack bike is 253 points and can combat squad into two legitimate threats.  Two squads and Khan (for Scout) come out to 656 points.  What I love about this detachment is that the bike squads can either scout ahead to keep opponents pinned in their deployment zone or can outflank with the Kroot to cause havoc in the backfield.  Khan is also a decent melee threat and can tackle most light units by himself.  He can also provide I5 hit and run to either Kroot or a Riptide.  Alternatively, it is also possible to build a Captain on a Bike with Artificer Armor and Relic Blade for 5 points more, sacrificing Scout for a beefier HQ.

My first hack at an 1850 list is:

Commander in Iridium Armor with PEN, CnC, MSS, RVT, Flamer x2, and PR (expensive, but reduces the need for marker lights)
Kroot x 40
2 Riptides with EWO, VT, IA, and TL Fusion
2 Skyrays with BSF

Khan on Bike
Full Bike Squad with Grav Gun x2, MM AB, and MBs for the Sarge
Full Bike Squad with Grav Gun x2, MM AB, and MBs for the Sarge
TFC (Easy 100 points)

Even though there are some possible tweaks (the bloated Iridium Commander comes to mind), I think this a solid starting point.  I have not even looked at taking advantage of a Command Squad for some melee ability or special weapon spam.  Now I wish I had not traded a bunch of Bikes in the middle of 5th...