Felix, Author at Felix's Gaming Pages

Bretonnians of the Old World

These miniatures from the Bretonnia army in Warhammer: The Old World were on display at Warhammer World.

The Kingdom of Bretonnia army in Warhammer: The Old World is a vibrant and iconic force, deeply rooted in the chivalric ideals of Arthurian legend and medieval France. Unlike many other factions, the Bretonnian military philosophy is almost entirely dictated by their unwavering faith in the Lady of the Lake and the rigid Code Chivalric. This results in an army that is highly specialised, emphasising powerful cavalry charges and the spiritual purity of its knights, supported by the common folk who make up the vast majority of the kingdom’s population.

At the core of any Bretonnian army are its Knights. These aren’t just mere soldiers; they are noble warriors, each striving to uphold their vows and ultimately achieve the ultimate quest: to drink from the Grail and become a Grail Knight. This pursuit of virtue is reflected in their distinct unit types. From the impetuous, glory-seeking Knights Errant who are yet to prove themselves, to the disciplined and unwavering Knights of the Realm who have taken their first vows, and finally the truly legendary Questing Knights and the near-mythical Grail Knights, each tier of cavalry represents a deeper commitment to the Lady and a greater martial prowess. Their signature tactic, the thunderous Lance Formation, allows them to deliver devastating charges, often shattering enemy lines in a single, glorious assault.

While the knights are the shining spearhead, the backbone of a Bretonnian army is undoubtedly its peasantry. Comprising the vast majority of the kingdom’s population, these humble folk serve out of duty and fear, led by their knightly lords. Men-at-Arms form the infantry blocks, wielding spears or halberds, and are often tasked with holding the line or protecting the flanks against enemies that the knights cannot outmanoeuvre. Peasant Bowmen, armed with longbows, provide ranged support, their arrows often tipped with prayers to the Lady for divine guidance. Though seemingly disparate, the peasants and knights form a cohesive, albeit socially stratified, fighting force. The Grail Reliquae, borne by devout Battle Pilgrims, serves as a powerful symbol of faith, inspiring courage in nearby peasant units and representing the very essence of Bretonnian piety on the battlefield.

Beyond these core elements, the Bretonnian army can include powerful figures like Dukes and Barons who lead their hosts, often mounted on majestic Hippogryphs or Royal Pegasi, soaring above the battlefield to strike decisive blows. Damsels and Prophetesses, handmaidens of the Lady, wield the divine magic of the Lore of the Lady, bolstering their allies and unleashing holy wrath upon their foes. For siege warfare or breaking heavily armoured foes, the Field Trebuchet provides powerful, albeit often inaccurate, artillery support. The overall impression of a Bretonnian army is one of glorious, disciplined charges, a blend of martial prowess and fervent faith, where every battle is fought not just for land or glory, but for the honour of the Lady and the chivalric ideal.

Belgian Air Force Westland Sea King

This Belgian Air Force Westland Sea King was on display at the Musée royal de l’armée et de l’histoire militaire or Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History in Brussels.

The Belgian Air Force operated the iconic Westland Sea King Mk.48 helicopter for over four decades, primarily in a crucial search and rescue (SAR) role. Five of these British-built helicopters, a licensed version of the American Sikorsky S-61, were acquired in April 1975 to replace their aging Sikorsky HSS1/S58 fleet. After initial crew training at RNAS Culdrose in the UK, the Sea Kings were delivered to Koksijde Air Base in Belgium in November 1976 and officially assigned to No. 40 Squadron, receiving tail numbers RS-01 to RS-05. RS-01 is on display in the museum.

Throughout their extensive service, the Belgian Sea Kings proved to be invaluable assets for maritime SAR operations in the North Sea and beyond. They were responsible for saving 1,757 lives across 3,309 emergency calls, accumulating an impressive 60,000 flying hours. A notable intervention was their swift response to the “Herald of Free Enterprise” disaster off Zeebrugge in March 1987, where three Sea Kings rescued 30 passengers from the capsized ferry.

Interestingly, their distinctive green and sand camouflage scheme originated from a cancelled order by the Egyptian Air Force, meaning the airframes were already painted before being repurposed for Belgium.

The Belgian Air Force began phasing out its Sea King fleet in the late 2000s, they were gradually replaced by the more modern NHIndustries NH90 “Caiman” helicopters. While some of the retired airframes are now preserved in museums or for technical training, two, RS-02 and RS-04, were acquired by Historic Helicopters in the UK and are maintained in airworthy condition, allowing their legacy to continue.

Reflecting on the construction of the Arvus Lighter

One of the reveals at the World Championships Preview back in November was a plastic Arvus Lighter for The Horus Heresy. I ordered one from my FLGS.

The Arvus Lighter is a small, general purpose cargo shuttle that is widely used by the Imperium of Man for many tasks, both in space and on the surface of planets. The Arvus is commonly used by both Imperial Navy warships and Imperial merchant vessels, including Rogue Traders. The Arvus is just one of many types of small, void-capable shuttles used by the Imperium. The Arvus is piloted by a single pilot, and is not equipped with any weapon systems, in fact, the Arvus possesses only the most basic navigation equipment, external sensors, and proximity alarms. The Arvus has a powerful engine that allows it to carry heavy cargo to and from a planet’s surface

I like this model, though released for The Horus Heresy, I suspect it would make a great model for, not just Warhammer 40K, but also Necromunda. One of the additions to the plastic version of the Arvus Lighter model is a rear ramp gunner.

With most of my models I constructed them fully and then paint them. This is okay for many of my models, but I have with a few undertaken some part-assembly, then painting before putting the whole model together. One example of this on my workbench is the Typhon Heavy Siege Tank where I painted the tracks, sponsons and main weapon separately before putting them together.

Having reflected a bit more on the Arvus Lighter model, I have decided I will model the interior and have the ramp gunner as well.

I realised as I looked at the sprues and the instructions that I would need to paint some of the interior just for the pilot, and if I was going down that road I might as well do all the interior. As painting the cockpit and the canopy would mean having sub-assemblies anyhow.

I also want to add detail to the inside of the Arvus Lighter, which already has some details in terms of seating. I will add additional equipment, straps and personal equipment to enhance the model.

So I will do some partial assemblies and then put the model together at the end.

There will be the sides, the base of the flyer with the cockpit, and the top superstructure with the wings and the engines.

I will model the Arvus Lighter with the undercarriage down, so that as well as using the flying stand, I can also use the Arvus Lighter in a landed mode. Though in this instance I might need to model the ramp gunner so that he can be removed. As he is shooting downwards, and this would look out of place when the Arvus Lighter is landed.

I am also going to go with the camouflage scheme I used with my Aeronautica Imperialis Valkyrie transports.

The Battle of Matorea

The Warhammer Old World diorama, “The Battle of Matorea,” is a breathtaking tableau that vividly brings to life a dramatic clash between the chivalrous Bretonnian Knights and the ancient, undead legions of the Tomb Kings of Khemri. This expertly crafted scene captures a pivotal moment in what must have been a desperate struggle, highlighting the contrasting aesthetics and fighting styles of these two iconic factions.

Settra the Imperishable lays siege to the coastal city of Matorea with a massive undead host as Cecil Gastonne, the Wyrm Slayer rallies its hopelessly outnumbered defenders. Just as the city’s defences begin to fail, the trumpeting of silver clarions sounds in the east, heralding the arrival of Duke Gastille. Have the duke and his knights arrived in time to lift the siege, or will they join the doomed defenders in a heroic death?

At the heart of the diorama, the Bretonnian Knights, resplendent in their vibrant heraldry and polished plate armor, are depicted mid-charge, lances lowered and banners flying high. The dynamism of their assault is palpable, conveying the sheer force and faith with which these champions of the Lady throw themselves into battle. One can almost hear the thundering hooves and the shouts of “For the Lady!” as they aim to shatter the brittle ranks of their skeletal foes. The diorama likely showcases various knightly orders, perhaps even a Duke or a Grail Knight, leading the charge with unwavering determination, their mounts rearing or galloping furiously into the fray.

Opposing this glorious charge, the Tomb Kings of Khemri present a stark and unsettling contrast. Their skeletal warriors, ancient and unfeeling, form an unyielding tide of bone and rusted bronze. Hierophants and Tomb Princes, perhaps astride macabre chariots or mighty constructs like Ushabti, would be strategically positioned, directing their automaton armies with an eerie, silent resolve. The diorama would no doubt emphasize the sheer numbers of the Tomb Kings, with ranks of skeleton warriors, archers, and perhaps even animated constructs like Screaming Skull Catapults or Necrolith Colossi, adding to the sense of overwhelming, relentless pressure. The bleached bones and dusty, tattered banners of Khemri create an atmosphere of dread and ancient power, starkly contrasting with the vibrant colours of Bretonnia.

“The Battle of Matorea” isn’t just a collection of miniatures; it’s a narrative frozen in time. The composition likely draws the viewer’s eye to key points of conflict – a Bretonnian Knight’s lance impaling a skeletal champion, a Foot Knight desperately defending a standard against a tide of mummified horrors, or a magical duel between a Bretonnian Damsel and a Liche Priest. Through meticulous detail and expert painting, the diorama effectively conveys the chaos, heroism, and horror of war in the Old World, making it a truly immersive and captivating piece for any Warhammer enthusiast. It serves as a testament to the rich lore and enduring appeal of the setting, particularly the epic conflicts that define its factions.

More photographs of The Battle of Matorea.

Belgian Airforce Sikorsky HSS-1 Seabat

The Sikorsky HSS-1 Seabat entered service in 1955. The Sikorsky HSS-1 Seabat, a naval variant of the ubiquitous S-58 helicopter, played a significant role in the Belgian Air Force’s operations, particularly in maritime and transport duties. The HSS-1 Seabat was a robust and versatile helicopter, known for its ability to perform anti-submarine warfare (ASW), search and rescue (SAR), and logistical support missions. Its design, featuring a four-bladed main rotor and a distinctive nose-mounted engine accessible via clamshell doors, allowed for improved speed, reduced vibration, and easier maintenance compared to its predecessor, the S-55. Equipped with sonar systems and capable of deploying torpedoes or depth charges, the Seabat was a vital asset during the Cold War era for tracking and engaging submarines.

The Belgian Air Force introduced the Sikorsky HSS-1 into service starting in 1961. Initially, five French-licensed Sud Aviation-built HSS-1 helicopters were acquired to form a dedicated Search and Rescue unit, based at Koksijde. These helicopters, such as the OT-ZKD/B4 and OT-ZKE/B5 delivered in May 1961, quickly became integral to Belgium’s maritime safety and defense. Beyond SAR, two of these aircraft were temporarily assigned to the Belgian Navy for aerial minesweeping. In 1963, the Belgian Air Force further expanded its S-58 fleet by taking over seven Sikorsky S-58C helicopters from the national airline Sabena, converting them for logistical transport to support Nike surface-to-air missile batteries stationed in Germany. The HSS-1s served the Belgian Air Force for many years, with some remaining in service as trainers even after the introduction of the Westland Sea King helicopters, finally being withdrawn from use in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

This Belgian Airforce Sikorsky HSS-1 Seabat was on display at the Musée royal de l’armée et de l’histoire militaire or Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History in Brussels. It served in the Belgian Airforce from 1961 to 1986. Entered the museum in 1986.

The Siege of Volganoff

The Siege of Volganoff was originally displayed as the Siege of Altdorf at Games Day 2010 and was then put into place at Warhammer World in 2015. A few years later it was reduced in size. The Chaos forces were replaced with Orcs and the the “new” diorama was entitled the Siege of Volganoff.

The diorama has changed quite a bit over the years. More photographs of the Siege of Volganoff.

Belgian Airforce Bristol Sycamore

The Bristol Type 171 Sycamore was an early helicopter developed and built by the helicopter division of the Bristol Aeroplane Company. It has the distinction of being the first British helicopter to receive a certificate of airworthiness, as well as being the first British-designed helicopter to be introduced by and to serve with the Royal Air Force (RAF).

This Belgian Airforce Bristol Sycamore was on display at the Musée royal de l’armée et de l’histoire militaire or Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History in Brussels.

Bristol Sycamore was on display at RAF London.

RAF Bristol Sycamore at RAF Cosford.

Constructing the 15mm Comet (A34)

The Comet (A34) was a British cruiser tank that first saw use near the end of World War II. It was designed to provide greater anti-tank capability to Cromwell tank squadrons. It was armed with a 77mm HV, a derivative of the 17 pounder, with the result it was one of the few British tanks with the firepower to challenge late war German designs.

I have the Operation Unthinkable boxed set containing the British and German tanks. The GF9 Operation Unthinkable boxed set, the British versus German, contains 17 tanks, three of which are the A34 Comet Cruiser Tank.

This is the GF9 finished model.

This the sprue.

With three models I decided I would vary construction. One would be as indicated in the instructions.

For the other two I decided I would add some commanders (which are included in the Operation Unthinkable boxed set). I also used the stowage from the American tanks I got in the other box.

For one model I did add significant amounts of stowage.

The other less so.

Here are the three constructed Comet tanks.

I decided to use magnets with the turrets, and I kind of wish I hadn’t. I had trouble getting them to both fit and when glueing them into position I eventually got it sorted.

The next step will be a white undercoat.

I do have four more plastic Comet Flames of War kits on the workbench as well.

Chaos Space Marine Predator

This Chaos Space Marine Predator was on display at Warhammer World.

The Chaos Space Marine Predator is a formidable battle tank, a twisted reflection of its Loyalist counterpart, infused with the malevolent power of the Ruinous Powers. These ancient war machines, many dating back to the Horus Heresy, stalk the battlefield like predatory beasts, their armoured hulls often adorned with dark icons and daemonic maws snarling from every barrel. Versatile and destructive, the Chaos Predator can be outfitted with a massive autocannon for shredding heavy infantry (Predator Destructor), or twin lascannons for obliterating enemy armour (Predator Annihilator). Further customisation with side sponsons wielding heavy bolters or additional lascannons, along with havoc launchers and combi-weapons, allows the Chaos Predator to unleash devastating firepower against any foe unfortunate enough to cross its path, embodying the relentless aggression of the Traitor Legions.

This model was released around the year 2000 and comprises the plastic rhino kit, extra plastic parts and metal components.

Musée royal de l’armée et de l’histoire militaire

Earlier this year I went to the Musée royal de l’armée et de l’histoire militaire or Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History in Brussels. The aircraft section is quite large and contains numerous aircraft, helicopters, as well as other interesting exhibits.