Felix, Author at Felix's Gaming Pages

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.

Constructing another King Tiger

One of the Clash of Steel Starter Sets have been on my wants list ever since I found out about them at the beginning of the year. I ordered Operation Unthinkable boxed set containing the British and German tanks. It contains 17 tanks, two of which are the King Tiger tank.

The Tiger II (or as was informally known to the Germans who fought in it, Königstiger), was a 70 tonne heavy tank.

Having constructed one of the King Tiger models, I started making the second one.

As with the other Operation Unthinkable models, it is quite simple to construct. Once finished,the next stage will be a white undercoat.

Rynn’s World

The Rynn’s World diorama was on display at Warhammer World. Inspired by the artwork from the original Warhammer 40000 Rogue Trader rulebook, this diorama shows the Crimson Fists making a heroic last stand against hordes of Orks.

Crimson Fists Space Marines make a final stand.

Ork Trukk moves up to the fight.

Ork Mega-Dread enters the fray. A smoke-belching, hydraulic monster able to tear apart enemy tanks and smash a side lesser war machines with contemptuous ease.

Another Ork Mega-Dread prepares for battle.

More photographs of the Rynn’s World diorama.

Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23BN

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.

This Egyptian Air Force MiG-23, painted in Soviet Air Force camouflage and markings was on display at the museum.

The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23, known by its NATO reporting name “Flogger,” was a significant third-generation Soviet fighter aircraft that emerged in the early 1970s as a successor to the highly produced MiG-21. Its most distinctive feature was its variable-geometry (swing-wing) design, allowing pilots to adjust the wing sweep in flight for optimal performance across various speeds and altitudes, from short takeoffs and landings to supersonic dashes.

While primarily conceived as an interceptor with advanced radar and beyond-visual-range missile capabilities, it also proved adaptable for ground attack, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare roles in later variants. Despite its innovative design and widespread export to numerous countries during the Cold War, the MiG-23 faced operational challenges, including complex handling characteristics and maintenance issues, and its combat record was mixed compared to more advanced Western counterparts like the F-15 and F-16. Nevertheless, with over 5,000 units built, it remains the most produced variable-sweep wing aircraft in history and a notable symbol of Soviet air power.