Space Marine Vindicator

Space Marine Vindicator

The Vindicator is a Rhino-based siege tank that boasts the most devastating weapon in the Space Marines’ armoury – the demolisher cannon. The demolisher cannon is the weapon of choice amongst the Imperium’s armies when faced with dug-in enemy infantry in a dense environment such as a cityfight or siege. The terrific blast unleashed by the detonation of the huge demolisher shells can bring down building in which the enemy take cover.

Games Workshop have had a Vindicator model in their ranges for many years now. Originally a conversion article in White Dwarf back in 1989, it was followed up some years later with a Forge World resin conversion kit of the then new plastic rhino.

Space Marine Vindicator

Space Marine Vindicator

In 2007 Games Workshop released a new plastic Vindicator. Not to be outdone, in 2013 Forge World released the Demios Pattern Vindicator.

The Deimos pattern is an early type of Vindicator used by the Space Marine Legions during the Great Crusade and the Horus Heresy, although many are still operational in the service of Space Marine Chapters in the 41st Millennium. A powerful assault tank, the Vindicator’s principal armament is a heavy-calibre demolisher cannon capable of shattering fortifications and breaching the armour plates of tanks with equal ease. It is invaluable in urban warfare as it can blast and shunt its way through barricades and obstacles, enabling troops following behind free passage through streets that might have otherwise swiftly degenerated into kill zones.

Legion Deimos Pattern Vindicator

A nostalgic throwback to the original plastic conversion from 1989, this is obviously a lot more detailed and sophisticated model.

The Vindicator has a long history in Games Workshop and the many variations providing an interesting insight to the design and development of Games Workshop as a whole. From the early days of simple conversions, to Forge World conversion kits, a detailed plastic kit and then a retro throwback.

Imperial Navy Arvus Lighter

I’ve always quite liked the Forge World Imperial Navy Arvus Lighter for Warhammer 40K.

Arvus Lighter, from the Forgeworld cabinets at GamesDay 2006.
Arvus Lighter, from the Forgeworld cabinets at GamesDay 2006

The Arvus is a small cargo shuttle commonly used to transfer supplies and small personnel units ship-to-ship or from fleet positions to planetary installations. While unarmed, the Arvus is capable of standing in as an assault boat, able to transport small infantry squads or boarding parties.

Arvus Lighter, BAT-21, from the Golden Demon cabinets at GamesDay 2006.
Arvus Lighter, BAT-21, from the Golden Demon cabinets at GamesDay 2006

This was very much a scenery item, or a scenario objective, something from which a narrative game could be played.

I am pleased to see it is still available from Forge World, these photographs were taken at Games Day 2006, and there are many Forge World models that are now no longer available.

Bommer Engine

I have both volumes of the Forge World Masterclass books and they are a real inspiration and full of ideas and techniques for painting and weathering models.

I wanted to try and emulate some of those techniques on the engine of the Ork Bommer.

I have been using a combination of inks and shades on a base coat of Bolt Gun Metal. I then want to highlight parts of the engine, as well as adding some more grunge.

I intend to use some Forge World weathering powders and Citadel Technical paints to further enhance and weather the engines. I might though in the first instance try them on another model to ensure it works out how I want them to, but also what happens when I varnish the model.

Isstvan V The Dropsite Massacre

Here is a video of one of Forge World’s studio display boards for Games Day UK 2013.

With the Emperor’s Children in front of them and Iron Warriors engaging them from the rear, Ferrus Manus and the Iron Hands Legion find themselves encircled and betrayed on Isstvan V. The video above shows many of the details that were incorporated into the display, including the fateful duel between Primarchs Fulgrim and Ferrus Manus.

Battle of Phall – Forge World at Games Day 2013

Alas another year I have not managed to get to GamesDay, but as might be expected the photographs and news has been coming in thick and fast throughout the day.

There are some great photographs of the Forge World Battle of Phall board at Battle Bunnies.

Battle of Phall - Forge World

See more photos including a very nice Dreadclaw breaching pod.

Imperial Fists Damocles Command Rhino

This beautifully painted Imperial Fists Damocles Command Rhino won the Forgeworld Best of Show prize in the 2005 UK Golden Demon awards.

Imperial Fists Damocles Command Rhino

The radar dish moved around and as you can see in this shot, the inside included “real” lights (made from LEDs).

Imperial Fists Damocles Command Rhino

It was very well painted and made good use of the Forgeworld Imperial Fists doors. Though I wasn’t too sure about the “highlighting” on the radar dish. The aerials are well done and add to the overall effectiveness of the model. Probably not too practical for a gaming model!

Imperial Fists Damocles Command Rhino

The weathering is very subtle and very well done, sometimes I think it can be too easy to over-weather models.