warhammer the horus heresy – Felix's Gaming Pages

Painting the Whirlwind Missile Tank

I did go out and order the new Warhammer: The Horus Heresy – Whirlwind Missile Tank. This new model reflects the original conversion from 1989. The original Whirlwind was a conversion using a slottabase and plasticard for the rocket launcher. I have always preferred the original conversion to the newer versions, so it should be no surprise that I ordered one. In addition I have some doors for it already as well, on a recent visit to Warhammer World I picked up some Forge World Imperial Fists Rhino Doors. Having constructed the core of the model, the next step was the main weaponry. I primed the model of the Whirlwind Missile Tank.

I spray painted the model of the Whirlwind Missile Tank in different ways.

The main body of the Whirlwind’s Missile Tank was given a base coat of Daemonic Yellow spray from Army Painter.

Games Workshop don’t do a yellow spray and I don’t have an airbrush. I did use a paint comparison site to find a close alternative to Yriel Yellow. The Daemonic Yellow spray from Army Painter seemed like a good choice.

The weapon system had a black base coat.

Here is the base coated model.

The next stage will be shading the main body.

Priming and painting the Whirlwind Missile Tank

I primed and spray painted the model of the Whirlwind Missile Tank in different ways. The main body of the Whirlwind’s Missile Tank was given a light undercoat of Wraithbone.

I then sprayed the underneath of the model with Zandri Dust to give the underneath of the model shadow.

The next step will then be a base coat of Daemonic Yellow spray from Army Painter. Games Workshop don’t do a yellow spray and I don’t have an airbrush. I did use a paint comparison site to find a close alternative to Yriel Yellow. The Daemonic Yellow spray from Army Painter seemed like a good choice.

The tracks were giving a light undercoat of Wraithbone before then giving them a spray of Mechanicus Grey.

The weapon system also had a light undercoat of Wraithbone.

The next stage for the weapon system will be a black base coat.

Here is the primed model, well without the tracks.

Constructing the Whirlwind Missile Tank automated multiple-missile launcher system

I did go out and order the new Warhammer: The Horus Heresy – Whirlwind Missile Tank. This new model reflects the original conversion from 1989. The original Whirlwind was a conversion using a slottabase and plasticard for the rocket launcher. I have always preferred the original conversion to the newer versions, so it should be no surprise that I ordered one. In addition I have some doors for it already as well. On a recent visit to Warhammer World I picked up some Forge World Imperial Fists Rhino Doors.

Having constructed the core of the model, the next step was the main weaponry. The Whirlwind comes with an automated multiple-missile launcher system. The kit comes with an extra sprue for the launcher system.

This then sits upon the hull, however for painting purposes I am going to keep it detached.

The pictures on the Warhammer site (and the box) have the Imperial Fists automated multiple-missile launcher system in black.

I think I will try and replicate that look with my model.

Constructing the Whirlwind Missile Tank

I did go out and order the new Warhammer: The Horus Heresy – Whirlwind Missile Tank.

The Whirlwind Missile Tank is a certified Legiones Astartes classic, seamlessly marrying the rugged dependability of the venerable Rhino chassis with an automated multiple-missile launcher system. Designed to provide devastating fire support from behind cover, it rains down apocalyptic storms of explosive warheads onto entrenched enemy positions without ever needing direct line of sight. This terrifying artillery piece owes its deadly precision to a suite of sophisticated range-finding and targeting auspexes integrated directly into the launch assembly.

This new model reflects the original conversion from 1989. The original Whirlwind was a conversion using a slottabase and plasticard for the rocket launcher. I have always preferred the original conversion to the newer versions, so it should be no surprise that I ordered one.

In addition I have some doors for it already as well. On a recent visit to Warhammer World I picked up some Forge World Imperial Fists Rhino Doors. I’ve always liked the Forge World doors and have used them on some of my models such as this Land Raider.

This model follows a similar construction process to the standard Deimos Pattern Rhino.

In the box is an additional sprue which as well as the parts for the missile launcher, has a new top superstructure and a new front which is based on the original Whirlwind.

I have left the tracks off and will be painting those separately.

I washed the Forge World resin doors to remove the mould lubricant.

They were then stuck to the sides of the Whirlwind.

I now need to construct the weapon system.

Rapier Graviton Cannon Battery

Engineered for specialised siege operations and anti-fortification warfare, the Rapier Graviton Cannon Battery harnesses raw localised gravity to crush the foes of the Legiones Astartes. Built upon the rugged, semi-automated Rapier tracked chassis, these platforms leverage onboard power generators and advanced targeting systems to field heavy esoteric weaponry far too massive for even a Space Marine to carry into battle. When fitted with a graviton cannon, the Rapier fires high-density spatial distortion fields that rupture heavy armour, collapse structural chokepoints, and crush advancing troops beneath their own weight. Though less ubiquitous than the anti-infantry quad heavy bolter variants, Graviton Cannon Batteries are highly prized assets during sieges and breach operations, allowing Space Marine assault forces to shatter reinforced bunkers and pin down heavily armoured enemy units with terrifying gravitational force.

Rapier Quad Heavy Bolters Battery

Designed to deploy firepower too massive for even the superhuman strength of a Space Marine to bear, the Rapier Quad Heavy Bolter Battery provides devastating fire support to the front lines of the Legiones Astartes. These semi-automated, tracked weapons platforms operate with their own dedicated targeting systems and onboard power generators, allowing a small Techmarine or crew to lay down an unrelenting wall of suppressive fire. When outfitted with quad-linked heavy bolters, a Rapier battery transforms into an absolute infantry-shredder, churning through advancing enemy formations with thousands of mass-reactive shells per minute. While specialised variants can mount esoteric armaments like graviton cannons for anti-fortification warfare, the quad heavy bolter pattern remains a beloved mainstay—a compact, mobile fire base that turns chokepoints into killing fields and ensures the Space Marine Legions maintain absolute superiority during grinding infantry engagements.

The Fall Of Outpost Sigma-12

One of the displays at Warhammer World was this Horus Heresy battle, entitled, The Fall Of Outpost Sigma-12.

Traitor forces breach the Imperial Fist’s last defensive lines at Outpost Sigma-12 on Cthonia. Undermined by the Sons of Horus’ subterranean onslaught, the Loyalists are determined to fight to the last in the name of the Emperor.

They ultimately reap such a toll of Traitor lives that any victory won was a hollow one. This battle would be one of the last fought during the Horus Heresy, for shortly after its bloody conclusion Horus launched his assault on the Emperor’s Palace on distant Terra.

More photographs of The Fall Of Outpost Sigma-12.

Sons of Horus Kratos Heavy Assault Tank

This Sons of Horus Kratos Heavy Assault Tank was on display at Warhammer World.

Rooted in an Ancient Terran design originally fielded during the Unification Wars of Old Earth, the Kratos Heavy Assault Tank was extensively re-engineered following the Emperor’s historic treaty with Mars to serve as the ultimate spearhead for the Great Crusade. Purpose-built as a relentless line-breaker and unstoppable foe-hammer, this massive, grinding war machine bridges the gap between frontline battle tanks and super-heavy armored behemoths. Its heavily reinforced hull renders the Kratos all but impervious to conventional enemy fire, allowing it to anchor Legiones Astartes spearheads with a steady, inexorable advance. Bristling with overwhelming firepower, capable of mounting a devastating main armament such as a Kratos battle cannon, melta-blast gun, or volkite cardanelle alongside an array of sponson and hull weaponry, the Kratos unleashes an unrelenting barrage that shatters fortified positions and sweeps aside enemy armour, ensuring the Space Marine Legions crush all opposition in their path.

Sons of Horus Javelin Attack Speeder

Reserved for the most critical lightning-strike missions of the Age of Darkness, the Javelin Attack Speeder is a sleek, highly coveted fire-support craft whose mastery of antigrav technology borders on tech-heresy. Built around esoteric impellor systems so complex and poorly understood that elements of the Mechanicum view their manufacture with deep suspicion, the Javelin effortlessly balances raw speed with extended operational endurance. Unlike lighter land speeders, its heavily reinforced chassis allows it to hover gracefully over hostile terrain while bearing an astonishingly heavy payload; ranging from tank-busting laser destroyers and heavy missile launchers to infantry-shredding heavy bolters. Highly manoeuvrable and capable of delivering devastating precision bombardments to any corner of the battlefield, the Javelin remains one of the most prized mobile assets in the arsenal of the Legiones Astartes.

Sons of Horus Mastodon Heavy Assault Transport

The Mastodon was one of the heaviest assault transports in the arsenal of the Legiones Astartes during the Great Crusade.

Its cavernous assault bay, capable of housing almost half a Company, is protected both by thick layers of ceramite armour as well as crackling void shields. It also mounts a fearsome siege melta array, allowing it to breach even the most formidable defences with ease, as well as an array of secondary weaponry intended to defend the vehicle as it approaches its target. Unleashed only against the most fearsome of enemy redoubts, there are few obstacles that can stay the wrath of this relic of the Imperium’s bloody birth.

The Mastodon is heavily armed and armoured, carrying 40 Space Marines, and even Dreadnoughts, safely to the heart of battle. Whilst embarked, the warriors within will defend their immense transport, turning the sponson weapons on any enemy brave or foolish enough to come close. Its Siege melta array can easily destroy fortifications, and makes short work of armoured vehicles, whilst its Skyreaper Battery will tear through any airborne threat with ease.