warhammer, wh40k, flames of war, bolt action, aeronautica imperialis, star wars, models, news, views and stuff
Dwarf Anvil of Doom on display at Warhammer World.
The Anvils of Doom are ancient devices forged with great skill by the Runesmiths of old in the bowels of the Thunder Mountain. Using the energy of the volcano’s heart, Kurgaz, the most skilled of the old ones, melted gromril to forge the anvils. As they cooled, Kurgaz beat the Rune of Sorcery onto each gleaming anvil.
Another view from Games Day 2005. (includes the forge).
See more pictures of Dwarfs. See more photographs from GamesDay 2005.
These Chaos Dwarfs were on display at Warhammer World.
I think these were the kinds of figures that really put me off Warhammer at the time they were released. Those tall hats and flat end guns.
Throw in weird centaurs and those beards….
I have never been a fan of Chaos, but these miniatures didn’t for me work. I did however like the original Chaos Dwarf concept. I did get some of these models. This one with a fantasy bazooka is from my collection.
This concept was more about “normal” dwarfs who had been corrupted by Chaos and more often than not looked like short Chaos Warriors.
On my most recent visit to Warhammer World there was the lovely model of the Dwarf High King Thorgrim Grudgebearer at Warhammer World.
Thorgrim Grudgebearer is the current High King of the Dwarfs and the ruler of Karaz-a-Karak. He is a throwback to the High Kings of old — eager for new conquests, mighty in battle, and a merciless enemy. Yet upon his worn brow, there also sits a pearl of great wisdom, and he is able to uphold the ancient traditions as well as to accept, if not embrace these needed changes, such as alliances and new technology. Thorgrim is forever brooding upon how to return his people to their former glory. As the ultimate ruler of the Dwarfs, the Dammaz Kron or the Great Book of Grudges is entrusted into his honourable keeping.
This model was painted years ago (years and years ago). Here is the same model from Games Day 2005.
See more pictures of Dwarfs. See more photographs from GamesDay 2005.
This Arvus Lighter on a landing platform was part of a display at Warhammer World.
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.
Greasus Goldtooth at Warhammer World
Overtyrant Greasus Goldtooth, or to give him his formal title, Tradelord Greasus Tribestealer Drakecrush Gatecrasher Hoardmaster Goldtooth the Shockingly Obese, is the fattest and most powerful Ogre Tyrant within the entire Ogre Kingdoms and holds the current title of Overtyrant, the Tyrant of all Ogre Tyrants. Greasus was one of the many whelps sired by the infamous Gofg, Tyrant of the Goldtooth Tribe. Like his brothers, Greasus grew up to become strong and fat. However, unlike his brothers, he killed and ate his own father. After assuming the Tyranthood of his tribe, and feeling the need to prove himself, Greasus demanded tithes from other kingdoms. All refused the audacious request and began baying for Greasus’ blood. Who was this upstart to demand gold and food from them? They would soon learn.
One of the delights of viewing the galleries in Warhammer World are all the beautifully painted models on display. One of the reasons I take photographs of the models is to review the painting and modelling in my own time, mainly when I am looking to paint my own models.
This lovely Dark Angels Land Raider was on display, but it looks a little dusty.
The Land Raider’s heritage predates even the founding of the Imperium of Man, yet it remains the single most destructive weapon in the Adeptus Astartes’ arsenal. Protected by bonded Ceramite and Adamantium armour, the Land Raider is nearly impervious to all save the most destructive weaponry.
The Predator, is the most common main battle tank employed by the Space Marines of the Imperium of Man and the Traitor Legions of the Chaos Space Marines. It is a more heavily armed and armoured version of the Rhino armoured personnel carrier. This Predator has a fair few purity seals attached, as well as Dark Angels iconography and torches.
Compare it this “plainer” version taken on a previous visit to Warhammer World.
Take to the Skies! Aeronautica Imperialis is a game of aerial combat set in the Warhammer 40,00 universe. While ground troops push forward to secure tactical objectives, winged squadrons push forward in the skies to decimate enemy positions and intercept enemy fighters.
Though I think I bought the original Forge World Aeronautica Imperialis rules I don’t think I ever got around to playing an actual game. I certainly painted up a few of the planes though.
I had thought about buying the new game for a while now, but kept putting it off and buying other stuff. When the game first came out I did wonder about the size of the planes and how they compared in size to the Epic models I had already. I know that the new Adeptus Titanicus was “larger” in scale than the original Epic, so I was assuming that these new Aeronautica Imperialis planes would similarly be larger. However I found searching the internet that I couldn’t for sure see a comparison between the old and the new.
So I was pleased on a visit to Warhammer World in January to see the models in “the flesh” and they are significantly bigger than the Epic versions I had in my collection.
These were the Ork Air Waaagh!.
These are the Imperial Navy flyers.
I decided that if I was going to get into the game, I would buy the Wings of Vengeance boxed set. Continue reading “Took the leap with Aeronautica Imperialis”
Leman Russ Vanquisher Stygies VIII Variant at Warhammer World.
The Leman Russ Vanquisher variant differs from the standard pattern Leman Russ in that its main weapon is a Vanquisher Cannon, as opposed to the Battle Cannon.
The Stygies VIII variant of the Vanquisher cannon, while lacking the immense length of the Gryphonne IV guns to generate shell velocity, utilises a slightly smaller calibre shell with increased barrel rifling. There has never been a direct comparison of the cannons of Gryphone IV or Stygies VIII.
This is the old Citadel Orc War Wyvern, which is from the Games Workshop archive and was on display at Warhammer World.
An early release for Warhammer, I do in fact have one of these, somewhere! I remember having real issues gluing the wings using an epoxy resin glue, which I used back them to stick models together. Even then I then added lots of Milliput to keep them attached to the body. Today I would probably need to pin the wings to the body and use green stuff to fill the gaps.
I don’t appear to have a photograph of my model, maybe I should dig through my storage boxes and see if I can dig it out.
This model also looked it was on display at GamesDay 2006, going back through my photo archive.
Well there appear to be a few differences, in the model at Games Day the wings are joined and the box is quite mint. The more recent photograph shows sticky tape attached to the box as well as price…
This beautifully painted Forge World Crassus Armoured Assault Transport was on display at Warhammer World.
This immense armoured carrier is named after one of Lord Solar Macharius’ greatest generals, Borgen Crassus, who remained steadfastly loyal to the Imperium throughout the grim and bloody Macharian Heresy that followed the Lord Solar’s death.
The vehicle can be retrofitted with additional weapons to undertake other battlefield roles as required.
I like the painting, and use of snow and weathering powders. Certainly this will influence some of my painting. This is why I take photographs of models like this, as it really helps to see how “experts” do this and inform your own practice.