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.
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.
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.
