imperial fists – Felix's Gaming Pages

Priming and 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 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.

Imperial Fists Deimos Pattern Rhino

This Imperial Fists Deimos Pattern Rhino was in the display cabinets at Warhammer World.

The Deimos Pattern Rhino is an iconic and reliable armoured personnel carrier used extensively by the Space Marine Legions during the Great Crusade and Horus Heresy. For the Imperial Fists, a Legion renowned for its expertise in siegecraft and fortified defence, the Deimos Pattern Rhino is a fundamental part of their armoured columns.

Its robust design, based on ancient Standard Template Construct (STC) technology, makes it well-suited for the relentless, grinding warfare that defines the Imperial Fists’ combat doctrine. The Rhino can transport a full 10-man squad of Legionaries, shielding them with its thick armour as it carries them swiftly across the battlefield. While the vehicle is primarily a transport, it can be equipped with various pintle-mounted weapons, such as a heavy bolter, multi-melta, or a havoc launcher, adding to the Imperial Fists’ already formidable firepower.

More photographs of the Deimos Pattern Rhino.

How I painted my Imperial Fists Deimos Pattern Rhino.

Imperial Fists Scimitar-pattern Jetbikes

Serving as the premier high-speed shock assets of the Legiones Astartes during the devastating Age of Darkness, Scimitar-pattern Jetbikes are masterpieces of forgotten technology. Reengineered from highly complex, pre-Imperium STC designs, these sleek machines are essentially compact, low-altitude aircraft integrated with powerful grav-impellor engines. The anti-gravity plates allow the Scimitar to completely ignore treacherous terrain, skimming over shattered warzones to deliver fully armoured Space Marines into the heart of combat at breathtaking, near-supersonic speeds. Typically organised into Sky-hunter squadrons, these jetbikes carry devastating heavy weaponry mounted directly into their streamlined nose cowlings—such as heavy bolters, plasma cannons, or multi-meltas—allowing them to shred enemy formations on the fly. By combining the unstoppable durability of Legion power armour with unmatched aerodynamic agility, the Scimitar Jetbike ensures that the warlords of the Horus Heresy can seize the initiative and strike the decisive blow before the enemy even registers the roar of their thrusters.

Scimitar Jetbikes image gallery.

Imperial Fists Land Raider Proteus

These Imperial Fists Land Raider Proteus armoured vehicles were on display at Warhamemr World.

The Land Raider is widely considered the best armoured fighting vehicle of its kind in the Imperium, serving as the main battle tank for the Space Marine Legions. It’s an incredibly powerful machine, with multi-layered composite armour and a reinforced hull that are nearly immune to even heavy weapons.

This sealed vehicle can resist attacks from any direction and operate in almost any environment, from acid swamps to rad-deserts, without any performance issues. It can even function in the vacuum of space, meaning there is no battlefield where its armoured fury can’t be unleashed.

The Land Raider Proteus is a venerable and ancient pattern of battle tank dating back to the Dark Age of Technology, making it one of the most archaic yet revered vehicles in the arsenal of the Space Marine Legions during the Horus Heresy. Unlike its more modern Phobos and Crusader counterparts, the Proteus lacks the forward assault ramp, instead featuring a distinct, boxy hull and two separate variants: the Carrier and the Explorator. The Carrier is designed for close-quarters assaults, delivering its payload of a dozen Space Marines directly into the heart of the enemy, while the Explorator variant is equipped with a sophisticated augury web and dozer blade, allowing it to navigate treacherous terrain and act as a mobile command and scouting platform. Its powerful machine spirit is a hallmark of its vintage, granting it an uncanny durability and the ability to fire its weapons at different targets with a single command.

Fans who have been playing Warhammer 40,000 since its debut will recognise this model. It’s a new take on the original Land Raider, which was released in 1987 with the first edition of the game, Rogue Trader. Forge World previously released a resin version, but a new plastic kit was made available as part of The Horus Heresy product line.

Imperial Fists Mastodon Super-Heavy Assault Transport

The Mastodon was one of the heaviest assault transports in the arsenal of the Legiones Astartes during the Great Crusade, and is still found in the armouries of the Space Marine Chapters of the 41st Millenium.

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.

Imperial Fists Deimos Pattern Vindicator

The Deimos Pattern Vindicator is a heavily armoured siege tank widely used by the Space Marine Legions during the Great Crusade and Horus Heresy.

A variant of the Deimos Pattern Rhino chassis, it sacrifices its transport capacity for a powerful, hull-mounted main weapon. The Vindicator is particularly effective in urban combat, where its primary armament—typically a demolisher cannon—can be used to destroy fortifications, breach obstacles, and clear out dense infantry formations.

For the Imperial Fists, the Vindicator is a fitting choice, as their legion specialises in siege warfare and tearing down enemy defences. In addition to the demolisher cannon, the Deimos Pattern Vindicator can also be equipped with a magna laser destroyer, turning it into a formidable anti-tank vehicle capable of taking on super-heavy tanks and even Titans. Both load outs are highly effective and are complemented by the tank’s iconic dozer blade, which allows it to push through rubble and barricades with ease.

More photographs of the Deimos Pattern Vindicator.

Warhammer: The Horus Heresy – Whirlwind Missile Tank

The Warhammer: The Horus Heresy – Whirlwind Missile Tank for the Legion Astartes will be available to pre-order next week.

The Whirlwind is a certified Astartes classic combining the venerable Rhino chassis with a huge missile launcher that hurls storms of explosive warheads into enemy ranks, whether it has line of sight or not. The sophisticated range-finding and targeting auspexes mounted to the launcher allow multiple different kinds of munitions to be loaded and fired independently, from standard high explosives to incendiary Pyrax rounds.

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.

I am planning to use these Imperial Fists Rhino Doors on the new Whirlwind,

Imperial Fists Rhino Doors

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.

I am planning to use these Imperial Fists Rhino Doors on the new Whirlwind, well the model was announced in January but hasn’t yet been released.

I did think about getting a Deimos Pattern Vindicator, but that model doesn’t have the round doors of the Deimos Pattern Rhino, so these doors wouldn’t work with that model.