Tag: imperial navy

Marauder Bomber

The Marauder Bomber is the workhorse of the Imperial Navy. Capable of both atmospheric and void operations, it is used as an attack craft in fleet actions as well as fulfilling a tactical role, supporting ground offensives by bombing enemy troop concentrations and support positions. Such tactical bombing missions are often launched prior to, and in support of, Imperial Guard offensives.

This lovely Forge World Marauder Bomber was on display at Warhammer World.

Imperial Navy Marauder Bomber
Imperial Navy Marauder Bomber at Warhammer World
Imperial Navy Marauder Bomber
Imperial Navy Marauder Bomber at Warhammer World

The Marauder Destroyer varient was developed during the second war for Armageddon after heavy losses in the Naval airforces. Orkish dominance of the skies over certain areas of Armageddon forced the few remaining Marauders to be refitted to operate at night, flying at extremely low level where they could evade detection. Their new heavier weapon payload made anything which got in the way seriously regret it!

Marauder Destroyer
Marauder Destroyer at Warhammer World
Marauder Destroyer
Marauder Destroyer at Warhammer World

The 40K version of this model is huge, but on my most recent visit to Warhammer World I was able to see the Aeronatica Imperialis version in the flesh (well the plastic) and I think I might get some of those at some point.

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.

Valkyrie Flyer

Valkyrie Flyer of the Imperial Navy
Valkyrie Flyer of the Imperial Navy

Valkyrie Flyer of the Imperial Navy, on display at Warhammer World.

I do think that this was one of the best concepts ever produced by Forge World, and obviously with the release of the plastic kit version, made it much more accessible.

I like the execution of the concept, it isn’t a helicopter without rotors that you sometimes see with SF flyers, likewise it doesn’t look like a transport plane with short wings! I do have one of the plastic kits, but alas still in the box. Maybe time to get out the craft knife and the glue.

Imperial Navy Valkyrie

Imperial Navy Valkyrie Flyers from a demonstration game at Games Day 2009.

Imperial Navy Valkyrie from a demonstration game at GamesDay 2009.
Imperial Navy Valkyrie from a demonstration game at GamesDay 2009.
A pair of Imperial Navy Valkyries from a demonstration game at GamesDay 2009.
Imperial Navy Valkyrie from a demonstration game at GamesDay 2009.
Imperial Navy Valkyrie from a demonstration game at GamesDay 2009.
Imperial Navy Valkyrie from a demonstration game at GamesDay 2009.
Imperial Navy Valkyrie from a demonstration game at GamesDay 2009.

Chipped Imperial Navy Valkyrie

This Imperial Navy Valkyrie was an entry in the GamesDay 2009 UK Golden Demon awards.

A Valkyrie which was entered into the 2009 Golden Demon awards.
A Valkyrie which was entered into the 2009 Golden Demon awards.

Another view.

A Valkyrie which was entered into the 2009 Golden Demon awards.
A Valkyrie which was entered into the 2009 Golden Demon awards.

I do like the modelling and the markings. However I am less sure about the weathering. Don’t get me wrong, I do like it, but not sure how realistic it is. This chipping is used quite extensively by people who paint Games Workshop models, including the ‘Eavy Metal team. However if you look at these pictures of combat helicopters you can see that there isn’t really any chipping.

Most times paint will be worn away on surfaces that the crew and passengers use to get on and off the aircraft. So the chipping on the footplates by the canopy would be likely.

It is unlikely that such chipping would happen near the nose, unless those panels were coming off on a regular basis.

So though I like the effect, think it works, I am less sure how realistic it is? Then again how realistic can models be for Warhammer 40K and should we care?

See more photographs of the Imperial Navy Valkyrie.