Monday 7 June 2010

For Sale: Dwarf Army

Hello guys! I'm afraid the blog has been rather dead of late, but I am still out there. I'm currently in the middle of a long stretch of straight working days, so I've not had much hobby time to speak of. And, in addition, I'm also running out of money so...

Yep. Its come to this. This was a very short lived project, I didn't even get all the little fellows built. But, alas the overwhelming need for money has forced my hand, and I have to sell on my Dwarf army.


What is on offer is the contents of the old Dwarf army box, plus a few extras, including a carry case complete with bronze dwarf badge on the front. At the moment I can't supply pictures as my camera is away, but they will come soon. So, on the contents:

x1 20 strong Dwarf Warrior Regiment (assembled with Great Weapons)
x1 20 strong Dwarf Warrior Regiment (assembled with Hand Weapons and Shields, 1 test model is painted)
x1 20 Strong Dwarf Thunderer Regiment
x1 20 Strong Dwarf Regiment (could be assembled as either Thunderers or Quarrellers)
x1 20 Strong Dwarf Miners Regiment
x1 Organ Gun
x1 Cannon

x1 Gyrocopter (Assembly in progress)

x1 Dwarf Lord with Great Weapon & King Alrik & Shieldbearers - These models are in the process of being converted, with the Dwarf Lord model standing on King Alrik's Shield. The King model itself (which I'm not a fan of) has been mounted standing on a normal infantry base. Pictures of this will follow!


x1 GW Standard Carry Case (which will fit whole army!)

So, that's what is going under the hammer. As new, the army comes to the princely sum of £221, including the carry case. So keen am I to sell the lot soon the I'm going to be letting it go for £120 posted, saving you £100 on buying it new. Not bad eh?

If you are interested please leave a comment on this post, or email me directly at sovietspace@hotmail.com. Its first come first served, so be quick!

Thanks for looking!

Saturday 22 May 2010

New GW Daemon Models!

Hey guys, just a quick post from me today, and something that I think has been missed to date. The new Daemon models are up on the GW website!

With a bit of searching you can find an un-publicised article called Daemon tactica, which pictures of all the Daemon models, including the new ones. Enjoy:

Fateweaver

New Bloodcrusher:


The Changeling:


Horrors:


Seekers:


Daemon Prince:

(What do we reckon that this a kit involving the parts to make the fantasy-esque Daemon Prince we have seen on BoLS? The legs look remarkably similar...)

Well there you go. I personally think there are some superb sculpts there, especially the Fateweaver and Changeling. Spread the news guys!

Sunday 9 May 2010

Praetorian Pattern Chimera



So, I've been working on getting my Chimera ready for painting. Now, I've never really liked one key aspect of the Chimera model; the turret. Even on the new version its painfully small. I really don't see how anybody could operate that without having his feet in the drivers face. I also dislike the fact its forward mounted. I wanted my chimera to look something more like this:

Bradley APC.

I was also really inspired by SandWyrm's excellent Chimera Conversions. Its a really great tutorial if your looking at doing something similar...

Sooo, after buying two different tank kits and some extensive cutting, filing and plasticard-ing, heres what I came up with:

Praetorian Pattern Chimera








I've got to be honest, I'm pretty damned pleased with it - it certainly looks more bulky and 'tank-like' than the normal Chimera model. It also gives the impression of more space for the passengers, which is no bad thing...

Let me know what you think!

Tuesday 4 May 2010

New Black Library Covers

Well, I just got this in my twitter feed; some upcoming Black Library book covers. Allow me to show you one of them...


Oh my, oh my, oh my, OH MY!

How frigging awesome is that picture! Not only is it a Dark Angel, its also superb. I haven't the words to say how much I love it, I just had to share it.

Anyway, excuse me while I dig up some Dark Angels to paint.

Oh, there was also some other cover with the Raven Guard. Whoever they are...

Monday 3 May 2010

Farewell to the Cosmic Serpent - Battle Report

''Stand To!''

Welcome one and all to a rather special battle report here on the Astronomican. Not only do we have a guest opponent, in the from of Zzzzzz from the blog Devos IV (go on, have a look), but also we also see the departure of my Saim-Hann army. Zzzzzz had travel through dark and blighted lands (read as Southern England) to pick up his new army and we though it would be only natural to have a small game to celebrate.

We also decided to play in a much more narrative way than I normally do. I've spent the last couple of years playing really competitive games, and only occasionally thinking up fun scenarios and just making stuff up on the spot. I want to thank Zzzzzz for making me doing it again, it was a load of fun (we both ended up making silly sound effects at all the right moments!). To that end, what follows is not a 'serious' battle report, but a roughly narrative account of what happened to the Praetorian 5th during their brief posting to Devos XIII...

The Battle of Silo XI


Dawn was just breaking when the close range auspex scanners of A Company (5th Praetorian Regiment of Foot) went dead. The order 'stand to' was given immediately, the garrison was ordered to take no chances with its precious charge - an ancient and rare planetary defence silo.

Suddenly out of the darkness two red shapes advanced at alarming speed. The Praetorians checked their lasguns and readied themselves. The xenos pirates had returned...


Despite their incredible speed one of the heretical craft was brought down by the steady aim of Medusa 323 (11th Siege Artillery). Pouring smoke the skimmer bailed onto the deck. However, to the dismay of the defenders, most of its passengers seemed to survive, the lithe blue-armoured shapes taking cover behind their craft.


As soon as the smoke began to clear, a second wave of xenos vehicle arrived, this time the sleek forms of multiple jetbikes and Vypers. Meanwhile the remaining tank from the first wave continued to flank the Imperial line.


However it was not all bad news, as Sir Xavier Marbo (Praetoria's stealthiest noble - previously a Hive Spyrer) revealed himself in the midst of the Eldar host. He desperately tried to buy some time for the defenders with a well placed demolition charge, but ultimately the speed of the aliens saved them, as they rose above the explosion.

Marbo belatedly reconsiders his heroism...

To make matters worse, Imperial fire from the defences was dismal. Despite overwhelming fire-power, both Infantry and Tank gunners were unable to touch the 'Falcon' pattern craft. On his position on the front line, Lieutenant Caine ordered his men to fix bayonets.

With a hail of Shuriken discs, the Wild Riders launched their first assault. Marbo was badly wounded by a torrent of fire from the warriors later identified as 'Dire Avengers', but managed to survive in his hastily built fox-hole.

All across the Ageis Defences brave guardsmen began to fall. 1st and 2nd squads were badly hit, and even the carapace armour of the Spireborn veteran squad could not stand the punishment, with several of the noblemen meeting their end in the dirt. Even Commissar Thorn almost fell, his mind probed by the sorcery of Eldar witch. Thankfully his faith in the Golden Throne saw him through.

This firefight was followed up by 3 of the Jetbikers assaulting the lines. Their brutal charge claimed two more brave lives for no loss. However, more shocking events were taking place further down the line.


In a totally incomprehensible move (at least from an Imperial mindset!) the Eldar 'Falcon' gunned its engines and drove itself directly at the Leman Russ holding the left flank. After a hurried order to brace, the crew felt the full impact of a surprisingly sturdy grav tank moving at insane speeds...and survived. Proving the superiority of Mechanicus designs, the Falcon slammed into the front of the battletank and proceeded to 'skim' of its hull, coming to a halt behind it. Indeed the true surprise was that Flacon suffered no fate worse than scratched paint.

Regardless of the tactical sense of the move, the line had been breached.


The Imperial response to the assault was swift and brutal. Back on the line, the brave men of 1st and 2nd Squads, backed up by Lieutenant Caine and Commissar Thorn, cut down the three jetbikers who had logded themselves in the Imperial bunker. With the rest of the Aliens out of reach, cowering behind cover, Commissar Thorn led the assault. He had decided if the enemy would not come to them, then the regiment would have to dig them out. The Spireborn and Officers would hold the line (and the cover).


Charge lads!


Ultimately though, as brave as the charge was, Commissar Thorn was not to wittiness its end. With Shuriken to the left of them, Shuriken to the right of them, Skuriken to the front of them, the vast majoity of 1st Platoon was cut down. Commissar Thorn suffered an ignoble death when his Plasma Pistol blew up in his hand, resulting in massive burn trauma. The few survivors went to ground, stuck between the enemy and their own fortifications.


An overview of the battle

Over on the left flank both the Medusa and Leman Russ tired to finish their work with the Flacon, but yet again the Skimmer prevailed. The surviving crew were to receive numerous 'motivation details'. This would not include the crew of the Leman Russ, who promptly discovered why the Eldar Aspect known as 'Fire Dragons' were to be so feared.

They might have orange jumpsuits, but they still pack a punch!

After suffering such losses, the Officers once again rallied their men and began a renewed counter-attack. The Jetbikers had tasted victory and had rushed toward the silo - finally leaving them in the open. After negligible fire from what remained of the infantry, the Spireborn jumped the line and charged into the squad containing the Eldar Witch, whilst Marbo finally recovered his wits and charged the remaining jetbike squad. Following this example (and with Lieutenant Caine ordering them back into the fight), the survivors of 1st squad bravely charged the Dire Avengers.




The results of this charge were swift and brutal. Marbo, true to his reputation, was able to bring down all three of this opponents, and turned to advance on the alien Psykers. They were entangled with the Spireborn squad who had, despite some losses, killed all of the Wildrider escort.


This level of carnage seemed too much for the cowardly xenos. Despite being so very close to their supposed objective (only the men of 4th Squad stood in their way) they abandoned the assault on the Silo as swiftly as it had begun. Despite the cost paid by the men of A company, they had gained much glory for themselves, the Regiment and the Emperor.

A thorough review of the silo's defences were carried out after the battle, and significant improvements were enacted.

4th Squad push the Xenos off the Silo, securing the area for the Imperial Forces.

Awards and Dispatches

Lieutenant Caine - Honorifica Imperialis
Commissar Thorn - Medallion Crimson (Posthumously awarded)
Sergeant Williams (1st Squad) - Medallion Crimson (Posthumously awarded)
1st & 2nd Squads - Mentioned in Dispatches

An extract from the Military History of the 5th Regiment of Praetorian Foot

+++++++++


So there you have it, a narrative game and a narrative battle report. If you enjoyed that I suggest you check out this post on Zzzzzz's blog to see why the Elday didn't loose after all, pesky pointy ears! Here's hoping I see my old Eldar on his site some time soon, and get another chance to play a great game with him!

Meanwhile, I'll working on the new army that I have been able to buy due to the sale of the Eldar; more on that soon! I'll also be trying to design a new banner, without the Cosmic Serpent of the Saim Hann. Any input/banners would be graciously accepted!

Thanks for reading guys!

Friday 30 April 2010

Fortress of Redemption: Finished!

Hello guys, I pleased to say I've finally finished the awesome Fortress of Redemption kit. Well, mostly. As the alert amongst you will notice, the lascannon battery is absent. Unfortunately my desire to see the fortress put in my local GW's cabinet saw me cutting some corners! Still, here she is:





Sorry for the flash on some of the photos, kinda wiped out some of the detail. Still I'm really pleased with how its turned out. It takes an awful lot of effort to get a model of this scale done, I think I've put in about 15/20hrs into this thing. I've not tried to do much special, otherwise I would have been painting forever!


The Missile Silo is a great piece of detail, and the cover has either the Dark Angels logo or an Aquila on the reverse. Mine is more bleached bone that white, but again the flash has done is mischief!


I painted the rockets in a straightforward way, but hopefully they look nice and effective! Below are some details of the tower and door and such.



The tower Angels were really simply done. Dheneb Stone base coat, followed by a heavy Bleached Bone drybrush. Next I added a ton of Gryphonne Sepia wash, and finally another Bleached Bone drybrush. Job done!


The bastions have got some great detail on them, and are really fun to paint. The statue insets are taller than a marine!


Finally a picture of some heroic marines manning the defences. This is what its all about, some great models on lovely terrain. Makes all the effort worthwhile!


So guys, please let me know what you think! Any comments and criticisms are welcome...

Tuesday 20 April 2010

14,000pt Apocalypse Game


Hey guys and girls. Last week 5 mates and I spent a day playing a rather large apocalypse game. Although I tried to keep a track on what was going on, the pressing need to focus on what 28,000pts of models were up too kept me occupied! So below you can see some snaps from the event along with a few recollections of what might have been going on at the time. Enjoy!

Terrain set up - I find that 12'x4' can accommodate this size game quite well. Just be sure to 'clump' terrain and leave open areas

My contribution to the good side - 7000pts, exactly half the combined army.

The forces played out as follows:

Good
Imperial Guard, Imperial Navy, Inq, Dark Angels
Black Templars
Eldar

Bad
Chaos (including Iron Warriors, Tratior Guard, a Warhound and two Superheavies)
Eldar

Inital deployment saw the Chaos bidding low and deploying in force and the Imperials grouping into what cover they could find.

Chaos Warhound = Awesome

Turn 1 - The Choas forces pull out a careful planning asset and swarm the field with their forces, vastly outnumbering the Imperials.


Iron Warriors defend the Slaaneshi doomsday device, otherwise known as the 'Doom Nipple'

Chaos Turn 2 - The remainder of the Heretical forces (along with Eldar allies) arrive, continuing the punish the Imperial forces mercilessly. The good side hadn't even received any reserves at this point!

A Warp Rift spews forth Daemon Filth - much to the delight of the Daemonhost hiding to the right of the picture (it managed to make itself T9 and S8. Yes please!)

Imperial Reinforcements arrive to redress the balance. They have an uphill struggle.


The might of the Imperial Navy makes itself felt - killing 45 Khorne Berserkers with its bombs alone.

Templar bikers launch a suicidal charge into traitor Terminators holding an objective - straight into the face of the Chaos guns...

A quiet corner of the field is set upon by a Dark Angel Redemption force hunting one of the Fallen

Turn 3 - Imperial Guardsmen arrive to bolster the rapid moving Astartes, their guns thinning down a Berserker charge led by no less than Abaddon and Khan.


Its raining men around the Doom Nipple (or, Black Templars assault the Doomsday device)



Sly Marbo makes himself known, hurling explosives into the now stalled Berserker charge
(Pictures of my painted Marbo soon!)

The end of turn 4 and, despite a early hammering, the fast moving Imperial forces have managed to secure 4 objectives to the 1 held by the Traitors. A glorious victory for the Emperor!

The charge that never was. Khan, so close to the softy chewy centre of the Imperial Army is forced to turn back. How odd that Khan suffered a similar fate at the end of a previous Apocalypse game!

Hope you enjoyed the pictures!

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